How To Make Pernil - Puerto Rican Roast Pork

olive oil

🥗Healthier: avocado oil

💰Cheaper: canola oil

Avocado oil offers a healthy fat profile while canola oil is more budget-friendly.

lime juice

🥗Healthier: lemon juice

💰Cheaper: white vinegar

Lemon juice provides a similar acidity, while white vinegar is a cost-effective substitute.

bay leaves

💰Cheaper: dried thyme

Dried thyme can add a similar herbal note.

pork shoulder

💰Cheaper: pork butt

Pork butt is often cheaper and works well for this dish.

Preheat the oven to a high temperature to sear the pork.

Rub garlic all over the pork butt.

Sprinkle oregano generously over the pork.

Add salt (approximately 2 tablespoons) to the pork.

Add pepper to the pork.

Pour distilled vinegar over the pork.

Drizzle olive oil on the pork.

Massage the marinade into the pork, ensuring it gets into all crevices.

Optionally, pierce the pork with cloves of garlic for added flavor.

Place the marinated pork in a Ziploc bag and seal it to marinate overnight, or let it sit for a few hours if short on time.

Transfer the marinated pork to a roasting pan, pouring any remaining marinade over it.

Roast the pork in the oven at high temperature to sear the outside, then lower the temperature to cook it through for about 2 hours.

Check for doneness by piercing the pork with a fork to ensure tenderness.

Remove the pork from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.

Slice the pork and serve.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level: