How to make Puerto Rican Pork Shoulder [Adobo Pernil]

Roasted Puerto Rican Pork Shoulder [ AKA Adobo Pernil] offers a symphony of flavors—succulent pork infused with aromatic spices, tangy citrus notes, and a hint of smokiness, creating a harmonious blend of savory, zesty, and comforting tastes.

Looking for a show-stopping dish? My neighbor shared his recipe with me a few years ago and it’s been an absolute game-changer.

This roasted adobo pernil will take your taste buds on a culinary journey. With its tender, juicy meat and bold flavors, it’s a crowd-pleaser. We serve this for Sunday supper quite often and the flavors never disappoint.

Ingredients for Puerto Rican Pork Shoulder – Adobo Pernil

Made with succulent pork, aromatic spices, and a touch of citrus, Adobo Pernil boasts a tantalizing blend of flavors. A whole pork shoulder is marinated in a citrus-mojo-chimichurri sauce and then roasted in the oven.

1. Pork Shoulder: The main ingredient, pork shoulder, is rich in fat and marbling, which contributes to the juiciness and tenderness of the meat when roasted.
2. White Vinegar: White vinegar acts as a tenderizing agent. It helps break down the muscle fibers in the pork shoulder, resulting in more tender and succulent meat.
3. Garlic Cloves: Garlic adds a strong and aromatic flavor to the pernil. It infuses the pork with a savory taste and complements the other spices in the recipe.
4. Adobo Seasoning: Adobo seasoning is a blend of spices commonly used in Latin American cuisine. It typically includes ingredients like salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and other herbs and spices. Adobo seasoning adds a well-rounded flavor profile to the pernil, enhancing its taste and providing a mild kick.
5. Fresh Oregano: Oregano is a fragrant herb that adds a distinct earthy flavor to the pernil. It complements the other spices and helps create a harmonious taste.
6. Fresh Thyme: Thyme is a herb with a subtle yet distinctive flavor. It adds depth to the overall taste of the pernil and pairs well with the other herbs and spices in the recipe.
7. Salt and Pepper: Salt is essential for seasoning the pork shoulder, enhancing its natural flavors. Pepper adds a touch of heat and complements the other spices in the dish.
8. Ground Coriander: Ground coriander adds a citrusy and slightly floral note to the pernil. It enhances the overall flavor profile and complements the citrus juices used in the recipe.
9. Mojo Marinade: Mojo dressing is characterized by its vibrant citrus flavor. It commonly includes a combination of fresh lime juice, lemon juice, and sometimes orange juice. The citrus juices provide a tangy and refreshing taste to the dressing, balancing the richness of other ingredients.
10. Olive Oil: Olive oil is used to coat the pork shoulder before roasting. It helps retain moisture, promotes browning, and adds a rich flavor to the pernil.

How to Make Puerto Rican Pork Shoulder – Adobo Pernil

Overall, each ingredient in the roasted pernil recipe contributes to the complex and delicious flavors of the dish, creating a memorable culinary experience.

The combination of citrus juices, garlic, herbs, and oil in mojo dressing creates a harmonious blend of flavors. The tangy and bright citrus notes are balanced by the pungency of garlic, while the herbs add a layer of freshness.

• Dry pork and score skin with a knife. With a sharp knife, score the skin about one inch deep all around the pork to allow the marinade to get into the meat. This also quickens the cooking time.
• In a food processor [paid link] prepare the garlic-herb marinade.
• Pour marinade over the meat and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to 24 hours in the refrigerator.
• Preheat oven to 300 degrees F and cook for 5 to 6 hours, loosely covered with aluminum foil.
• Increase the oven temperature to 375 degrees F and cook for another 30 minutes (uncovered this time) to crisp up the skin (cuero).
• Remove the pork from the oven and allow to rest for 15 minutes before shredding.

Why this Recipe Works

1. Flavorful marinade: The success of this recipe lies in the flavorful marinade that infuses the pernil with a delicious blend of spices, herbs, and citrus. The marinade helps to tenderize the meat and adds depth of flavor.
2. Slow roasting method: Slow roasting the Puerto Rican Pork Shoulder at a low temperature ensures that the meat cooks evenly and becomes incredibly tender. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to develop and intensify, resulting in a succulent and juicy final dish.
3. Versatile and crowd-pleasing: Roasted pernil is a versatile dish that appeals to a wide range of tastes. The combination of savory pork, aromatic spices, and tangy citrus notes creates a flavor profile that is both comforting and vibrant, making it a crowd-pleaser for various occasions.

Recipe Tips and Kitchen Tricks:

1. Marinate the pernil overnight to infuse maximum flavor.
2. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the pernil is cooked to the desired temperature.
3. Let the pernil rest for a few minutes before carving to retain its juices.
4. Baste the pernil with the pan juices during roasting for extra moisture.
5. Serve the pernil with fresh salsa or chimichurri for added freshness.
6. Pair the pernil with roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
7. Leftover pernil can be used in sandwiches or tacos for delicious next-day meals.

Recipe Variations:

• Spicy Puerto Rican Pork Shoulder: Add chili powder or hot sauce for a kick of heat.
• Herb-Roasted Puerto Rican Pork Shoulder: Season with a mix of fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, and oregano.
• Asian-Influenced Roasted Pernil: Infuse flavors like ginger, soy sauce, and sesame oil into the marinade.

Serving Suggestions

1. Serve the roasted pernil with a side of fluffy rice and black beans.
2. Pair it with a fresh green salad and a tangy vinaigrette for a lighter option.
3. Make delicious pernil sandwiches with crusty bread and your favorite toppings.
4. Serve it alongside sweet plantains for a delightful balance of flavors.
5. Enjoy the roasted pernil as the centerpiece of a festive taco bar, with various toppings and salsas.

Storing, freezing, and reheating instructions

Storing Instructions: After the roasted pernil has cooled, transfer it to an airtight container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing Instructions: If you want to freeze the roasted pernil, wrap it securely in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.

Reheating Instructions: To reheat the Puerto Rican Pork Shoulder, preheat your oven to a low temperature (around 275°F or 135°C). Remove the pernil from the refrigerator or freezer and let it come to room temperature. Place it on a baking sheet or in a baking dish, cover it loosely with foil, and warm it in the oven for about 20-30 minutes or until heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat individual portions in the microwave on a microwave-safe plate, using short bursts of heating and checking frequently to avoid overcooking.

NOTE: Remember to always ensure the pernil is heated to the desired temperature before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Q: How long does it take to roast Puerto Rican Pork Shoulder? A: It depends on the size of the pernil, but generally, it takes about 5-6 hours at a low temperature for tender, juicy results.
2. Q: Can I use a different meat for this recipe? A: While pernil traditionally refers to pork shoulder, you can try using other cuts like pork loin or leg with adjustments in cooking time.
3. Q: Can I make this recipe in advance? A: Absolutely! You can marinate the pernil overnight and roast it for a few hours before serving. Just reheat

Wine & Cocktail Pairings

Wine Pairings:

1. Red Wine: A medium-bodied red wine like a Merlot or Malbec pairs well with roasted pernil. The fruity notes and smooth tannins complement the flavors of the dish.
2. White Wine: For white wine lovers, a Chardonnay or Viognier can be a great match. Look for ones with a slightly oaked character to enhance the richness of the pernil.
3. Rosé Wine: A dry rosé with its refreshing acidity and fruit-forward profile can provide a delightful contrast to the savory flavors of roasted pernil. Try a Provence rosé for a classic pairing.

Cocktail Pairings:

1. Mojito: The bright and zesty flavors of a classic Mojito make it a fantastic cocktail pairing for roasted pernil. The mint, lime, and rum combination adds a refreshing touch to the meal.
2. Old Fashioned: The timeless Old Fashioned, with its blend of whiskey, bitters, and a hint of sweetness, complements the richness and depth of flavors in roasted pernil.
3. Paloma: The vibrant and citrusy Paloma cocktail, made with tequila and grapefruit soda, provides a lively and tangy contrast to the savory notes of the dish. Garnish with a lime wedge for an extra zing.