Puerto Rican-Style Roast Pork

🕒 Prep: 20 min
🔥 Cook: 4 hours
🍽 Serves: 8
★★★★★
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This Puerto Rican-Style Roast Pork, also known as "Pernil," is a succulent and flavorful dish that's perfect for family gatherings or special occasions. With its blend of citrus and spices, this roast pork is a celebration of Puerto Rican culinary tradition.

Ingredients for Puerto Rican-Style Roast Pork

The star of this dish is the pork shoulder, known for its rich flavor and tender texture when slow-roasted. The garlic adds a pungent and savory depth, while olive oil helps the spices adhere and promotes a beautiful browning. Salt and black pepper enhance the natural flavors of the meat. Oregano and cumin provide earthy and aromatic notes that are essential to the dish's authentic taste. The white vinegar, lime juice, and orange juice in the marinade bring a bright, tangy contrast to the rich pork, helping to tenderize the meat and infusing it with a vibrant flavor.

Tips & Tricks

  • For even more flavor, marinate the pork overnight in the refrigerator.
  • Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches at least 145°F.
  • If the top is browning too quickly, loosely cover it with foil to prevent burning.

Serving Suggestions

This roast pork pairs beautifully with traditional sides like arroz con gandules (rice with pigeon peas) or tostones (crispy fried plantains). Alternatively, serve it with a fresh salad and crusty bread to soak up the delicious juices.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different cut of pork?
Yes, a pork butt or Boston butt will work similarly, though you may need to adjust cooking times.
How can I store leftovers?
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

Puerto Rican-Style Roast Pork Recipe Walkthrough

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F, ensuring it's at the right temperature by the time your pork is ready to roast. In a small bowl, mix together your minced garlic, olive oil, salt, black pepper, oregano, and cumin. This should form a thick, aromatic paste. Rub this paste all over your pork shoulder, making sure to cover every nook and cranny for maximum flavor penetration.

Place the seasoned pork shoulder in a roasting pan. Pour the white vinegar, lime juice, and orange juice over the meat, allowing the juices to pool at the bottom of the pan. Cover the pan tightly with aluminum foil to trap the steam and flavors, then slide it into your preheated oven.

Let the pork roast in the oven for about 4 hours. This slow-roasting process helps break down the meat, making it tender and juicy. For the last 30 minutes, remove the foil to let the pork brown and develop a delightful crust. Once done, take it out of the oven and let it rest for 15 minutes before slicing. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring every slice is moist and flavorful.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Delivers a perfect balance of juicy, tender meat with a crispy, flavorful crust.
  • The marinade combines citrus and spices that create an irresistible aroma.
  • Simple to prepare with ingredients you likely already have at home.
  • Perfect for making ahead and ideal for feeding a crowd.

Ingredients

4 lbs pork shoulder
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp salt
1 tbsp black pepper
1 tbsp oregano
1/2 tsp cumin
1/4 cup white vinegar
1/2 cup fresh lime juice
1/2 cup fresh orange juice

Step-by-step Instructions

1: Preheat the oven to 350°F.
2: In a small bowl, mix garlic, olive oil, salt, black pepper, oregano, and cumin to form a paste.
3: Rub the spice paste generously over the pork shoulder.
4: Place the pork in a roasting pan and pour vinegar, lime juice, and orange juice over it.
5: Cover the pan with aluminum foil and roast in the oven for 4 hours.
6: Remove foil for the last 30 minutes to allow the pork to brown.
7: Remove from oven and let the pork rest for 15 minutes before slicing.

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