Pernil-Style Slow Roasted Pork Shoulder

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Succulent pork shoulder marinated in garlic, oregano, and citrus, then slow roasted until tender with crispy edges. This latin american-inspired pork ready in about 290 minutes pairs pork shoulder, garlic cloves, dried oregano for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 8, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 4.4 (13 ratings) Prep: 20 min Cook: 270 min Serves 8 Latin American cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a small bowl, combine 8 minced garlic cloves, 2 tbsp dried oregano, 1 tbsp ground cumin, 2 tsp salt, 1 tsp black pepper, and 2 tbsp olive oil to form a paste.
  2. Step 2: Rub the garlic-oregano mixture all over the 4 lb bone-in pork shoulder, massaging it into the meat thoroughly. Place the pork in a large bowl and pour 1 cup fresh orange juice and 1/4 cup fresh lime juice over it. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or overnight.
  3. Step 3: Preheat oven to 300°F. Transfer the pork shoulder to a roasting pan, pour the marinade over it, and cover tightly with foil.
  4. Step 4: Roast the pork for 3.5 to 4 hours until the meat is very tender and easily shreds with a fork. Remove foil and increase oven temperature to 425°F. Roast uncovered for an additional 20-30 minutes to crisp the edges.
  5. Step 5: Let the pork rest for 15 minutes before shredding and serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pernil-Style Slow Roasted Pork Shoulder take to make?

Total time is about 290 minutes (20 min prep + 270 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Pernil-Style Slow Roasted Pork Shoulder?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep pork shoulder from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pernil-Style Slow Roasted Pork Shoulder?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Pernil-Style Slow Roasted Pork Shoulder for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 8 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 8). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Pernil-Style Slow Roasted Pork Shoulder?

Latin American pork like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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