Pernil-Style Slow Roasted Pork Shoulder with Garlic and Oregano

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

Succulent Puerto Rican-style pork shoulder marinated with garlic, oregano, and citrus, then slow roasted until tender with a crispy crust. This latin american-inspired pork ready in about 320 minutes pairs pork shoulder (bone-in), garlic cloves, dried oregano for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 550 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.

★ 4.2 (14 ratings) Prep: 20 min Cook: 300 min Serves 8 Latin American cuisine 550 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 8 minced garlic cloves, 2 tbsp dried oregano, 2 tbsp salt, 1 tbsp black pepper, 1/4 cup olive oil, 1/4 cup fresh orange juice, 1/4 cup fresh lime juice, 2 tbsp white vinegar, and 1/2 cup water to create a marinade.
  2. Step 2: Score the skin of the 4 lbs pork shoulder in a diamond pattern and rub the marinade all over the pork, making sure to get into the scored cuts. Cover and refrigerate for at least 12 hours or overnight.
  3. Step 3: Preheat oven to 325°F. Place marinated pork shoulder fat side up on a roasting pan.
  4. Step 4: Roast uncovered for 4-5 hours, basting every hour with pan juices, until the internal temperature reaches 190°F and the skin is crispy and golden.
  5. Step 5: Remove from oven and let rest for 15 minutes before slicing. Serve with the pan juices spooned over the meat.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pernil-Style Slow Roasted Pork Shoulder with Garlic and Oregano take to make?

Total time is about 320 minutes (20 min prep + 300 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 with Garlic and Oregano?

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 (bone-in) from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pernil-Style Slow Roasted Pork Shoulder with Garlic and Oregano?

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 with Garlic and Oregano 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 with Garlic and Oregano?

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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