Pernil with Orange and Cumin Glaze

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

A slow-roasted pork shoulder infused with orange zest and cumin, resulting in fall-off-the-bone tenderness with a sweet-spicy glaze. This Puerto Rican-inspired quick recipe, ready in about 220 minutes, pairs Pork shoulder, Orange zest, Ground cumin for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 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.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 200 min Serves 8 Puerto Rican cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 325°F. Pat 3 lbs pork shoulder dry and rub with 2 tbsp olive oil. Mix 2 tbsp orange zest, 1 1/2 tsp ground cumin, 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 1/2 tsp salt, and 1 tsp black pepper in a bowl. Rub the mixture evenly over the entire pork shoulder.
  2. Step 2: Place the pork shoulder in a roasting pan, fat-side up. Pour 1/2 cup orange juice around the meat. Cover loosely with foil and roast for 3 hours until internal temperature reaches 195°F.
  3. Step 3: Remove the foil and brush the pork with any accumulated juices. Increase oven temperature to 400°F and roast uncovered for 20 minutes until the surface is caramelized and slightly crisp. Let rest 15 minutes before slicing.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pernil with Orange and Cumin Glaze take to make?

Total time is about 220 minutes (20 min prep + 200 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 with Orange and Cumin Glaze?

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 with Orange and Cumin Glaze?

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 with Orange and Cumin Glaze 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 with Orange and Cumin Glaze?

Puerto Rican quick meals 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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