Puerto Rican Adobo Roasted Pork Shoulder

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

Slow-roasted pork shoulder marinated in a vibrant blend of garlic, oregano, and citrus for tender, flavorful meat with a crispy crust. This caribbean-inspired pork ready in about 255 minutes pairs pork shoulder, garlic cloves, minced, dried oregano for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 520 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: 15 min Cook: 240 min Serves 8 Caribbean cuisine 520 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 6 minced garlic cloves, 2 tbsp dried oregano, 1 tbsp ground black pepper, 2 tbsp salt, 3 tbsp olive oil, 1/4 cup fresh lime juice, and 1/4 cup orange juice to create the adobo marinade.
  2. Step 2: Score the surface of 4 lbs pork shoulder with shallow cuts and rub the marinade all over the meat, ensuring it seeps into the cuts. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight for best flavor.
  3. Step 3: Preheat the oven to 325°F. Place the marinated pork shoulder in a roasting pan and add 1/2 cup water to the bottom of the pan to keep the meat moist.
  4. Step 4: Roast the pork uncovered for about 3.5 to 4 hours, basting every hour with pan juices, until the meat is tender and the exterior is crispy and browned.
  5. Step 5: Remove the pork from the oven and let it rest for 15 minutes before slicing to retain its juices.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Puerto Rican Adobo Roasted Pork Shoulder take to make?

Total time is about 255 minutes (15 min prep + 240 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 Puerto Rican Adobo 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 Puerto Rican Adobo 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 Puerto Rican Adobo 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 Puerto Rican Adobo Roasted Pork Shoulder?

Caribbean 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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