Puerto Rican Pernil-Style Slow Roasted Pork Shoulder

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

Tender and flavorful slow-roasted pork shoulder marinated with garlic, oregano, and citrus, inspired by the classic Puerto Rican pernil. This puerto rican-inspired pork ready in about 260 minutes pairs pork shoulder (bone-in), garlic cloves, minced, fresh oregano, chopped 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.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 240 min Serves 8 Puerto Rican cuisine 550 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a bowl, combine 8 minced garlic cloves, 2 tbsp chopped fresh oregano, 1/4 cup olive oil, 1/2 cup orange juice, 1/4 cup lime juice, 2 tbsp salt, 1 tbsp black pepper, and 1 tbsp ground cumin to make a marinade.
  2. Step 2: Score the fat side of the 4 lb pork shoulder in a diamond pattern, then rub the marinade all over the pork, making sure to get it into the cuts.
  3. Step 3: Cover and refrigerate the pork shoulder for at least 12 hours or overnight to marinate.
  4. Step 4: Preheat the oven to 325°F. Place the pork shoulder on a roasting rack in a roasting pan fat side up.
  5. Step 5: Roast uncovered for about 4 hours, basting with pan juices every hour, until the internal temperature reaches 190°F and the fat is crispy and browned.
  6. Step 6: Remove from oven and let rest for 20 minutes before slicing thinly to serve with rice and beans or your favorite sides.

Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 260 minutes (20 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 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 (bone-in) from drying out.

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

Puerto Rican 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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