DinnerPuerto RicanMedium

Authentic Puerto Rican Pernil – Garlic Roast Pork with Crispy Skin

This Puerto Rican Pernil features tender garlic-infused roast pork with a crispy skin, perfect for a hearty dinner. Prepare in 20 min, cook for 4 hours.

This Pernil features a savory garlic marinade and a crisp skin, making it a standout dish. The slow roasting ensures juicy, tender meat.

Why This Recipe Works

Flavor Infusion: The garlic and citrus marinade penetrates the pork, enhancing its flavor.
Crispy Skin: Scoring the skin allows for better crisping during the roasting process.
Tender Meat: Slow roasting breaks down the connective tissues, resulting in tender and juicy pork.

Chef's Pro Tip: For an even crispier skin, increase the oven temperature to 425°F (220°C) for the last 15 minutes of cooking.

Pinar - MsPinaQ

2026-09-13

Recipe by MsPinaQ

0(0 reviews)

Prep Time

20 min

Cook Time

240 min

Total Time

260 min

Servings

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Cups → Grams Oven °C / °F Servings

Directions

1
Preheat the oven to 300°F (150°C). This low temperature will help tenderize the pork.
2
In a blender, combine garlic, olive oil, salt, black pepper, oregano, cumin, orange juice, lime juice, and vinegar to make a marinade.
3
Score the pork shoulder skin in a crisscross pattern to enhance crispiness and allow the marinade to penetrate.
4
Rub the marinade generously all over the pork, making sure to get into the scored skin. Let it marinate for at least 2 hours.
5
Place the marinated pork in a roasting pan and cover it with foil. Roast in the preheated oven for 4 hours.
6
Remove the foil for the last 30 minutes to allow the skin to crisp up. Keep an eye on it to avoid burning.
7
Once done, let the pork rest for at least 15 minutes before slicing to retain the juices.