Cooking Instructions

Follow these steps for perfect results

Ingredients

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8
servings
9 unit

garlic

crushed

1.5 tbsp

olive oil

1.5 tsp

salt

1 tsp

oregano

0.5 tsp

ground black pepper

7 unit

pork shoulder

skin-on, bone-in

1.5 l

red table wine

Step 1
~17 min

Crush the garlic cloves into small pieces using a mortar and pestle.

Step 2
~17 min

Add olive oil, salt, oregano, and black pepper to the crushed garlic.

Step 3
~17 min

Mash the mixture into a paste.

Step 4
~17 min

Make 12 deep incisions a few inches apart in the pork shoulder roast using a sharp knife.

Step 5
~17 min

Pack the seasoned garlic paste evenly into the incisions and over the entire roast.

Step 6
~17 min

Transfer the roast to a large bowl.

Step 7
~17 min

Pour red wine over the roast, ensuring it is completely covered.

Step 8
~17 min

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap.

Step 9
~17 min

Marinate the roast in the refrigerator for 24 hours.

Step 10
~17 min

Pour out the red wine marinade.

Step 11
~17 min

Place the roast fat-side up in a roasting pan.

Key Technique: Roasting
Step 12
~17 min

Cover the roasting pan with aluminum foil.

Key Technique: Roasting
Step 13
~17 min

Let the roast sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes.

Step 14
~17 min

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).

Step 15
~17 min

Place the roast in the preheated oven and immediately reduce the temperature to 300 degrees F (150 degrees C).

Step 16
~17 min

Bake for approximately 4 hours, or until the center is slightly pink.

Step 17
~17 min

Increase the oven temperature to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).

Step 18
~17 min

Uncover the roast and continue baking for about 1 hour, until the fat is crispy and an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center reads 160 degrees F (71 degrees C).

Step 19
~17 min

Remove the roast from the oven.

Step 20
~17 min

Let the roast rest for 20 to 30 minutes before carving.

Pro Tips & Suggestions

Expert advice for the best results

For extra crispy skin, score the skin deeply before marinating.

Use a meat thermometer to ensure the pork is cooked to a safe internal temperature.

Let the pork rest for at least 20 minutes before carving to allow the juices to redistribute.

Cooking Experience

Everything you need to know before you start

Time & Preparation

Cleanup Time

20 minutes

Batch Cooking
Friendly
Make Ahead

Can be marinated up to 2 days in advance.

Freezable
Kid Friendly

Cooking Environment

Messiness Level
Medium
Smell Intensity
Strong
Noise Level
Low
Elder Friendly
Suitable for seniors

Plating & Presentation

Serving Suggestions

Serve with rice and beans.

Serve with plantains.

Serve with a side salad.

Perfect Pairings

Food Pairings

Arroz con Gandules (Rice with Pigeon Peas)
Tostones (Fried Plantains)
Ensalada de Aguacate (Avocado Salad)

Drink Pairings

Cultural Heritage

Discover the story behind this recipe

Origin & Tradition

Region of Origin

Puerto Rico

Cultural Significance

Pernil is a traditional dish served during holidays and celebrations.

Style

Occasions & Celebrations

Festive Uses

Christmas
Thanksgiving
New Year's Eve

Occasion Tags

Holiday
Celebration
Party

Popularity Score

75/100

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