Cooking Instructions

Follow these steps for perfect results

Ingredients

0/9 checked
8
servings
10 unit

garlic cloves

1 tsp

black pepper

2 unit

scallions

chopped

2 tbsp

dried oregano

3 tbsp

white wine vinegar

4 tbsp

salt

1 unit

lime

juiced

0.25 cup

extra-virgin olive oil

6 unit

pork shoulder roast

skin on

Step 1
~14 min

Combine garlic cloves, black pepper, scallions, dried oregano, white wine vinegar, salt, lime juice, and extra-virgin olive oil in a mini food processor.

Step 2
~14 min

Process until smooth to create the marinade.

Step 3
~14 min

Cut 1-inch slits on the fat/skin side of the pork shoulder roast.

Step 4
~14 min

Place the roast in a roasting pan.

Key Technique: Roasting
Step 5
~14 min

Massage the roast with the prepared marinade, ensuring to push some into the slits.

Step 6
~14 min

Use all of the marinade on all sides of the roast.

Step 7
~14 min

Cover the roast tightly with foil.

Step 8
~14 min

Refrigerate for at least 6 hours, or preferably up to 24 hours for maximum flavor.

Step 9
~14 min

Remove the pork from the refrigerator about 30 minutes before roasting.

Key Technique: Roasting
Step 10
~14 min

Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C).

Step 11
~14 min

Add 1 cup of water to the roasting pan.

Key Technique: Roasting
Step 12
~14 min

Cover the roast again with foil.

Step 13
~14 min

Roast covered for 3 hours.

Step 14
~14 min

Uncover the roast and continue roasting for another 3 hours or until the meat is tender and juicy, and the skin is crisp.

Key Technique: Roasting
Step 15
~14 min

Ensure the internal temperature reaches at least 160°F (71°C).

Pro Tips & Suggestions

Expert advice for the best results

For extra crispy skin, broil for the last few minutes, watching carefully to avoid burning.

Marinating for a full 24 hours yields the best flavor.

Let the pork rest for at least 30 minutes before shredding or slicing.

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 24 hours 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 tostones (fried 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

A traditional holiday dish in Puerto Rico, often served during Christmas and other celebrations.

Style

Occasions & Celebrations

Festive Uses

Christmas
New Year's
Thanksgiving
Family Gatherings

Occasion Tags

holiday
christmas
party
family dinner

Popularity Score

78/100

More Puerto Rican Dinner Recipes

Discover more delicious Puerto Rican Dinner recipes to expand your culinary repertoire

Puerto Rican
Easy
A-

Arroz Con Gandules

4.1
(670 reviews)

A flavorful Puerto Rican dish of rice and pigeon peas cooked with sofrito and seasonings.

30 min
350 cal
Gluten-Free
80%
75
Puerto Rican
Hard
C+

Puerto Rican Roast Pork Shoulder

4.3
(1465 reviews)

A flavorful Puerto Rican roast pork shoulder with crispy skin and tender meat.

180 min
N/A cal
60%
75
Puerto Rican
Medium
A+

Pernil (Roast Pork)

4.2
(93 reviews)

A flavorful and traditional roast pork dish, perfect for special occasions.

300 min
600 cal
Gluten-Free
Dairy-Free
70%
75
Puerto Rican
Medium
A+

Arroz con Pollo (Puerto Rican Rice with Chicken)

4.3
(640 reviews)

A flavorful and comforting Puerto Rican dish featuring rice cooked with chicken, sofrito, and various seasonings.

60 min
450 cal
75%
70
Puerto Rican
Medium
A+

The Best Puerto Rican Pernil (Pork Shoulder)

4.3
(954 reviews)

A classic Puerto Rican slow-roasted pork shoulder with crispy skin and flavorful meat.

585 min
600 cal
Gluten-Free
Dairy-Free
70%
75
Puerto Rican
Medium
A-

Puerto Rican Style Pernil (Roast Pork)

4.3
(1742 reviews)

A flavorful and tender Puerto Rican roast pork shoulder, seasoned with garlic, oregano, sazon, and adobo.

300 min
600 cal
Gluten-Free
Dairy-Free
60%
75
Puerto Rican
Hard
C+

Pork Stuffed With Sweet Plantain, Served With Ajili-Mojili

4.3
(1138 reviews)

A savory and sweet pork roast stuffed with ripe plantain and served with a flavorful Ajili-Mojili sauce.

100 min
N/A cal
60%
75
Puerto Rican
Medium
A+

Mariscada En Recado (Shellfish Stew)

4.1
(1974 reviews)

A flavorful shellfish stew with a cilantro cooking base and coconut milk.

42 min
350 cal
Pescatarian
Gluten-Free
65%
75