Cooking Instructions

Follow these steps for perfect results

Ingredients

0/8 checked
8
servings
1 cup

sofrito

store bought or homemade

0.5 cup

white vinegar

5 tbsp

adobo seasoning

Goya brand

5 tbsp

garlic powder

2 unit

sazon con achote

packages

1 unit

pork shoulder

penir

20 clove

garlic

1 unit

oven bag

large

Step 1
~16 min

Clean the pork shoulder (pernil) thoroughly, removing excess blood and rinsing the skin.

Step 2
~16 min

Trim as much excess fat as possible from the pork shoulder.

Step 3
~16 min

Using a knife, stab 1-inch deep holes all over the pork shoulder.

Step 4
~16 min

Set the pork shoulder aside.

Step 5
~16 min

In a bowl, combine the sofrito, white vinegar, adobo seasoning, garlic powder, and sazon seasoning.

Step 6
~16 min

Thoroughly rub the marinade all over the pork shoulder, ensuring it fills the holes.

Step 7
~16 min

Evenly season the entire pork shoulder with the marinade.

Step 8
~16 min

Fill each hole with a clove of garlic.

Step 9
~16 min

Marinate the pork shoulder overnight in the refrigerator.

Step 10
~16 min

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

Step 11
~16 min

Follow the oven bag instructions and place the marinated pork shoulder inside the oven bag.

Step 12
~16 min

Pour any remaining marinade that has dripped from the pork shoulder into the oven bag.

Step 13
~16 min

Cook for at least 4 hours, or until the pork is tender.

Step 14
~16 min

Once the pork is nearly cooked, open the top of the oven bag to expose the skin.

Step 15
~16 min

Continue cooking until the skin is crispy and golden brown. Alternatively, you can remove the skin and fry it for faster results.

Step 16
~16 min

Remove from oven and let rest before serving.

Pro Tips & Suggestions

Expert advice for the best results

For extra crispy skin, score the skin before marinating.

Use a meat thermometer to ensure the pork reaches an internal temperature of 190-200°F.

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 arroz con gandules (rice with pigeon peas)

Serve with tostones (fried plantains)

Serve with a side salad

Perfect Pairings

Food Pairings

Arroz con gandules
Tostones
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 at Christmas and other special occasions.

Style

Occasions & Celebrations

Festive Uses

Christmas
Thanksgiving
Family Gatherings

Occasion Tags

Holiday
Christmas
Party
Family Dinner

Popularity Score

75/100

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