Cooking Instructions

Follow these steps for perfect results

Ingredients

0/7 checked
8
servings
12 unit

garlic cloves

peeled

1.5 tbsp

kosher salt

1 tbsp

black peppercorns

2 tbsp

dried oregano

2 tbsp

olive oil

2 tbsp

white wine vinegar

8.5 lbs

pork shoulder

skin on bone in

Step 1
~18 min

Pound garlic and salt to form a paste using a mortar and pestle.

Step 2
~18 min

Add pepper and oregano to the paste and pound to incorporate.

Step 3
~18 min

Stir in olive oil and vinegar to create the wet adobo.

Step 4
~18 min

Make several slits in the pork shoulder skin side up, about 1 1/2 inches long and as deep as possible.

Step 5
~18 min

Spoon some wet adobo into the slits.

Step 6
~18 min

Turn the roast and repeat on the other sides.

Step 7
~18 min

Rub the adobo all over the pork shoulder.

Step 8
~18 min

Refrigerate, covered, for at least one day, up to 3 days, turning once a day.

Step 9
~18 min

Preheat oven to 450 degrees F.

Step 10
~18 min

Roast, skin side up, on a rack in a roasting pan for 1 hour.

Key Technique: Roasting
Step 11
~18 min

Reduce heat to 400 degrees F and roast until the skin is deep golden and crackly, and the internal temperature reaches 160 degrees F, about 3 hours.

Step 12
~18 min

Let rest for at least 15 minutes before carving.

Step 13
~18 min

Remove the crispy skin and cut into smaller pieces using kitchen shears.

Step 14
~18 min

Carve the meat, parallel to the bone, all the way through to the bone.

Pro Tips & Suggestions

Expert advice for the best results

Score the skin of the pork shoulder deeply to maximize crackling.

Allow ample time for marinating to ensure deep flavor penetration.

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

Cooking Experience

Everything you need to know before you start

Time & Preparation

Cleanup Time

20 minutes

Batch Cooking
Friendly
Make Ahead

The wet adobo can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The pork shoulder can be marinated for up to 3 days.

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

Rice and beans
Tostones
Avocado salad

Drink Pairings

Cultural Heritage

Discover the story behind this recipe

Origin & Tradition

Region of Origin

Puerto Rico

Cultural Significance

Lechón asado is a traditional dish often served at celebrations and holidays in Puerto Rico.

Style

Occasions & Celebrations

Festive Uses

Christmas
Thanksgiving
Parties

Occasion Tags

Holiday
Party
Celebration

Popularity Score

75/100

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