Cooking Instructions

Follow these steps for perfect results

Ingredients

0/21 checked
8
servings
1 cup

distilled white vinegar

0.5 cup

distilled water

2 tbsp

olive oil

1 tbsp

fresh-squeezed lime juice

2 unit

habaneros

halved, seeds and stems removed

2 unit

jalapenos

halved lengthwise

2 unit

serrano peppers

halved lengthwise

0.25 cup

fresh pineapple

finely diced

5 clove

garlic

peeled and halved

0.25 tsp

black peppercorns

0.25 tsp

dried oregano

1 unit

bay leaf

0.5 tsp

kosher salt

8 clove

garlic

smashed

0.25 cup

fresh oregano leaves

1.5 tbsp

kosher salt

1 tbsp

freshly cracked pepper

3 tbsp

vegetable oil

4 tbsp

distilled white vinegar

divided use

5 unit

bone-in pork shoulder

preferable with fat left on

1 cup

water

Step 1
~85 min

Combine all ingredients for hot sauce in a large, 32-ounce Mason jar.

Step 2
~85 min

Seal tightly with lid and place in a cool, dark place to macerate for 2- to-3 days.

Step 3
~85 min

To make the rub, bash together garlic, oregano and salt using a mortar and pestle.

Step 4
~85 min

Add vegetable oil and 2 tablespoons vinegar and thoroughly combine.

Step 5
~85 min

Mark pork in a crosshatch pattern 1/4\" into the meat, using a sharp knife.

Step 6
~85 min

Rub all over with prepared paste.

Step 7
~85 min

Place meat on a large platter.

Step 8
~85 min

Cover and transfer to the refrigerator to marinate overnight.

Step 9
~85 min

Remove meat from the refrigerator and transfer to the bowl of a slow cooker, placing it fat-side up.

Step 10
~85 min

Add water and remaining 2 tablespoons vinegar.

Step 11
~85 min

Cover and cook on low for 18 hours, turning once.

Step 12
~85 min

When meat is nicely browned and fall-apart tender, transfer to a cutting board to rest for 20 minutes.

Step 13
~85 min

Cut or pull apart pork in hunks and serve immediately with prepared hot sauce.

Pro Tips & Suggestions

Expert advice for the best results

For a crispier skin, broil the pork shoulder for a few minutes after slow cooking.

Adjust the amount of peppers in the Pique Criollo to your desired spice level.

Marinate the pork shoulder for at least 12 hours for best results.

Cooking Experience

Everything you need to know before you start

Time & Preparation

Cleanup Time

20 minutes

Batch Cooking
Friendly
Make Ahead

The pork can be marinated up to 24 hours in advance.

Freezable
Kid Friendly

Cooking Environment

Messiness Level
Medium
Smell Intensity
High
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)

Drink Pairings

Cultural Heritage

Discover the story behind this recipe

Origin & Tradition

Region of Origin

Puerto Rico

Cultural Significance

Pernil is a traditional Puerto Rican dish often served during holidays and celebrations.

Style

Occasions & Celebrations

Festive Uses

Christmas
Thanksgiving
Family gatherings

Occasion Tags

Holiday
Family gathering
Party

Popularity Score

75/100

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