Are you craving a delicious and succulent dish with a crispy and golden skin? Look no further than pernil! Pernil is a traditional Puerto Rican dish made from slow-roasted pork shoulder, marinated in a flavorful blend of spices and herbs. The result is tender and juicy meat with a crispy and mouthwatering skin.

To achieve that coveted crispy skin, there are a few key steps you need to follow. First, make sure to score the skin of the pork shoulder. This will allow the fat to render and the skin to become crispy during the cooking process. Next, create a marinade using a combination of garlic, oregano, cumin, paprika, salt, pepper, and citrus juices like orange and lime. Let the pork shoulder marinate for at least 24 hours to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.

When it’s time to cook the pernil, preheat your oven to a high temperature, around 450°F (230°C). Place the pork shoulder on a roasting rack, with the skin side up. This will allow the hot air to circulate around the meat, helping the skin to become crispy. Cook at this high temperature for about 30 minutes, or until the skin has started to blister and turn golden brown.

Tip: To ensure a crispy skin, you can also use a hairdryer on low heat to blow-dry the skin before roasting. This will remove any excess moisture, making it even crispier.

After the initial high-temperature blast, reduce the oven temperature to around 325°F (165°C) and continue cooking the pernil for several hours, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the meat is tender. Remember to baste the pork shoulder every 30 minutes, using the juices that accumulate in the pan. This will add flavor and moisture to the meat.

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Once the pernil is cooked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for about 20 minutes before carving. This will allow the juices to redistribute and the meat to become even more tender. Serve the pernil with your favorite side dishes, such as rice and beans or roasted vegetables, and enjoy the delicious combination of juicy meat and crispy skin.

With these tips and techniques, you’ll be able to cook a pernil with a perfectly crispy skin that will impress your family and friends. So go ahead, find a pork shoulder, gather your ingredients, and get ready to indulge in a mouthwatering feast!

Preparing the Pernil

Before you begin cooking the pernil, it is important to properly prepare the meat. This will help ensure that the skin becomes crispy and the flavors are fully absorbed.

First, take your pernil and rinse it under cold water to remove any excess debris or blood. Then, pat it dry with paper towels.

Next, use a sharp knife to score the skin of the pernil. Make long, shallow cuts in a crisscross pattern. This will help the fat underneath the skin render out during cooking, resulting in a crispy and delicious skin.

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After scoring the skin, it’s time to season the pernil. Start by generously rubbing it with salt, making sure to get into all the nooks and crannies. You can also add other seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, and cumin for additional flavor.

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Once the pernil is seasoned, cover it with aluminum foil or plastic wrap and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 24 hours. This will allow the flavors to penetrate the meat and make it more tender.

Before cooking, make sure to remove the pernil from the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature. This will help ensure even cooking and prevent the meat from drying out.

Finally, take the marinated pernil and place it on a roasting rack in a large roasting pan. This will allow air to circulate around the meat and help the skin become crispy. If you don’t have a roasting rack, you can also use a wire cooling rack placed inside the roasting pan.

Now that your pernil is properly prepared, you are ready to start cooking it. Follow the next steps in the recipe to achieve a delicious pernil with crispy skin.

Seasoning the Meat

Seasoning the pernil is a crucial step in achieving the delicious flavors and crispy skin that you desire. Here’s how to do it:

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Ingredients:

  • 1 bone-in skin-on pork shoulder (pernil)
  • 4 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons of olive oil
  • 2 teaspoons of salt
  • 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon of ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon of paprika
  • 1 teaspoon of black pepper

Instructions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
  2. In a small bowl, combine the minced garlic, olive oil, salt, dried oregano, ground cumin, paprika, and black pepper to create a paste-like mixture.
  3. Using a sharp knife, make several deep cuts or slits all over the surface of the pernil. This will allow the seasonings to penetrate the meat and help render the fat for a crispy skin.
  4. Rub the seasoning mixture all over the pernil, making sure to get it into the cuts and crevices.
  5. Place the seasoned pernil onto a roasting pan or a baking dish with a rack.

Now that your pernil is properly seasoned, it’s time to move on to the next step: roasting the meat to perfection.

Marinating the Pernil

Marinating the pernil is an essential step in creating a flavorful and tender roast with crispy skin. Here’s how you can do it:

Ingredients:

  • 1 bone-in pernil roast
  • 4 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon dried oregano
  • 1 tablespoon ground cumin
  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 1 tablespoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon black pepper
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 1/4 cup orange juice
  • 1/4 cup lime juice

Instructions:

  1. In a small bowl, combine the minced garlic, dried oregano, ground cumin, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, olive oil, orange juice, and lime juice.
  2. Place the pernil roast in a large ziplock bag or a shallow dish.
  3. Pour the marinade over the pernil roast, making sure it is fully coated.
  4. Seal the ziplock bag or cover the dish with plastic wrap.
  5. Refrigerate the pernil roast for at least 24 hours, but preferably 48 hours, to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.
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By marinating the pernil roast, you will infuse it with the delicious flavors of garlic, oregano, cumin, paprika, and citrus juices. This will not only tenderize the meat but also enhance its taste. Make sure to turn the roast occasionally to ensure even marination.

Roasting the Pernil

1. Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C).

2. Place the seasoned pernil on a rack in a roasting pan, fat side up.

3. Pour 1 cup of water into the bottom of the roasting pan to prevent the juices from burning.

4. Cover the pernil loosely with aluminum foil.

5. Roast the pernil for about 3 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).

6. Remove the foil and increase the oven temperature to 450°F (230°C).

7. Return the pernil to the oven and cook for an additional 30 minutes, or until the skin is crispy and golden brown.

8. Remove the pernil from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before carving.

9. Carve the pernil into thin slices and serve hot.

Making Crispy Skin

To achieve a crispy skin on your pernil, there are a few key steps to follow:

1. Score the Skin: Using a sharp knife, score the skin of the pernil in a diamond pattern. This will help the fat render and the skin to crisp up.

2. Dry the Skin: Before cooking, make sure the skin is thoroughly dry. You can pat it dry with paper towels or leave it uncovered in the refrigerator overnight to dry out.

3. Season the Skin: Rub the skin with a mixture of salt, pepper, and your choice of additional seasonings. This will add flavor and help the skin to crisp up even more.

4. Use High Heat: Cook the pernil at a high temperature, around 425°F (220°C), to ensure the skin becomes crispy. You can start at a higher temperature for the first 20 minutes or so, then reduce the heat to finish cooking the meat.

5. Baste the Skin: During cooking, baste the skin with its own fat or with a mixture of oil and spices. This will help to keep the skin moist and enhance its crispiness.

6. Finish Under the Broiler: For extra crispy skin, you can finish cooking the pernil under the broiler for a few minutes. This will help to further crisp up the skin and give it a golden brown color.

Following these steps will ensure your pernil has a deliciously crispy skin that adds a wonderful texture to the dish.

Serving and Enjoying

Once your pernil with crispy skin is cooked to perfection, it’s time to serve and enjoy this delicious dish. Here are a few tips on how to make the most of your meal:

1. Carving the Pernil

Before serving, allow the pernil to rest for a few minutes to retain its juices and make it easier to carve. Use a sharp knife to cut thin slices of tender meat, ensuring each slice has a piece of crispy skin.

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2. Accompaniments

Pernil with crispy skin can be served with a variety of side dishes and accompaniments to enhance its flavors. Some popular options include:

Arroz con gandules A traditional Puerto Rican dish made with rice and pigeon peas.
Mofongo A Puerto Rican dish made with mashed plantains, garlic, and pork cracklings.
Papas bravas A Spanish dish consisting of fried potatoes with a spicy tomato sauce.
Ensalada de aguacate A refreshing avocado salad with tomatoes, onions, and lime dressing.

Feel free to explore other side dishes and flavors that complement the rich taste of pernil.

3. Serving Suggestions

When serving pernil with crispy skin, you can present it as the centerpiece of a festive meal. Place the carved pernil on a large platter and garnish it with fresh herbs, such as cilantro or parsley, for added freshness and visual appeal.

4. Leftovers

If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Pernil can be reheated and enjoyed for several days after it is cooked.

Now that you know how to cook pernil with crispy skin and serve it with flair, it’s time to gather your loved ones and savor this mouthwatering dish together!

FAQ

What is pernil?

Pernil is a traditional Puerto Rican dish made from pork shoulder. It is typically seasoned with a blend of spices and slow-roasted until tender.

What is the best way to achieve a crispy skin on pernil?

To achieve a crispy skin on pernil, it is important to start with a dry surface. Pat the pork shoulder dry with paper towels before seasoning. You can also score the skin in a diamond pattern, which will help it crisp up. Additionally, roasting the pernil at a high temperature for the last 30 minutes will help to crisp the skin.

How long does it take to cook pernil?

Cooking pernil can vary depending on the size of the pork shoulder and the cooking temperature. As a general rule, you can estimate about 30 minutes of cooking time per pound of pork shoulder at 350°F (175°C). However, it’s always best to use a meat thermometer to ensure the pork is cooked to an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).

Can pernil be cooked in a slow cooker?

Yes, pernil can be cooked in a slow cooker. After seasoning the pork shoulder, place it in the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 8-10 hours, or on high heat for 4-5 hours. However, keep in mind that cooking pernil in a slow cooker will not result in a crispy skin. If you prefer crispy skin, you can transfer the pernil to a baking sheet and broil it in the oven for a few minutes after it’s done cooking in the slow cooker.