Get ready to transport your taste buds to the vibrant streets of Puerto Rico with this incredibly tender and flavor-packed pork shoulder roast! This isn't just another recipe – it's a culinary experience that will transform your kitchen into a Caribbean paradise. Imagine succulent, fall-apart meat infused with a perfect blend of garlic, herbs, and citrusy notes that will have your family and friends begging for seconds. Whether you're a seasoned home cook or a curious food adventurer, this Puerto Rican pork roast is about to become your new obsession!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 4 hrs
Total Time: 4 hrs 20 mins
Cuisine: Puerto Rican
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 4 lbs pork shoulder
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon oregano
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 tablespoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup vinegar
- 1/4 cup orange juice
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). This low and slow cooking method will help render the fat and create a tender roast.
- In a large bowl, combine the garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, black pepper, olive oil, vinegar, and orange juice. Mix well until it forms a marinade.
- Place the pork shoulder in a large roasting pan or baking dish. Using your hands or a brush, generously apply the marinade all over the pork, ensuring it is well-coated. For best results, let the pork marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight in the refrigerator.
- Once marinated, take the pork out of the refrigerator and allow it to come to room temperature for about 20 minutes before cooking. This helps in even cooking.
- Cover the roasting pan with aluminum foil, making sure it’s tightly sealed to keep the moisture in during the initial cooking phase.
- Place the covered pork shoulder in the preheated oven and roast for about 3 hours. The low temperature will allow the meat to become tender and juicy.
- After 3 hours, remove the foil from the roasting pan. Increase the oven temperature to 400°F (200°C) and roast for an additional 1 hour. This will help create a crispy, caramelized exterior.
- Check the internal temperature of the pork shoulder; it should reach at least 190°F (88°C) for optimal tenderness. If it hasn't reached this temperature, you can continue roasting, checking every 15 minutes.
- Once the pork is done, remove it from the oven and let it rest for at least 20 minutes before slicing. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat.
- After resting, slice the pork shoulder against the grain and serve with your favorite sides, such as rice and beans, to enjoy a delicious Puerto Rican meal.
Tips
- Marination is Key: For maximum flavor, let the pork marinate overnight in the refrigerator. The longer it sits in the marinade, the more intense the flavors will become.
- Temperature Matters: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 190°F (88°C). This guarantees both safety and that melt-in-your-mouth tenderness.
- Resting is Crucial: Never skip the resting period! Letting the meat rest for 20 minutes allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring each slice is incredibly juicy.
- Crispy Exterior Trick: The two-stage cooking method (low and slow, then high heat) creates a perfect crispy exterior while keeping the inside tender.
- Leftover Magic: This roast is even more delicious the next day. Use leftovers in tacos, sandwiches, or shredded over rice for multiple meals.
- Accompaniment Suggestions: Serve with traditional Puerto Rican sides like black beans, rice, or a fresh citrusy salad to complete the authentic experience.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 3g
Protein: 45g
Fat: 32g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 140mg
