Pernil, or Puerto Rican roast pork, is a classic dish that is full of flavor and perfect for a special occasion or family gathering. This slow cooker version of pernil makes it easy to enjoy this delicious dish without spending hours in the kitchen. The pork is marinated in a flavorful mixture of spices and then slow-cooked until it is tender and juicy. Serve it with rice, beans, and plantains for a traditional Puerto Rican meal that is sure to impress.
Ingredients for Slow Cooker Pernil Pork
For the Marinade:
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup orange juice
- 1/4 cup lime juice
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
For the Pork:
- 5-6 pounds pork shoulder (also known as pork butt), bone-in
- 1 onion, sliced
- 1 orange, sliced
- 1 lime, sliced
How to Make Slow Cooker Pernil Pork
- Prepare the Marinade:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, orange juice, lime juice, minced garlic, oregano, cumin, salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and onion powder.
- Marinate the Pork:
- Place the pork shoulder in a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the pork, making sure it is well coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
- Slow Cook the Pork:
- Place the sliced onion, orange, and lime in the bottom of the slow cooker. Place the marinated pork shoulder on top of the sliced fruits.
- Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 4-6 hours, until the pork is tender and easily pulls apart with a fork.
- Serve:
- Remove the pork from the slow cooker and let it rest for a few minutes before shredding it with two forks. Serve the shredded pork with the cooked onions, oranges, and limes from the slow cooker.
About the Main Ingredients
- Pork Shoulder (Pork Butt):
- Pork shoulder is a flavorful and relatively inexpensive cut of meat that is perfect for slow cooking. It becomes tender and juicy when cooked low and slow, making it ideal for pernil.
- Citrus Juices:
- Orange and lime juices add a bright and tangy flavor to the marinade, which helps to tenderize the pork and infuse it with flavor.
- Garlic and Spices:
- Garlic, oregano, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper are classic flavors in pernil marinade. They add depth and complexity to the dish.
- Onion, Orange, and Lime Slices:
- Sliced onion, orange, and lime in the slow cooker add additional flavor to the pork as it cooks. They also create a flavorful base for the pork to rest on.
