Slow Cooker Pernil Pork Recipe

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

1. 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.

1. 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.

1. 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.

1. 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

1. 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.

1. 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.

1. 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.

1. 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.