Dominican entree recipes: pernil
Dominican entree recipes: pernil
Home » Home: Recipes de lo Mio » Dominican Small Bites and Entrees – Recipes de lo Mio » Dominican Pernil Recipe: Learn How to Make Pernil de Cerdo

Authentic Dominican Pernil Recipe

What is a Dominican pernil (pork shoulder)?

Dominican pernil is a culinary masterpiece, a celebration of flavors deeply rooted in the heart of Dominican cuisine. This dish features a succulent pork shoulder, marinated with a symphony of traditional Caribbean ingredients, creating a taste that’s both robust and unforgettable.

The key to its excellence lies in the marinade, where bitter orange juice, white vinegar, and aromatic spices dance together to infuse the meat with layers of savory goodness. The scored skin transforms into a crispy, golden perfection during the slow roasting process, adding a delightful crunch to each bite.

As the pernil roasts, the kitchen is filled with an irresistible aroma that hints at the feast to come. The result is a tender and flavorful pork, with a balance of citrusy brightness, earthy oregano, and the warm embrace of cumin. It’s a dish that brings families and friends together, embodying the spirit of shared meals and cherished traditions.

Whether served at festive gatherings, holidays, or casual family dinners, Dominican pernil is more than just a recipe; it’s a journey into the heart of Dominican culture. Each slice tells a story of culinary heritage, a testament to the art of slow-cooking and the joy of savoring life’s delicious moments.

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Marinating Time: Overnight
  • Cook Time: 4 hours (plus additional 30-45 minutes for crisping)
  • Total Time: Approximately 5 hours (including marinating time)
  • Number of Servings: 6-8


Recipe for Dominican Pernil (Pork Shoulder):

Certainly! Here’s a step-by-step recipe for delicious Dominican pernil:

Ingredients:

  • 1 whole pork shoulder (8-10 pounds)
  • 1 cup bitter orange juice
  • 1/2 cup white vinegar
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 8 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons dried oregano
  • 1 tablespoon ground cumin
  • 1 tablespoon paprika
  • 1 tablespoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Pork:
  • Rinse the pork shoulder and pat it dry with paper towels.
  • Score the skin with a sharp knife, creating a diamond pattern.
  1. Marinate the Pork:
  • In a bowl, mix bitter orange juice, white vinegar, olive oil, minced garlic, oregano, cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper to create the marinade.
  • Rub the marinade all over the pork, making sure to get it into the scored skin.
  • Place the marinated pork in a large resealable plastic bag and refrigerate overnight for the flavors to meld.
  1. Preheat the Oven:
  • Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
  1. Roast the Pernil:
  • Take the marinated pork out of the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature.
  • Place the pork on a roasting pan with a rack, skin side up.
  • Cover the pork loosely with aluminum foil and roast for about 4 hours.
  1. Crisp the Skin:
  • Increase the oven temperature to 425°F (218°C).
  • Remove the foil and roast for an additional 30-45 minutes, or until the skin is crispy.
  1. Rest and Serve:
  • Allow the pernil to rest for about 20 minutes before carving.
  • Slice and serve the pernil with your favorite side dishes.
  1. Optional Gravy:
  • Skim off excess fat from the pan juices.
  • Use the remaining juices to make a flavorful gravy if desired.

Enjoy your delicious Dominican pernil! This flavorful dish is sure to be a hit at any gathering.

de lo mio!

Ingredient Variations for Dominican Pernil (Pork Shoulder)

Here are some substitution ideas for the Dominican Pernil (Pork Shoulder) recipe:

  1. Bitter Orange Juice: If you can’t find bitter orange juice, you can use a combination of regular orange juice and lime or grapefruit juice.
  2. White Vinegar: Substitute with apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar for a slightly different tang.
  3. Olive Oil: Any neutral oil like vegetable or canola oil can be used if you don’t have olive oil on hand.
  4. Dried Oregano: Fresh oregano can be a great alternative, using about three times the amount of dried oregano.
  5. Paprika: Smoked paprika adds a delightful, smoky flavor, or you can use a mix of cayenne pepper and regular paprika for some heat.

Remember, cooking is all about making it your own. Feel free to experiment with these substitutions and discover your perfect version of Dominican pernil!

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Comments and Reviews

Welcome to the heart of flavor! We’d love to hear about your experience with our Authentic Dominican Pernil recipe. Did the aroma transport you to the vibrant streets of the Dominican Republic? Share your thoughts, tips, and any personal twists you added to make this dish your own. Let’s create a community of pernil enthusiasts—your feedback adds the perfect seasoning to our culinary journey!