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#### Instructions:
1. **Prepare the Pork Shoulder:**
– Start by making several deep cuts or slashes in the pork shoulder. This helps the marinade penetrate into the meat more effectively, ensuring full flavor infusion.
2. **Make the Marinade:**
– In a large bowl, combine the garlic, onion, oregano, cumin, paprika, black pepper, coriander (if using), salt, vinegar, olive oil, orange juice, lime juice, soy sauce, and adobo seasoning (if desired). Mix the ingredients well until they form a paste-like marinade.
3. **Marinate the Pork:**
– Rub the marinade generously all over the pork shoulder, making sure it gets into all the cuts. If possible, cover the pork and let it marinate for at least 4 hours—overnight is even better, as it allows the flavors to develop fully.
4. **Prepare the Oven:**
– Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating, place the pork in a roasting pan. Add about 1/2 cup of water to the bottom of the pan to help keep the pork moist during cooking.
5. **Roast the Pork:**
– Place the marinated pork in the preheated oven, uncovered. Roast for about 3-4 hours, or until the pork is fully cooked and the meat is tender. Every hour or so, you can baste the pork with its own juices to keep it moist and flavorful.
– **For crispy skin**: After the meat is tender, increase the oven temperature to 400°F (200°C) for the last 20-30 minutes of roasting. This will help the skin get a nice, crispy texture. Keep an eye on it to ensure it doesn’t burn.
6. **Rest Before Serving:**
– Once the pork is done roasting, remove it from the oven and allow it to rest for at least 10-15 minutes before carving. This helps the juices redistribute throughout the meat, making it even more tender and flavorful.
7. **Serve and Enjoy:**
– Slice the pork against the grain, and serve it with your favorite sides like rice, beans, mashed potatoes, or a crisp salad. The crispy skin is perfect for snacking on, and the tender meat will melt in your mouth.
### Tips for Perfect Pernil al Horno
– **Citrus Flavor**: The combination of orange and lime juice is traditional in Pernil al Horno, giving the pork a tangy, zesty flavor that cuts through the richness of the meat. If you have access to sour oranges (Seville oranges), they are an ideal choice for a more authentic taste.
– **Adobo Seasoning**: While optional, adobo seasoning adds an extra layer of flavor and depth to the dish. If you can find it, it’s worth using!
– **Low and Slow**: Cooking the pork at a low temperature ensures the meat becomes tender and juicy. Avoid rushing the cooking process for the best results.
– **Crispy Skin**: For the ultimate crispy skin, ensure that you finish roasting at a high temperature toward the end. You can also place the pork under a broiler for a minute or two to crisp up the skin, but keep a close eye on it so it doesn’t burn.
### Variations to Try
– **Slow Cooker Pernil**: If you don’t have access to an oven, you can cook Pernil al Horno in a slow cooker. Simply follow the same steps for marinating the pork and searing it, then place it in a slow cooker and cook on low for 8-10 hours or until the meat is tender.
– **Pernil Tacos**: Leftover Pernil al Horno can be shredded and used in tacos, burritos, or sandwiches. Pair it with some fresh pico de gallo, avocado, and cilantro for a delicious, easy meal.
– **Cuban-Style Pernil**: For a Cuban twist, try adding some beer or white wine to the marinade for added flavor. Cuban recipes often use more garlic and a pinch of saffron for an extra special touch.
### Conclusion
Pernil al Horno is a show-stopping dish that combines the flavors of tender, slow-roasted pork with the zing of citrus and spices. Whether you’re preparing it for a holiday feast or a weekend family dinner, this dish is sure to be the star of the meal. With its crispy, flavorful skin and melt-in-your-mouth interior, Pernil al Horno is a true crowd-pleaser. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and bring the taste of Latin America into your kitchen with this irresistible roasted pork delight.
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