Roast Pork Puertoricano

Indulge in the bold and irresistible flavors of Roast Pork Puertoricano, a traditional Puerto Rican dish that transforms a simple pork shoulder into a masterpiece of juicy, tender meat and crispy, golden skin. This dish is infused with a vibrant blend of Latin spices like adobo, sazon with achiote, oregano, and garlic, all worked deeply into the meat through expertly cut slits for maximum flavor. The marination process—with olive oil and a splash of white vinegar—ensures every bite is loaded with robust seasoning. Slow-roasted to perfection, this recipe achieves pull-apart tenderness while the final hour of uncovered roasting crisps the skin to a delectable crackling. Perfect for family gatherings or festive occasions, this 6-pound crowd-pleaser serves eight and pairs beautifully with arroz con gandules or tostones for an authentic Puerto Rican feast. Whether you're honoring tradition or exploring a new cuisine, Roast Pork Puertoricano delivers unforgettable flavor with every bite.

Nutriscore Rating: 59/100

Prep Time:30 mins

Cook Time:240 mins

Total Time:270 mins

Servings: 8

Ingredients

• 6 lbs Pork shoulder or picnic roast (with skin on)
• 10 whole Garlic cloves
• 2 tbsp Adobo seasoning
• 2 packets Sazon seasoning packet with achiote
• 2 tbsp Olive oil
• 1 tbsp Oregano (dried)
• 2 tbsp White vinegar
• 1 tsp Black pepper
• 1 tsp Salt

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the pork shoulder under cold water and pat it dry with paper towels.

Step 2

Using a small sharp knife, make deep slits (about 1-inch) all over the pork shoulder. These pockets will hold the garlic and seasoning.

Step 3

Peel the garlic cloves and slice each clove in half. Insert the garlic pieces into the slits you made in the pork.

Step 4

In a small bowl, mix the adobo seasoning, sazon packets, olive oil, oregano, vinegar, black pepper, and salt to form a paste.

Step 5

Rub the seasoning paste generously all over the pork, making sure to work it into the slits and massage it thoroughly. Cover the pork with plastic wrap and refrigerate it for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to marinate.

Step 6

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Step 7

Place the marinated pork shoulder skin-side-up in a large roasting pan. Cover the pan tightly with aluminum foil to keep it moist during cooking.

Step 8

Roast the pork in the preheated oven for 3 hours. Remove the foil during the last hour of cooking to let the skin crisp up.

Step 9

Check the internal temperature of the pork with a meat thermometer—it should reach 190°F (88°C) for tender, pull-apart meat.

Step 10

Once cooked, remove the pork from the oven and let it rest for 15 minutes before slicing or shredding. Serve and enjoy your flavorful Roast Pork Puertoricano!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	2858.8 grams (2858.8g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	7154

Total Fat 598.30g	767%
Saturated Fat 208.50g	1043%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.70g
Cholesterol 1905mg	635%
Sodium 6729mg	293%
Total Carbohydrate 36.30g	13%
Dietary Fiber 8.10g	29%
Total Sugars 0.00g
Protein 465.30g	931%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 445mg	34%
Iron 27mg	147%
Potassium 7657mg	163%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 72.9%

Protein: 25.2%

Carbs: 2.0%