Nothing quite compares to the aroma of a traditional Puerto Rican Pernil roasting in the oven. This marinade, bursting with fresh garlic, zesty orange and lime juices, fragrant cilantro, and a hint of Sazón, captures the essence of Puerto Rico in every bite. It brings the bold, lively flavors of the island straight to your kitchen, transforming a simple pork shoulder into a centerpiece worthy of any gathering. Whether it’s a holiday feast, a weekend family dinner, or just a treat for yourself, this marinade will make your pork succulent, aromatic, and irresistibly flavorful, rivaling any store-bought or restaurant version.

The BEST Puerto Rican Roast Pork (Pernil) Marinade Recipe

0.0 from 0 votes

Servings

cup

Prep time

minutes

Total time

minutes

vibrant Puerto Rican marinade that is zesty, garlicky blend with bright citrus notes from orange and lime, a hint of earthy spices, and fresh cilantro for an herby finish. Perfectly balanced, it infuses pork with deep, savory flavor while keeping the meat juicy and tender.

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Ingredients

5 cloves Fresh Garlic (roughly chopped)
2 tsp Salt
1 tsp Ground Black Pepper
2 tsp Dried Oregano
¼ tsp Ground Cumin
¼ tsp Ground Coriander
1 tbsp Sazón Seasoning
2 tsp Olive Oil
3 tbsp Fresh Orange Juice
2 tbsp Fresh Lime Juice
2 tsp White Vinegar
1–2 tsp Fresh Cilantro (roughly chopped)

Directions

Add all the ingredients to a blender jar or food processor.
Add all the ingredients to a blender jar or food processor.
Blend everything to a smooth marinade.
Use immediately or store the unused marinade in an air-tight container and keep in the refrigerator until needed.

Notes

This vibrant Puerto Rican Pernil marinade yields about 1 cup, enough to flavor a 4–5 lb pork shoulder and infuses it with rich, aromatic layers of garlic, citrus, and traditional seasonings.
To season, score the fat and skin of the pork shoulder, rub the marinade generously into slits and under the skin, and let marinate for at least 6 hours, preferably overnight. Roast at 300°F (150°C) until tender (about 4–5 hours), then uncover or increase heat at the end to crisp the skin.
Adjust flavor by adding extra citrus for brightness or more Sazón for depth. This marinade also works beautifully on smaller cuts of pork or even chicken for a faster-cooking version.