Juicy Cuban Roasted Pork Leg (Pernil) Recipe for Family Feasts

Slow-roasted cuban pernil brings a burst of Caribbean flavor right to your kitchen.

Generations of home cooks have perfected this succulent dish passed down through family traditions.

Tender pork leg marinates in a zesty blend of citrus and aromatic spices that infuse every delectable bite.

Crispy skin and juicy meat create a mouthwatering contrast that will transport you to the vibrant streets of havana.

Fragrant garlic and robust oregano dance together, creating a marinade that promises pure culinary magic.

Succulent and rich, this classic recipe captures the heart of caribbean cuisine with remarkable simplicity.

You’ll want to savor every single morsel of this incredible roast.

Why Cuban Roasted Pork Leg (Pernil) Is a Celebration Dish

• Savor Authentic Cuban Flavors: Dive into a mouthwatering journey of traditional Cuban cuisine with this spectacular roasted pork leg that brings the vibrant tastes of the Caribbean right to your dining table.
• Master Impressive Cooking Technique: Transform a simple pork leg into a show-stopping dish that looks and tastes like you've trained in professional kitchens, with minimal technical skills required.
• Crowd-Pleasing Party Centerpiece: Perfect for large family gatherings, holiday celebrations, or weekend get-togethers where you want to impress guests with a stunning main course that serves multiple people.
• Boost Flavor with Simple Marinade: Elevate your cooking game by using a zesty marinade packed with citrus juices, herbs, and spices that infuse the meat with incredible depth and richness.

Ingredients for Bold, Juicy Cuban Pernil

• Pork Leg: A large, flavorful cut of pork perfect for slow roasting and absorbing marinade flavors.

• Orange Juice, Lime Juice: Citrus juices that tenderize the meat and add bright, tangy flavor.
• Olive Oil: Helps distribute marinade ingredients and keep the meat moist.
• Garlic: Provides a robust, aromatic base for the marinade.
• Oregano, Cumin: Herbs and spices that bring traditional Cuban seasoning depth.
• Black Pepper, Salt: Essential seasonings for enhancing the meat's natural taste.

• Onion: Adds sweetness and helps create additional moisture during roasting.
• Cilantro: Fresh herb for garnishing and providing a bright, fresh finish to the dish.

Roasting Cuban Pork Leg the Flavorful Way

Step 1: Awaken The Oven

Fire up your oven to a warm and steady 325°F, creating the perfect cooking environment for your succulent pork leg.

Step 2: Craft The Zesty Marinade

• Fresh orange juice
• Tangy lime juice
• Rich olive oil
• Crushed garlic cloves
• Fragrant oregano
• Ground cumin
• Cracked black pepper
• Sea salt

Whisk these ingredients until they dance into a harmonious marinade.

Step 3: Bathe The Pork

Nestle the pork leg into a spacious roasting pan and lovingly drench it with the marinade. Ensure every inch is kissed by the flavorful liquid.

Allow the meat to soak up the marinade for a minimum of 4 hours, ideally overnight. Gently flip the meat occasionally to guarantee even flavor absorption.

Step 4: Prepare For Roasting

Lift the marinated pork from its bath and artfully scatter onion slices around the meat. Keep the remaining marinade nearby for basting.

Step 5: Slow Roast To Perfection

Slide the roasting pan into the preheated oven. Roast the pork leg for approximately 3.5 to 4 hours, periodically brushing with reserved marinade. The pork is ready when its internal temperature reaches a tender 170°F.

Step 6: Rest And Relax

Once roasted, remove the pork from the oven. Let it rest peacefully for 15-20 minutes, allowing juices to redistribute.

Step 7: Garnish And Serve

Sprinkle fresh cilantro over the pork, transforming it into a vibrant, inviting dish ready to delight your guests.

Smart Tips for Juicy, Crispy Pernil Skin

• Marinate the pork leg overnight for maximum flavor absorption and tenderness.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure precise internal temperature and prevent overcooking.
• Let the roasted pork rest before carving to help retain its juicy, succulent texture.
• Save the leftover pan drippings for an extra flavorful sauce or gravy to accompany the meat.
• For a crispy exterior, increase oven temperature to 425°F during the last 15-20 minutes of roasting.

Tasty Takes on Cuban Roasted Pork to Explore

• Slow Cooker Pernil: Replace oven roasting with a slow cooker method, cooking on low for 8-10 hours until meat is tender and falling apart.
• Citrus Herb Pernil: Add fresh rosemary and orange zest to the marinade for an enhanced aromatic profile and brighter flavor notes.
• Spicy Caribbean Pernil: Include diced jalapeños or a tablespoon of hot sauce in the marinade to create a fiery version with extra heat and kick.
• Air Fryer Mini Pernil: Use smaller pork cuts like shoulder or tenderloin, adapting cooking time and temperature for air fryer preparation with crispy exterior.

What to Serve Alongside Cuban Pork Pernil

• Savor Cuban Zesty Citrus Mojito: A bright, tangy cocktail with rum, lime, and orange echoes the pork's citrusy marinade, complementing the dish's vibrant flavors.
• Pair with Black Beans and Rice: Traditional Cuban side dish that offers creamy, earthy undertones balancing the rich, succulent roasted pork perfectly.
• Serve Alongside Crisp Green Salad: Light, refreshing salad with a simple vinaigrette cuts through the meat's richness, providing a palate-cleansing contrast.
• Toast with Chilled Sangria: Fruity red wine punch brings a festive touch, its sweet-tart profile matching the pork's complex marinaded notes.

How to Keep Pernil Juicy After Day One

• Refrigeration: Store leftover pernil in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent moisture loss.
• Freezing: Pack cooled pork in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, removing excess air. Freeze for up to 3 months, maintaining best quality and flavor.
• Oven Reheating: Preheat oven to 325°F, place pork in a baking dish with a splash of chicken broth or reserved marinade. Cover with foil and warm for 15-20 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F, preventing dryness.

Answers to Your Cuban Pork Questions

• What is mojo marinade?

A traditional Cuban sauce made with citrus juices like orange and lime, mixed with garlic, herbs, and spices that tenderizes and adds deep flavor to meats.

• Can I use a different cut of pork?

Yes, while pork leg is traditional, you can substitute with pork shoulder or pork butt, which have similar fat content and will roast well.

• How do I know the pork is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 170°F (76°C), which ensures the meat is safe to eat and tender.

• Why is marinating important for this recipe?

Marinating helps break down meat fibers, infuse flavor, and keep the pork moist during the long roasting process, creating a more delicious and tender result.

Cuban Roasted Pork Leg (Pernil) Recipe

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4.9 from 28 reviews

• Total Time: 7 1/2 to 8 hours (including resting time)
• Yield: 10 1x

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Description

Succulent Cuban roasted pork leg (pernil) promises a journey through authentic Caribbean flavors, blending traditional spices and slow-cooking techniques. Juicy, tender meat with crispy skin delivers a mouthwatering experience you’ll savor with each delicious bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 5 pounds (2.27 kilograms) pork leg (bone-in, skin-on)

Liquid Ingredients:

• 1 cup (240 milliliters) fresh orange juice
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) fresh lime juice
• 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) olive oil

Seasonings and Aromatics:

• 8 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon dried oregano
• 1 tablespoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon kosher salt
• 1 large onion, sliced
• 1/4 cup (15 grams) fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Craft a zesty marinade by blending citrus juices, olive oil, aromatic herbs, and spices in a spacious mixing vessel.
2. Immerse the pork leg completely in the vibrant marinade, ensuring total coverage. Refrigerate for a minimum of 4 hours, ideally overnight, rotating periodically to enhance flavor penetration.
3. Heat the oven to a steady 325°F, creating an ideal roasting environment for the meat.
4. Transfer the marinated pork to a roasting pan, strategically arranging sliced onions around the protein to infuse additional depth and moisture.
5. Pour the remaining marinade over the meat, which will contribute to continuous flavor development during the slow-roasting process.
6. Roast the pork leg for approximately 3 1/2 to 4 hours, periodically basting with accumulated pan juices to maintain tenderness and prevent surface drying.
7. Monitor the internal temperature, aiming for 170°F, which indicates the meat is perfectly cooked and safe to consume.
8. After removing from the oven, allow the pork to rest for 15-20 minutes, enabling juice redistribution and ensuring succulent, tender meat.
9. Slice the roasted pork and garnish with fresh cilantro for a vibrant, authentic Cuban presentation.

Notes

• Marinate the pork leg overnight to maximize flavor penetration and tenderness, allowing the citrus and herbs to deeply infuse the meat.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure precise internal temperature, preventing overcooking and maintaining juicy, succulent texture.
• For crispy skin, increase oven temperature to 425°F during the last 15-20 minutes of roasting, watching carefully to avoid burning.
• Accommodate gluten-free diets by verifying all marinade ingredients are certified gluten-free, particularly checking cumin and oregano sources.

• Prep Time: 4 hours (minimum, preferably overnight)
• Cook Time: 3 1/2 to 4 hours
• Category: Dinner, Lunch, Snacks
• Method: Roasting
• Cuisine: Cuban

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 10
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 5 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 40 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg