Puerto Rican Pernil Instant Pot Recipe

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Lets see how you can make a Puerto Rican Pernil in the Instant Pot with this recipe.

In Puerto Rican cooking, there are certain dishes that are symbolic in celebrations and family gatherings like pernil. This succulent, slow-roasted pork shoulder, infused with garlic and flavors, is a staple at holiday feasts, Sunday dinners, and special occasions.

While traditionally cooked in the oven or over fire for hours, modern kitchen technology has given us a little shortcut without sacrificing taste. Enter the Instant Pot – the beloved multi-cooker that revolutionizes cooking time without compromising authenticity (for the most part 😅)

I’m on a mission to make my favorite traditional recipes using my Instant Pot! If you would like to check some of my other Puerto Rican Instant Pot recipes make sure to check them out ➡️ here!

Now, let me share with you how to create the perfect Puerto Rican Pernil using the convenience of the Instant Pot!

What will you need for this Puerto Rican Pernil Instant Pot recipe?

Before diving into the cooking process, let’s gather our ingredients:

• 4-5 pound pork shoulder (bone-in or boneless)
• 6-7 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tablespoons dried oregano
• 1 tablespoon adobo
• 2 heaping tablespoons sofrito
• 1 teaspoon of salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 cup white vinegar
• 1 Packet of Sazon
• Instant Pot

How to prepare the Pernil for the Instant Pot

Instructions:

1. Prepare the pork shoulder: Start by rinsing the pork shoulder under cold water and patting it dry with paper towels. Score the surface of the pork with a sharp knife, creating small slits all over. Cut the pork shoulder in half if necessary to fit in the Instant Pot. This allows the marinade to penetrate deeply into the meat.
2. Make the marinade: In a small bowl, combine the minced garlic, dried oregano, sofrito, salon, salt, pepper, and white vinegar. Mix well until all the ingredients are thoroughly incorporated.
3. Marinate the pork: Place the pork shoulder in a large bowl or resealable plastic bag. Pour the marinade over the pork, making sure to coat it evenly on all sides. Massage the marinade into the meat, ensuring it reaches into the slits you made earlier. For optimal flavor, refrigerate the pork and let it marinate for at least 4-6 hours, preferably overnight. If your short on time, let it marinade for at least 30 minutes before cooking.

How to make the Puerto Rican Pernil Instant Pot

1. Prepare for the Instant Pot: Once the pork has marinated, remove it from the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature if you set it to marinate more than the 30 minutes.
2. Optional: If you would like to sear the sides on “Saute mode” you are more than welcome to do that.
3. Pressure cook: (Once the pork is seared, remove it from the Instant Pot and set it aside). If you skipped the sear step simply place the pork shoulder in the Instant pot and add 1 cup of water to the pot, along with any remaining marinade.
4. Seal and cook: Secure the lid on the Instant Pot, ensuring the valve is set to the “Sealing” position. Select the “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” setting and adjust the cooking time to 75 minutes (15 minutes per pound) on high pressure.
5. Natural release: Once the cooking time is complete, allow the pressure to release naturally for at least 15 minutes. Carefully turn the valve to “Venting” to release any remaining pressure.
6. Finish and serve: Once the pressure has fully released, carefully remove the lid from the Instant Pot. Transfer the pork shoulder to a serving platter and let it rest for a few minutes before shredding it with two forks. Serve the pernil with your favorite sides, such as rice and beans, tostones, pan sobao, or root vegetables.

With the help of the Instant Pot, creating traditional Puerto Rican pernil has never been easier or more convenient. Maybe this was once a dish reserved for special occasions, but you now be enjoy it any day of the week without sacrificing flavor or authenticity. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or simply craving a taste of home, this Puerto Rican Instant Pot recipe is sure to hit the spot.

¡Buen provecho!

💖 Yessi

Love this recipe? Make sure to check out other recipes like this one here! ➡️ More Instant Pot Recipes

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