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Instant Pot Pernil Recipe: Tender & Juicy Instant Pot Pernil Recipe: Tender & Juicy

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Instant Pot Pernil Recipe: Tender & Juicy

Written by: Emily Smith

This pernil recipe is my go-to for a hearty meal. I love how the instant pot makes the pork shoulder so tender. The citrus juices and spices really make the flavors pop!

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Let me tell you about my favorite instant pot recipe that'll make your taste buds dance! This pernil is a Puerto Rican-inspired dish that's bursting with flavor. Tender, juicy pork shoulder infused with zesty citrus and aromatic spices will transport you straight to the Caribbean. Best part? You don't need hours of slow-cooking to achieve melt-in-your-mouth perfection. My foolproof method using pressure cooking delivers restaurant-quality results in a fraction of time. Get ready for a mouthwatering feast that'll impress family friends alike!

Ingredients for Delicious Instant Pot Pernil

  • Pork shoulder: Tender and flavorful cut of meat that becomes succulent and shreds easily after cooking in the instant pot.
  • Olive oil: Adds richness and helps create a flavorful paste to coat the pork shoulder before cooking.
  • Dried oregano: Brings a warm, earthy flavor to the dish and complements the other spices in the seasoning paste.
  • Ground cumin: Provides a smoky, aromatic element to the dish and enhances the overall flavor profile of the pernil.
  • Garlic powder: Infuses the pork with a savory garlic flavor without the need for fresh garlic cloves.
  • Onion powder: Adds a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor to the dish without the texture of fresh onions.
  • Orange juice: Adds a hint of sweetness and acidity to balance the richness of the pork shoulder.
  • Lime juice: Brightens the flavors of the dish with a tangy citrus kick that complements the other seasonings.

Essential Tools for Making Instant Pot Pernil

  • Instant Pot: Essential for pressure cooking the pork shoulder to achieve tender and juicy results.
instant-pot-pernil-recipe-tender-juicy

Instant Pot Pernil Recipe: Tender & Juicy

This Instant Pot Pernil recipe yields a tender and juicy pork shoulder, seasoned with a flavorful blend of spices and citrus juices. Perfect for a quick and delicious meal.
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Prep Time 15 mins
Cook Time 1 hr 15 mins
Total Time 1 hr 30 mins
Course Main Course
Cuisine Puerto Rican
Servings 6 people
Calories 450 kcal

Equipment

  • Instant Pot

Ingredients:  

Main Ingredients

  • 4-5 lb pork shoulder
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon dried oregano
  • 1 tablespoon ground cumin
  • 1 tablespoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 cup orange juice
  • 1/2 cup lime juice

Instructions: 

  • In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, oregano, cumin, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder to create a paste.
  • Rub the paste all over the pork shoulder, ensuring it is well coated.
  • Place the pork shoulder in the Instant Pot and pour the orange juice and lime juice over it.
  • Close the Instant Pot lid, set the valve to sealing, and cook on high pressure for 75 minutes.
  • Once done, allow for a natural pressure release for 15 minutes before manually releasing any remaining pressure.
  • Remove the pork shoulder from the Instant Pot and shred the meat using two forks.
  • Serve the tender and juicy pernil with your favorite sides.

Notes:

For best results, let the pork shoulder marinate with the paste for a few hours or overnight before cooking.

Nutrition value:

Calories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 5gProtein: 35gFat: 30gSaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 120mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 1gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 100IUVitamin C: 20mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 3mg

Keywords:

Keyword Instant Pot, Pernil, Pork Shoulder
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Prep and Storage Tips for Instant Pot Pernil

Make Ahead Instructions

  • Prepare the pork shoulder according to the recipe instructions.
  • Once cooked and shredded, store the pernil in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing Instructions

  • After shredding the pork, allow it to cool completely.
  • Place the pernil in a freezer-safe container or bag, removing as much air as possible.
  • Label the container with the date and store in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Marinating the pork shoulder in the fridge overnight before cooking it in the instant pot can enhance the flavors and make the meat even more tender and juicy.

Common Questions About Making Pernil in an Instant Pot

FAQ:
Can I use a different cut of meat for this instant pot pernil recipe?
While pork shoulder is traditionally used for pernil, you can also use pork butt or picnic shoulder as alternatives.
How can I make this recipe spicier?
To add some heat, you can include a diced jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the seasoning paste.
Can I substitute the orange juice with something else?
Yes, you can substitute the orange juice with pineapple juice or a mixture of both for a slightly different flavor profile.
How long can I store the leftover pernil?
Leftover pernil can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
Can I skip the natural pressure release and do a quick release instead?
While you can do a quick release, a natural pressure release helps the meat retain its juices and tenderness better.

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