Tender and Flavorful Slow Cooker Pernil Pork
Experience the vibrant flavors of Puerto Rican cuisine with this Tender and Flavorful Slow Cooker Pernil Pork. This dish features succulent pork loin marinated in a fragrant blend of garlic, onion, fresh herbs, and spices, slowly cooked to perfection in a slow cooker. The result is a melt-in-your-mouth pork roast that's bursting with flavor, perfect for family dinners or gatherings. Serve it with your favorite sides and garnish with fresh lime wedges for a zesty finish. Enjoy this classic favorite that will impress your guests and delight your taste buds!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Garlic cloves
4 (peeled)
Large onion
1 (quartered)
Fresh oregano
2 tablespoons (chopped)
Ground cumin
1 tablespoon
Dried ancho chile powder
2 teaspoons
Salt
2 teaspoons
Ground black pepper
2 teaspoons
Olive oil
to taste (for blending)
White wine vinegar
1 tablespoon
Boneless pork loin roast
3 lbs
Lime
1 (cut into wedges)
Instructions
1
In a blender, combine the garlic cloves, quartered onion, fresh oregano, ground cumin, dried ancho chile powder, salt, and black pepper.
2
Add enough olive oil and white wine vinegar to create a smooth, paste-like consistency. Blend until well combined.
3
Rub this flavorful marinade all over the boneless pork loin roast, ensuring it is evenly coated.
4
Place the marinated pork loin into the slow cooker. Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours, or until the pork is fork-tender. For a quicker option, you can cook on high for 1 hour and then switch to low for 2 hours at the beginning.
5
Once cooked, remove the pork from the slow cooker and cut it into chunks or shred it using two forks.
6
Serve the pork hot, garnished with lime wedges for a zesty kick. Enjoy with your favorite sides such as rice, beans, or plantains.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Slow Cooker Pernil Pork?
Slow Cooker Pernil Pork is a Puerto Rican-inspired dish featuring succulent pork loin marinated in garlic, onion, herbs, and spices, then slow-cooked until tender.
What cut of meat is used in this recipe?
This recipe uses a 3 lb boneless pork loin roast.
How long does it take to cook the pork?
The pork should be cooked on low for 6 to 8 hours until it is fork-tender.
Is there a faster way to cook this in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can cook it on high for 1 hour and then switch to low for 2 hours at the beginning of the process.
What ingredients are in the marinade?
The marinade consists of garlic cloves, onion, fresh oregano, ground cumin, dried ancho chile powder, salt, black pepper, olive oil, and white wine vinegar.
How do I prepare the marinade paste?
Combine the garlic, onion, spices, and herbs in a blender with olive oil and vinegar, then blend until smooth.
What type of onion should I use?
The recipe calls for one large onion, quartered before blending.
How many garlic cloves are needed?
You will need 4 peeled garlic cloves for the marinade.
What kind of vinegar is used?
The recipe specifies 1 tablespoon of white wine vinegar.
Is the pork shredded or sliced?
Once cooked, the pork can be either cut into chunks or shredded using two forks.
What are the best side dishes for Pernil?
It is traditionally served with rice, beans, or plantains.
How do I finish the dish before serving?
Serve the pork hot and garnish it with fresh lime wedges for a zesty finish.
Is this recipe spicy?
The recipe uses dried ancho chile powder, which provides a rich, mild flavor rather than intense heat.
Can I use dried oregano?
While the recipe calls for fresh oregano, you can substitute with dried, though fresh provides a more vibrant flavor.
How much pork does this recipe require?
You will need a 3 lb boneless pork loin roast.
What type of chile powder is used?
The recipe uses 2 teaspoons of dried ancho chile powder.
Do I need to sear the meat first?
No, the recipe instructions direct you to place the marinated pork directly into the slow cooker.
What gives the marinade its texture?
The blending of aromatics with olive oil and white wine vinegar creates a smooth, paste-like consistency.
Is this dish suitable for a family dinner?
Yes, it is described as a classic favorite perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
What are the primary flavor profiles?
The dish is savory, zesty, and aromatic with strong garlic and herbal notes.
How much cumin is in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of ground cumin.
How much black pepper is used?
The recipe includes 2 teaspoons of ground black pepper.
Does the pork need to be covered?
Yes, cover the slow cooker during the entire 6 to 8 hour cooking process.
How do I ensure the pork is evenly seasoned?
Ensure you rub the flavorful marinade all over the roast so it is evenly coated before cooking.
What is the role of lime in this recipe?
Lime wedges are used as a garnish to provide a zesty kick that complements the rich pork.
Can I make this for a party?
Yes, it is noted as an impressive dish for guests and large gatherings.
What category of food is this?
It is categorized as Puerto Rican cuisine and is a type of comfort food.
Should the pork be cooked on low or high?
Low is recommended for the best results (6-8 hours), though a high setting can be used briefly at the start.
How much salt is required?
The recipe uses 2 teaspoons of salt.
What is the final texture of the pork?
The pork becomes melt-in-your-mouth and fork-tender after slow cooking.