Nochebuena Central: Pernil
Slow-cooked roast pork marinated and seasoned with classic flavors overnight.
By: Cynthia Pena | @runway_cuisine
Nochebuena—literally "Good Night"—is the night for many Latinos. Think Christmas Eve, but louder, longer, and packed with love, laughter, and legendary food. From roasting lechón to passing around abuelita’s pasteles, this night is about gathering with family and friends to eat, dance, and stay up way too late.
For many of us, it’s less about Christmas morning and more about the magic of the night before—sharing traditions passed down through generations, reconnecting with loved ones, and making space for anyone who wants to join in the fun. Join us in celebrating this special night and bring a little extra sabor to your holiday traditions!
When we think of classic Nochebuena dishes - one of the first things that comes to mind is pernil. Pernil is certainly a labor of love, but it's well worth it in the end and it's even easier to infuse it with flavor with the help of Loisa's Organic Adobo y Sazón, along with their Classic Sofrito. This juicy, slow-cooked pork dish serves as the most delicious Nochebuena centerpiece, and it is guaranteed to have all your guests going back in for more servings.
Pernil
15-18
24-48 hours
5-6 hours
Ingredients
9 lbs pork shoulder
3 tablespoons Loisa Classic Sofrito
1 tablespoon Loisa Organic Adobo
1 tablespoon Loisa Organic Sazón
1 teaspoon Loisa Organic Ground Black Pepper
1 teaspoon Loisa Organic Cumin
2 oz red wine
1/3 cup mustard
2 tablespoons garlic paste
1 lemon
1 orange
2 oz Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon onion powder
1 oven-safe roasting bag
Directions
Preparation: Start by thoroughly cleaning your pork shoulder with lemon, vinegar, and salt. Then, remove the top layer of the pork and make small cuts with a knife to help the flavors penetrate.
Seasoning: In a bowl, mix all your ingredients well. Then distribute the seasoning evenly over the entire pork shoulder until it is completely coated. Place it in an oven-safe roasting bag and let it marinate in the fridge for 1-2 days.
Baking: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Place the pork in an aluminum roasting pan and bake for 5-6 hours. After this time, you can increase the temperature to 400°F to crisp up the top layer, or remove it from the bag and let it brown naturally.
Final Steps: Let the pork rest, remove the crispy top layer, and shred the meat. Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and enjoy!
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Pernil
15-18
24-48 hours
5-6 hours
Ingredients
9 lbs pork shoulder
3 tablespoons Loisa Classic Sofrito
1 tablespoon Loisa Organic Adobo
1 tablespoon Loisa Organic Sazón
1 teaspoon Loisa Organic Ground Black Pepper
1 teaspoon Loisa Organic Cumin
2 oz red wine
1/3 cup mustard
2 tablespoons garlic paste
1 lemon
1 orange
2 oz Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon onion powder
1 oven-safe roasting bag
Directions
Preparation: Start by thoroughly cleaning your pork shoulder with lemon, vinegar, and salt. Then, remove the top layer of the pork and make small cuts with a knife to help the flavors penetrate.
Seasoning: In a bowl, mix all your ingredients well. Then distribute the seasoning evenly over the entire pork shoulder until it is completely coated. Place it in an oven-safe roasting bag and let it marinate in the fridge for 1-2 days.
Baking: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Place the pork in an aluminum roasting pan and bake for 5-6 hours. After this time, you can increase the temperature to 400°F to crisp up the top layer, or remove it from the bag and let it brown naturally.
Final Steps: Let the pork rest, remove the crispy top layer, and shred the meat. Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and enjoy!