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Season 02 - Dinner / S02D23

Pernil Tacos with Green Salsa

Prep: 15 minutes (plus marinating time)Cook: 4 hoursTotal: ~4 hours 15 minutes

Story

As Don Luis pulled apart the slow-roasted pernil, the aroma of garlic, citrus, and spices filled the kitchen. “Pernil is the king of flavors,” he said, “and when tucked into a warm tortilla with fresh green salsa, it’s a game changer!” These tacos bring the richness of Puerto Rican-style roast pork to a Mexican street food favorite—the perfect fusion of bold flavors! 🇵🇷🌮🔥

Ingredients

  • For the Pernil (Roast Pork):
  • 2 lbs pork shoulder (with some fat for flavor)
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • Juice of 1 orange
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • 1 tbsp oregano
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 0.5 tsp black pepper
  • For the Green Salsa (Salsa Verde):
  • 4 tomatillos, husked and rinsed
  • 0.5 cup fresh cilantro
  • 1 garlic clove
  • 1 jalapeño (adjust for heat)
  • Juice of ½ lime
  • Salt to taste
  • For the Tacos:
  • 8 small corn tortillas
  • 1 avocado, sliced
  • 0.5 red onion, finely chopped
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped
  • Lime wedges for serving

Instructions

  1. 11️⃣ Marinate the Pernil – In a bowl, mix garlic, orange juice, lime juice, oregano, paprika, salt, pepper, and olive oil. Rub this mixture all over the pork shoulder, ensuring it’s well coated. Let marinate for at least 4 hours (or overnight) for deeper flavor. 🕰️🔥
  2. 22️⃣ Roast the Pork – Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C). Place pork in a covered roasting pan and bake for 3-4 hours, basting with its juices every hour. The meat should be fall-apart tender. Once done, shred with forks. 🐖🔥
  3. 33️⃣ Make the Green Salsa – In a blender, combine tomatillos, cilantro, garlic, jalapeño, lime juice, and salt. Blend until smooth. Adjust seasoning if needed. 🍅🌿
  4. 44️⃣ Warm the Tortillas – Heat tortillas in a dry pan or over an open flame for a slight char. Keep warm. 🌮✨
  5. 55️⃣ Assemble the Tacos – Fill each tortilla with shredded pernil, then top with sliced avocado, red onion, and a generous drizzle of green salsa. Garnish with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime. 🍋🌮
Don Luis

About the narrator

Don Luis · A character for three generations

Don Luis is the brand character and narrator for this catalog: a warm voice for Puerto Rican family recipes tested by the real creator behind the brand. The project carries three generations of flavor and writes each recipe step by step so any kid can follow it.

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