Pernil and pulled pork are both slow-cooked pork dishes that are popular in many cultures. However, there are some key differences between the two dishes.
1. Cut of Meat
- Pernil: Traditionally made with the picnic cut of pork, which is the lower half of the pork shoulder. This cut has a little more connective tissue and is sold with the skin on.
- Pulled Pork: Typically made with the pork butt, which is the upper half of the pork shoulder. This cut has less connective tissue and is sold without the skin.
2. Seasoning
- Pernil: Seasoned with a blend of spices, including garlic, oregano, cumin, and paprika.
- Pulled Pork: Seasoned with a variety of spices, depending on the region. Common seasonings include brown sugar, mustard, and vinegar.
3. Cooking Method
- Pernil: Typically roasted in the oven or on a grill.
- Pulled Pork: Typically smoked or braised.
4. Texture
- Pernil: Has a slightly firmer texture than pulled pork.
- Pulled Pork: Has a very tender, “pulled” texture.
5. Flavor
- Pernil: Has a more savory flavor than pulled pork.
- Pulled Pork: Has a sweeter flavor than pernil.
6. Serving
- Pernil: Often served with rice and beans or other side dishes.
- Pulled Pork: Often served on sandwiches or tacos.
7. Origin
- Pernil: Originated in Puerto Rico.
- Pulled Pork: Originated in the United States.
Which One Should You Choose?
Ultimately, the best choice for you will depend on your personal preferences. If you prefer a more savory, firmer pork dish, then pernil is a good option. If you prefer a sweeter, more tender pork dish, then pulled pork is a good option.
Additional Information
- Pernil is often marinated overnight before cooking.
- Pulled pork is often cooked with a barbecue sauce.
- Both pernil and pulled pork can be made ahead of time and reheated when you’re ready to serve.
Pork Butt vs Pork Shoulder – Ace Hardware
FAQ
Is pork shoulder the same as pulled pork?
Pork butt, also known as Boston butt or pork shoulder, is a cut of meat from the upper portion of a pig’s front shoulder. It’s a relatively inexpensive and forgiving hunk of meat that you’ll most often see served as pulled pork in barbecue restaurants.
What cut of meat is pernil made from?
Pernil is roasted pork shoulder, seasoned to the max. It is served with rice and beans, salad, or sweet plantains.
Is pernil and carnitas the same thing?
This Puerto Rican pernil recipe is very similar to Mexican carnitas. Both are made by roasting pork shoulder to create extra tender, seasoned meat. However, carnitas is flavored with orange juice, lemon juice, lime juice and seasonings, while pernil is made with lots of garlic and savory Latin American seasonings.
What is the difference between pernil and Lechon?
There are two ways to make it: lechón or pernil. While the first one refers to the whole pig a la vara (on a metal skewer) cooked slowly rotating constantly over a fire spit outside, the latter refers to the leg or shoulder of the animal, which you can cook in your oven.