Is Pork Shoulder the Same as Pernil? A Comprehensive Guide to Two Succulent Cuts

Pork shoulder and pernil are two popular cuts of pork that are often used in a variety of dishes. While they share some similarities, there are also some key differences between the two cuts. In this guide, we’ll explore the differences between pork shoulder and pernil, and provide tips on how to cook each cut to perfection.

What is Pork Shoulder?

Pork shoulder, also known as pork butt, is a cut of meat that comes from the upper part of the pig’s shoulder. It is a large, fatty cut of meat that is well-suited for slow cooking methods, such as roasting, braising, or smoking. Pork shoulder is a relatively inexpensive cut of meat, and it is a good choice for budget-minded cooks.

What is Pernil?

Pernil is a cut of pork that comes from the lower part of the pig’s shoulder. It is a smaller, leaner cut of meat than pork shoulder, and it has a more pronounced pork flavor. Pernil is a popular cut of meat in Puerto Rican cuisine, and it is often used in dishes such as pernil asado (roasted pork shoulder) and pernil guisado (stewed pork shoulder).

Key Differences Between Pork Shoulder and Pernil

The following table summarizes the key differences between pork shoulder and pernil:

Characteristic	Pork Shoulder	Pernil
Location	Upper part of the pig’s shoulder	Lower part of the pig’s shoulder
Size	Large	Small
Fat content	High	Low
Flavor	Mild	Pronounced
Price	Inexpensive	More expensive

How to Cook Pork Shoulder

Pork shoulder is a versatile cut of meat that can be cooked in a variety of ways. The following are some tips for cooking pork shoulder:

Roasting: Pork shoulder is a great choice for roasting. To roast pork shoulder, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the pork shoulder in a roasting pan and cook for 3-4 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 145 degrees Fahrenheit.
Braising: Pork shoulder is also a good choice for braising. To braise pork shoulder, brown the meat in a Dutch oven over medium heat. Add some vegetables, such as onions, carrots, and celery, and cover the meat with liquid, such as chicken broth or beer. Bring the liquid to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 2-3 hours, or until the meat is tender.
Smoking: Pork shoulder is a popular choice for smoking. To smoke pork shoulder, preheat your smoker to 225 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the pork shoulder on the smoker and cook for 6-8 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 145 degrees Fahrenheit.

How to Cook Pernil

Pernil is a delicious cut of meat that can be cooked in a variety of ways. The following are some tips for cooking pernil:

Roasting: Pernil is a great choice for roasting. To roast pernil, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the pernil in a roasting pan and cook for 2-3 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 145 degrees Fahrenheit.
Braising: Pernil is also a good choice for braising. To braise pernil, brown the meat in a Dutch oven over medium heat. Add some vegetables, such as onions, carrots, and celery, and cover the meat with liquid, such as chicken broth or beer. Bring the liquid to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 2-3 hours, or until the meat is tender.
Stewing: Pernil is a popular choice for stewing. To stew pernil, brown the meat in a Dutch oven over medium heat. Add some vegetables, such as onions, carrots, and celery, and cover the meat with liquid, such as chicken broth or beer. Bring the liquid to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 2-3 hours, or until the meat is tender.

Pork shoulder and pernil are two delicious cuts of pork that can be used in a variety of dishes. While they share some similarities, there are also some key differences between the two cuts. By understanding the differences between pork shoulder and pernil, you can choose the right cut of meat for your next recipe.

Let’s Make a Pernil (Puerto Rican Roast Pork Shoulder)!

FAQ

What are other names for pernil?

Pernil (pernil asado, pernil al horno, roast pork butt) is a slow-roasted marinated pork leg or pork shoulder common in Latin American cuisine.

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.

What is pork shoulder called in grocery store?

Pork shoulder makes up the whole front leg and shoulder of a hog. If you are shopping at the neighborhood grocery store, you can expect to find pork shoulder divided into two cuts. These two halves are the pork butt and pork shoulder, also referred to as the “Boston roast” and the “picnic roast.”

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.