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Pernil Assado Brasileiro

A showstopping Brazilian roasted pork knuckle with a garlic-citrus crust, tender and juicy inside. Slow-roasted until the skin crackles and the meat falls apart.

Total time
180 min
Servings
6
Calories
620
Protein
52g
Pernil Assado Brasileiro
heartycelebratorybrazilianporkcrispytenderjuicyweekend

Ingredients

  • 4 lb pork knuckle (skin-on, bone-in)
  • 8 clove garlic cloves, minced
  • 3 lime limes, juiced
  • ⅓ cup olive oil
  • 2 tbsp salt
  • 1 tbsp black pepper

Instructions

  1. 1

    Pat pork knuckle dry with paper towels. Use a knife to score the skin in a crosshatch pattern, cutting only through skin, not meat.

  2. 2

    Mix minced garlic, lime juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper in a small bowl until a paste forms.

  3. 3

    Rub the paste all over the pork, pressing it into the scores. Let sit 15 minutes at room temperature.

  4. 4

    Heat oven to 450°F. Place pork skin-side up on a heavy roasting pan. Roast uncovered 30 minutes until skin begins to blister.

  5. 5

    Reduce heat to 325°F. Continue roasting 2.5–3 hours until meat is fork-tender and skin is deep golden brown and crispy.

  6. 6

    Remove from oven. Rest 20 minutes before carving. Crackling should shatter when pressed.

  7. 7

    Slice and serve with the pan drippings spooned over top.

Tools you’ll need

  • sharp chef's knife
  • small mixing bowl
  • heavy-duty roasting pan
  • instant-read thermometer (optional, target 190°F internal)

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