Black Rum and Coffee Braised Pork Shoulder
Tender pork shoulder slow-braised in a bold sauce of black rum and coffee, enhanced with aromatic spices for a deep, savory dish. This caribbean-inspired pork ready in about 200 minutes pairs pork shoulder, cut into 2-inch chunks, black rum, strong brewed coffee for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 480 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 3 lbs pork shoulder, cut into 2-inch chunks
- 1/2 cup black rum
- 1 cup strong brewed coffee
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large yellow onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup for garnish fresh cilantro, chopped
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat until shimmering. Season 3 lbs pork shoulder chunks with 1 1/2 tsp salt and 1 tsp black pepper, then brown in batches for 4-5 minutes per side until deeply caramelized. Remove pork and set aside.
- Step 2: Reduce heat to medium and add 1 large diced yellow onion and 4 minced garlic cloves to the pot. Sauté for 5 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Step 3: Stir in 2 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp ground cumin, and 1/2 tsp chili powder, cooking for 1 minute to toast the spices.
- Step 4: Pour in 1/2 cup black rum and 1 cup strong brewed coffee, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Let the mixture simmer for 3 minutes to reduce slightly.
- Step 5: Return the browned pork to the pot and add 1 cup chicken broth. Bring to a gentle simmer, then cover and reduce heat to low. Braise for 2.5 to 3 hours until the pork is fork-tender and the sauce has thickened.
- Step 6: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Garnish with 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro before serving over rice or creamy polenta.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Black Rum and Coffee Braised Pork Shoulder take to make?
Total time is about 200 minutes (20 min prep + 180 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Black Rum and Coffee Braised Pork Shoulder?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep black rum from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Black Rum and Coffee Braised Pork Shoulder?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Black Rum and Coffee Braised Pork Shoulder for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Black Rum and Coffee Braised Pork Shoulder?
Caribbean pork like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
