Slow-Roasted Coffee-Rubbed Pork Shoulder with Charred Pineapple Salsa
A bold coffee and spice rub elevates slow-roasted pork shoulder, complemented by a bright and smoky charred pineapple salsa for a vibrant Latin American-inspired dish. This latin american-inspired pork ready in about 380 minutes blends pork shoulder, ground coffee, brown sugar into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 550 calories and feeds 8, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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
- 4 lbs pork shoulder
- 2 tbsp ground coffee
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp paprika
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cups pineapple, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1/2 cup red onion, finely diced
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 small jalapeño, seeded and minced
- 2 tbsp lime juice
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 275°F (135°C). In a small bowl, mix 2 tbsp ground coffee, 2 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tbsp paprika, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp chili powder, 2 tsp salt, and 1 tsp black pepper to form the rub.
- Step 2: Rub the 4 lb pork shoulder all over with 2 tbsp olive oil, then massage the coffee spice rub into all surfaces of the meat.
- Step 3: Place the pork shoulder on a rack in a roasting pan and slow roast for 5-6 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 195°F (90°C) and the meat is tender and pulls apart easily.
- Step 4: While the pork roasts, prepare the salsa: heat a grill pan over high heat and toss 2 cups pineapple cubes for 3-4 minutes until charred on all sides.
- Step 5: In a bowl, combine the charred pineapple, 1/2 cup finely diced red onion, 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, 1 minced small jalapeño, and 2 tbsp lime juice. Stir to combine and season with salt to taste.
- Step 6: When the pork is done, let rest for 15 minutes, then shred with two forks and serve topped with the charred pineapple salsa.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Slow-Roasted Coffee-Rubbed Pork Shoulder with Charred Pineapple Salsa take to make?
Total time is about 380 minutes (20 min prep + 360 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Slow-Roasted Coffee-Rubbed Pork Shoulder with Charred Pineapple Salsa?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in Slow-Roasted Coffee-Rubbed Pork Shoulder with Charred Pineapple Salsa?
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 Slow-Roasted Coffee-Rubbed Pork Shoulder with Charred Pineapple Salsa for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 8 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 8). 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 Slow-Roasted Coffee-Rubbed Pork Shoulder with Charred Pineapple Salsa?
Latin American 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.
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