Slow-Roasted Pork Shoulder with Spiced Coffee Rub

By · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender, slow-roasted pork shoulder infused with a bold spiced coffee rub for a deep, complex flavor. This american-inspired pork ready in about 375 minutes pairs pork shoulder, ground coffee, brown sugar for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 480 calories and feeds 8, 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 360 min Serves 8 American cuisine 480 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a small bowl, combine 2 tbsp ground coffee, 2 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tbsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp ground black pepper, 1 tbsp salt, 1 tsp garlic powder, and 1 tsp onion powder to create the rub.
  2. Step 2: Pat dry 4 lbs pork shoulder and rub evenly all over with 2 tbsp olive oil, then coat thoroughly with the coffee spice rub mixture.
  3. Step 3: Preheat the oven to 275°F (135°C). Place the pork shoulder on a rack in a roasting pan and roast for 5-6 hours, until the meat is fork-tender and pulls apart easily.
  4. Step 4: Remove from oven and let rest for 15 minutes before shredding or slicing. Serve with pan juices or your favorite barbecue sauce.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow-Roasted Pork Shoulder with Spiced Coffee Rub take to make?

Total time is about 375 minutes (15 min prep + 360 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 Slow-Roasted Pork Shoulder with Spiced Coffee Rub?

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 pork shoulder from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Slow-Roasted Pork Shoulder with Spiced Coffee Rub?

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 Pork Shoulder with Spiced Coffee Rub 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 Pork Shoulder with Spiced Coffee Rub?

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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