Spiced Rum and Coconut Braised Pork Shoulder

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender pork shoulder slow-braised in a fragrant blend of spiced rum, coconut milk, and warm spices for a rich and comforting meal. This caribbean-inspired pork ready in about 170 minutes pairs pork shoulder, cut into 2-inch chunks, spiced rum, (13.5 oz) coconut milk for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 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.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 150 min Serves 6 Caribbean cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Season 2 lbs pork shoulder chunks with 1 1/2 tsp salt and 1 tsp black pepper. Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a heavy pot over medium-high heat and brown pork in batches for 4-5 minutes per side until well caramelized, then set aside.
  2. Step 2: In the same pot, add 1 diced medium onion and 4 minced garlic cloves; sauté over medium heat for 4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 1 tsp ground cinnamon, 1/2 tsp ground allspice, and 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg, cooking for 1 minute to toast the spices.
  4. Step 4: Deglaze the pot with 1/3 cup spiced rum, scraping up browned bits, then add the browned pork back in along with 1 can (13.5 oz) coconut milk and 3 sprigs fresh thyme.
  5. Step 5: Bring to a gentle simmer, cover, reduce heat to low, and braise for 2 to 2 1/2 hours until pork is fork-tender and sauce is thickened, stirring occasionally.
  6. Step 6: Remove thyme sprigs and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve with fresh lime wedges to squeeze over the pork.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Spiced Rum and Coconut Braised Pork Shoulder take to make?

Total time is about 170 minutes (20 min prep + 150 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 Spiced Rum and Coconut 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 spiced rum from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Spiced Rum and Coconut 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 Spiced Rum and Coconut 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 Spiced Rum and Coconut 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.

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