I'll never forget the first time I experimented with coffee in a savory dish. It was a complete accident, born out of a desperate need to use up leftover coffee grounds and a pork shoulder that was begging to be transformed. The result? Pure magic. The deep, roasted notes of the coffee mingled with the sweetness of brown sugar and the kick of chili powder created a symphony of flavors that I had never experienced before. That happy accident led me to create this Instant Pot Coffee-Rubbed Pork Shoulder recipe, and let me tell you, it's a game-changer.
If you're anything like me, you appreciate a good shortcut without sacrificing flavor. That's where the Instant Pot comes in. This magical appliance transforms a tough cut of pork shoulder into tender, fall-apart deliciousness in a fraction of the time it would take using traditional methods. What once was an all-day affair is now a simple weeknight meal. Think about the possibilities – pulled pork sandwiches on a whim, tacos filled with savory goodness, or even a quick and easy topping for nachos. And yes, this recipe is not just about convenience; it's about infusing your pork with a depth of flavor that will have everyone begging for more.
I know, I know, you might be thinking, 'Coffee on pork? Really?' But trust me on this one. The coffee doesn't make the pork taste like your morning brew. Instead, it adds a subtle richness and depth of flavor that enhances the other spices in the rub. The brown sugar provides sweetness, the smoked paprika adds a smoky depth, and the chili powder gives it a little kick. It's a flavor combination that's both comforting and exciting, and I promise you, it will become a family favorite. Let's dive into the details and discover how to make this incredible dish!
Required Equipments
- Instant Pot
- Large Bowl
- Small Bowl
- Measuring Cups
- Measuring Spoons
- Whisk
- Tongs
- Fork
Instant Pot Coffee Rubbed Pork Shoulder: Frequently Asked Questions
Instant Pot Coffee Rubbed Pork Shoulder
This Instant Pot Coffee-Rubbed Pork Shoulder recipe transforms a tough cut of meat into tender, fall-apart goodness with a unique blend of coffee and spices. Perfect for sandwiches, tacos, or nachos, this dish delivers rich, complex flavors in a fraction of the time compared to traditional methods.
⏳ Yield & Time
Yield: 6 servings
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 75 minutes
Total Time:
🍽 Ingredients
📖 Instructions
- First, let's get started by prepping the coffee rub. In a small bowl, whisk together the ground coffee, brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Make sure everything is evenly distributed to maximize the flavor infusion!
- Now, generously rub the mixture all over the pork shoulder. Really massage it in there, pressing it into every nook and cranny. This is where the magic happens – the coffee and spices will create a flavorful crust during the cooking process. Once the pork is fully coated, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. This allows the rub to adhere better and the flavors to start penetrating the meat. I know, waiting is hard, but trust me, it's worth it!
- Next, pour the beef broth into the Instant Pot. Place the trivet inside. Carefully place the coffee-rubbed pork shoulder on top of the trivet. The trivet will prevent the pork from sitting directly in the liquid, allowing it to braise and cook evenly.
- Now, secure the lid on the Instant Pot, ensuring the valve is set to the sealing position. Set the Instant Pot to manual/high pressure and cook for 75 minutes. If you’re using a larger pork shoulder (over 4 pounds), you may need to increase the cooking time by 10-15 minutes. What does this mean for you? It means tender, juicy, fall-apart pork in a fraction of the time compared to traditional methods! During the cooking time, try not to think about how mouthwatering it's going to be! I understand its difficult, but be patient! I once forgot and open the Instant pot but had to start over, what a waste of time!
- Once the cooking time is up, let the Instant Pot naturally release pressure for 15 minutes. After 15 minutes, carefully release any remaining pressure manually by turning the valve to the venting position. Be cautious of the steam!
- Carefully remove the pork shoulder from the Instant Pot and place it on a large cutting board. Let it rest for about 10-15 minutes before shredding. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in even more tender and flavorful pork. Trust me, patience is key here! If you shred it too soon, all the juices will run out, and your pork will be drier.
- Using two forks, shred the pork shoulder. Discard any large pieces of fat or connective tissue. The pork should easily pull apart into delicious, tender strands.
- Now, it's time to serve and enjoy! There are so many ways to enjoy this coffee-rubbed pork shoulder. Serve it on buns for pulled pork sandwiches, pile it on top of nachos, stuff it into tacos, or simply enjoy it on its own with your favorite sides. The possibilities are endless! One of my favorite ways to serve it is with coleslaw and a drizzle of barbecue sauce on a toasted brioche bun. What’s your favorite way to enjoy pulled pork? I'm always looking for new ideas!
📝 Notes
🍎 Nutrition
Calories: 450 kcal
Protein: 35g
Fat: 30g
Carbohydrates: 15g
Fiber: 2g
Calcium: 80mg
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