coffee rubbed pulled pork tacos with pineapple salsa

Pulled pork

coffee rubbed pulled pork tacos with pineapple salsa

By:

GuideMyRecipe

Published:

14 Sept 2025

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I still remember my first trip to Oaxaca. The markets burst with colors, aromas swirled in the air like a fragrant dance, and the food... oh, the food! That's where I first encountered the magic of coffee as a savory spice. An old woman, Dona Elena, shared her family's secret: rubbing coffee onto pork before slow-cooking it. The results? A depth of flavor unlike anything I'd tasted before. I want to share my spin on Dona Elena's teachings, transforming that incredible flavor into these irresistible Coffee-Rubbed Pulled Pork Tacos.
close up shot of coffee beans being ground
What makes these tacos sing isn't just the coffee-rub, tho'. It's the interplay of sweet, spicy, and savory. The coffee provides a dark, smoky counterpoint to the pork's natural sweetness, while the pineapple salsa adds a tropical burst of sunshine that cuts through the richness. The smokiness gets infused during a low and slow cook in a slow cooker that results in melt in your mouth flavor.
slow cooker with pulled pork inside

Required Equipments

  • Slow Cooker
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Cutting Board
  • Knife
  • Two Forks
  • Tortilla Warmer

Coffee Rubbed Pulled Pork Tacos with Pineapple Salsa: Frequently Asked Questions

Coffee Rubbed Pulled Pork Tacos with Pineapple Salsa

These Coffee-Rubbed Pulled Pork Tacos combine the rich, smoky flavor of coffee-infused pork with the sweet and tangy freshness of pineapple salsa. A vibrant and unforgettable taco experience!

⏳ Yield & Time

Yield: 6 servings

Preparation Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 480 minutes

Total Time:

🍽 Ingredients

📖 Instructions

  1. **Make the Coffee Rub:** In a small bowl, combine the ground coffee, brown sugar, chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to combine. Pro tip: Use a mortar and pestle for an even finer grind, which will help the rub adhere better to the pork.
  2. **Prepare the Pork:** Trim any excess fat from the pork shoulder. Generously rub the coffee mixture all over the pork, ensuring it's evenly coated. Really massage the rub in – this helps to tenderize the meat and infuse it with flavor.
  3. **Slow Cook the Pork:** Place the rubbed pork shoulder in a slow cooker. Pour the chicken broth around the pork, being careful not to wash off the rub. Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours, or on high for 4-6 hours, or until the pork is fork-tender and easily shreds. The internal temperature should reach around 203°F (95°C).
  4. **Make the Pineapple Salsa:** While the pork is cooking, prepare the pineapple salsa. In a medium bowl, combine the diced pineapple, red onion, jalapeño, cilantro, lime juice, and a pinch of salt. Stir well and set aside. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. If you want less spice, remove the seeds and membranes from the jalapeño. If you are looking for more spice add a bit more jalapeño!
  5. **Shred the Pork:** Once the pork is cooked, remove it from the slow cooker and let it rest for 15-20 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in more tender and flavorful pork. Using two forks, shred the pork. Discard any large pieces of fat.
  6. **Assemble the Tacos:** Warm the tortillas according to package instructions. Fill each tortilla with the shredded coffee-rubbed pulled pork and top with a generous spoonful of pineapple salsa. Garnish with additional cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice, if desired.
  7. **Serve and Enjoy:** Serve the Coffee-Rubbed Pulled Pork Tacos immediately and watch them disappear. They are fantastic with a side of black beans and rice, or even a simple green salad. Feel free to add other toppings like pickled onions, avocado, or a drizzle of your favorite hot sauce. Remember the most important thing is that you enjoy the tacos that you worked so hard to make.

📝 Notes

  • For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the coffee rub.
  • If you don't have smoked paprika, regular paprika will work, but the flavor won't be as deep.
  • Feel free to use store-bought pineapple salsa to save time.

🍎 Nutrition

Calories: 450 kcal

Protein: 40 g

Fat: 20 g

Carbohydrates: 35 g

Fiber: 5 g

Calcium: 50 mg

A taco is not just a dish, it's an experience. It's a story told in layers of flavor, and every bite should be an adventure.

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