SWEET PORK – CAFE RIO COPYCAT – This flavorful shredded pork is sweet, tangy, and can be used for tacos, burritos, quesadillas, and so much more!
Sweet Pork – Cafe Rio Copycat has been a family favorite for years, requested again and again. It’s delicious, simple to make, and can easily feed a crowd.
What I especially love about this recipe is all the different ways I can use it, making leftovers a delight. Burritos, tacos, nachos, enchiladas, quesadillas, salad, you name it…
I generally start marinating Sweet Pork – Cafe Rio Copycat two nights before I plan to serve it. I will then cook it for the initial 6-8 hours the day before. Then shred the pork, drain off the liquid, add the enchilada mixture, and set it in the fridge overnight.
Then I will cook it for the final 2 hours of slow cooking the day I plan to serve it. This allows the meat to really soak in those delicious juices, as well as allowing me to time the meal much more predictably.
Sweet Pork – Cafe Rio Copycat can be stored in an airtight container the fridge for 4-5 days. It can be warmed up in the crock pot, over the stove, or in the microwave.
Looking for more ideas for slow cooked meats? Try my Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork or French Dip Sandwiches.
Here’s what you need to make Sweet Pork – Cafe Rio Copycat…
- Boneless pork meat
- Coke
- Brown sugar
- Garlic salt
- Water
- Green chilies
- Red enchilada sauce
Sweet Pork - Cafe Rio Copycat
SWEET PORK - CAFE RIO COPYCAT - This flavorful shredded pork is sweet, tangy, and can be used for tacos, burritos, quesadillas, and so much more!
Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless pork meat
- 3 (12 ounce) cans Coke, divided (not Diet Coke or Coke Zero)
- 1 1/4 cup brown sugar, divided
- Dash of garlic salt
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 can sliced green chilies
- 7.5 ounces canned red enchilada sauce
Instructions
- In a ziplock bag (I use heavy duty 2.5 gallon), add the pork meat, about 18 ounces of Coke, and 1/4 cup of the brown sugar.
- Marinade in the fridge for at least 8 hours, or overnight if possible.
- When ready to cook, remove the pork from the ziplock bag and add it to a crock pot. Discard the marinade.
- Add about 6 ounces of Coke, water, and garlic salt to taste. Cook on low for 6-8 hours (or 3-4 hours on high). The pork should shred easily, but not be dry.
- Remove the pork and shred completely. Discard the liquid from the crock pot.
- Add the shredded pork to the crock pot.
- In a blender or food processor add about 6 ounces of Coke, enchilada sauce, chilies, and remaining 1 cup of brown sugar. Blend. Add more Coke as needed to desired thickness.
- Add the blended mixture to the crock pot. Cook on low for 2 hours.
- Serve. Sweet Pork can be used for tacos, burritos, nachos, quesdillas, enchiladas, salad, tostadas and more.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 8 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 411Total Fat: 16gSaturated Fat: 6gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 9gCholesterol: 100mgSodium: 330mgCarbohydrates: 36gFiber: 1gSugar: 34gProtein: 30g
Nutritional information is provided as a courtesy and is only an estimate.
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What to serve with Sweet Pork
Simply Delicious Salsa
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Shrimp Taco Salad with Chili-Lime Dressing
A fresh and zesty green salad comprised of marinated shrimp, avocados, tomatoes and black beans; then finished off with a quick and simple chili-lime dressing.
Black Bean Mango Salsa
This beautiful and flavorful salsa combines black beans with fresh mango, avocado, cilantro and lime juice. It's always a crowd pleaser.
Slow Cooker Taco Soup
A hearty soup filled with ground beef, tomatoes, green chiles, pinto beans, and corn. Top it with cheese, jalapeños and more for an easy, satisfying dish.
Mexican Rice
Rice steamed in tomato sauce, garlic and onions then topped off with fresh cilantro. It will perfectly compliment your favorite Mexican food dish.
Easy Creamy Guacamole
Mashed avocados combined with lime, garlic, onion, tomato and sour cream. It's prefect as a dip or a topping.
Horchata
A sweet and creamy, cinnamon flavored rice milk beverage. It's an authentic Mexican treat that's sure to be a fun and delicious addition to your next taco night.
Mexican Street Corn Salad
Corn fresh off the cob, toasted then tossed with a creamy lime sauce and finished off with Cotija cheese and cilantro. This quick salad is perfect for warm weather!
Recipe source: adapted from Favorite Family Recipes
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