Cafe Rio Sweet Pork copycat
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
15 mins
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Cook Time
8 hrs
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Servings
8
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Course
Main Course, Salad, Others
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Cuisine
Mexican
Cafe Rio Sweet Pork copycat
Description
This recipe begins by seasoning a pork shoulder roast with garlic salt, salt, and pepper, then cooking it in a crock pot with cola and water to impart sweetness and moisture during a 6-8 hour slow cook. Once tender, the pork is shredded and excess fat removed. A sauce is then prepared in a blender using remaining cola, diced green chilies, red enchilada sauce, and brown sugar, creating a sweet and mildly spicy sauce that complements the pork.
The shredded pork is returned to the crock pot and mixed with the sauce for an additional 1–2 hours on low heat, allowing flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken. This preparation yields soft, flavorful pork that is sweet with a slight tang and gentle heat from the chilies, balanced by the caramel notes of the cola and brown sugar.
The pork can be served as a filling for burritos, tacos, or added to salads for a flavorful protein component. The make-ahead nature of the slow cooker method allows for hands-off preparation and tender meat texture.
Ingredients
- 3 pound pork shoulder roast or pork butt roast
- 16 ounces cola divided (*do not use diet soda. The sugar in regular soda is needed, Coca-Cola soda
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 teaspoon garlic salt
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 can (4 ounces) green chilies diced
- 1 can (10 ounces) Red Enchilada Sauce
- 3/4 cup brown sugar packed
Instructions
- Spray inside of a large crock pot with cooking spray. Place pork roast inside. Pour 8 ounces of Coca-Cola ( I used a measuring cup) and water around pork. (It does not need to cover roast) Sprinkle evenly with garlic salt, salt and pepper. Cover with lid and cook on high heat for 6 hours OR cook on low heat for 8 hours.
- Remove pork from crock pot and transfer to cutting board. Discard liquid from crock pot. Shred pork with two forks, and remove any fat.
- In a blender or food processor, blend the remaining 8 ounces Coca-Cola, diced green chilies, enchilada sauce and brown sugar. Blend until smooth.
- Place shredded pork back in crock pot. Pour enchilada sauce mixture over the shredded pork. Cover crock pot with lid and cook another 1 to 2 hours on low heat. Serve pork in burritos, salads and tacos!
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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