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A plate of Cafe Rio Sweet Pork served in a soft flour tortilla, topped with shredded cheese, fresh cilantro, and a drizzle of creamy dressing, with a matte, light-colored background.

Cafe Rio Sweet Pork Copycat

Recreate the famous Cafe Rio Sweet Pork at home with this tender, juicy, and sweet shredded pork recipe. Perfect for tacos, burritos, and salads!
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 8 hours
Total Time 8 hours 15 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Mexican
Servings 8 servings
Calories 350 kcal

Equipment

  • Slow Cooker
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Tongs
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons
  • Forks for Shredding

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients

  • 3 lbs boneless pork shoulder (or pork butt) trimmed of excess fat
  • 1 can cola (such as Coke or Dr. Pepper) not diet soda
  • 1 cup brown sugar light or dark
  • 1 cup red enchilada sauce mild or medium
  • 1 tbsp adobo sauce from canned chipotle peppers
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp chili powder

Instructions
 

  • Place the pork shoulder in the slow cooker and season with garlic powder, onion powder, and chili powder.
  • Pour the cola and half of the brown sugar over the pork. Cover and cook on low for 7-8 hours (or high for 4-5 hours) until the pork is fork-tender.
  • Remove the pork from the slow cooker and shred with two forks. Discard any excess fat.
  • In a mixing bowl, combine the enchilada sauce, remaining brown sugar, and adobo sauce. Pour over the shredded pork and stir well.
  • Return the pork to the slow cooker and cook on low for an additional 20-30 minutes to absorb flavors.
  • Serve warm in tacos, burritos, salads, or enchiladas.

Notes

For a thicker sauce, mix 1 tbsp cornstarch with 2 tbsp cold water and stir it into the slow cooker during the final 30 minutes.

Nutrition

Calories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 38gProtein: 30gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 85mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 450mgFiber: 1gSugar: 34gVitamin A: 10IUVitamin C: 4mgCalcium: 80mgIron: 2.5mg
Keyword Cafe Rio, Copycat Recipe, Slow Cooker, Sweet Pork
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