Cafe Rio Sweet Pork Recipe (2024)

Table of Contents
Cafe Rio Sweet Pork Ingredients What Kind of Pork Is Best? Ways to Use Sweet Pork Slow Cooker Satisfaction Try it In the Instant Pot Our Copycat Cafe Rio Sweet Pork Recipes Cafe Rio Sweet Pork Salad Cafe Rio Copycat Recipes – All the Best in One Place Cafe Rio Sweet Pork Burrito Sweet Pork Baked Burritos 5-Star Reviews Frequently Asked Questions About Shredded Sweet Pork More Cafe Rio Recipes Cilantro Lime Vinaigrette Cafe Rio Tortilla Soup Cilantro Lime Rice Cafe Rio Dressing (Cilantro Ranch Dressing) A few more Cafe Rio / Costa Vida Recipes How to Make Cafe Rio Sweet Pork Cafe Rio Sweet Pork Copycat Recipe Video Ingredients Instructions Notes Nutrition Information FAQs

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Unlock the secret to replicating the mouthwatering magic of Cafe Rio’s Sweet Pork with this easy tried-and-true copycat recipe!

Cafe Rio Sweet Pork Recipe (1)
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Featured With This Recipe
  1. Cafe Rio Sweet Pork Ingredients
  2. What Kind of Pork Is Best?
  3. Ways to Use Sweet Pork
  4. Slow Cooker Satisfaction
  5. Try it In the Instant Pot
  6. Our Copycat Cafe Rio Sweet Pork Recipes
  7. 5-Star Reviews
  8. Frequently Asked Questions About Shredded Sweet Pork
  9. More Cafe Rio Recipes
  10. How to Make Cafe Rio Sweet Pork
  11. Cafe Rio Sweet Pork Copycat Recipe Recipe

This copycat Cafe Rio Sweet Pork Recipe is one of the most popular recipes on our website. That’s because it tastes so similar to the original. The pork is tender and juicy, with the perfect amount of sweetness. We originally shared this recipe back in 2007, and it has been the most popular Cafe Rio copycat recipe on the internet! Be sure to check out all our other tasty Mexican Recipes! We have all kinds of yummy Mexican dishes to round out your meals and celebrations!

Cafe Rio Sweet Pork Ingredients

  • Pork (see suggested pork cuts below)
  • Coca Cola (co*ke) – Don’t use diet soda for this recipe. It won’t taste the same.
  • Brown sugar
  • Garlic salt
  • Water
  • Diced green chiles
  • Enchilada sauce

What Kind of Pork Is Best?

For this sweet pork recipe, it’s best to use boneless pork ribs, pork shoulder, pork roast, or pork butt. These cuts are well-marbled and tender, which makes them perfect for slow cooking and achieving that deliciously tender and flavorful result.

Cafe Rio Sweet Pork Recipe (2)

Ways to Use Sweet Pork

Sweet pork is my favorite meat at Cafe Rio. I love it! When prepared correctly, it practically melts in your mouth. With this recipe, you can now have the amazing taste of Cafe Rio Pork at home – all you need is a few simple ingredients and a crock pot. Once it’s shredded and ready to go, use it as a topping or filling in any of the following ways:

  • Sweet Pork Salad
  • Burritos
  • Enchiladas
  • Tacos
  • Tostadas
  • Quesadillas
Cafe Rio Sweet Pork Recipe (3)

Slow Cooker Satisfaction

I love making meals in the crock pot and this is no exception. The pork slow cooks all day, and then at dinnertime, you have an amazing dish to serve to your family. It also makes the house smell SO good! I always make a ton of this sweet pork so I can use it in multiple recipes throughout the week, I also find myself snacking on it straight out of the fridge. It’s that good!

The slow cooker makes this recipe so easy to make. If you are short on time, you can skip the marinating step. It does add more flavor to the meat, but it will still turn out great. The pork cooks for a long time in the slow cooker which makes the meat tender and easy to shred. Because of differences in slow cooker heat, make sure you check it a few times throughout the day to make sure the meat doesn’t overcook.

Try it In the Instant Pot

Short on time? Throw all the ingredients in the Instant Pot and cook on high pressure for 60 minutes. Natural release for 20 minutes. If using pork ribs or pork chops, the time can be reduced to 40 minutes. For larger pork roasts you may need to add more time. The pork should shred easily after cooking. If the pork is still tough, place back in the Instant Pot for another 10-20 minutes depending how much more time you think it needs. After shredding, put the Instant Pot on the “sauté” setting and cook until the sauce thickens to your preference.

Our Copycat Cafe Rio Sweet Pork Recipes

Use this cafe rio pork recipe to re-create any of these cravable Cafe Rio menu items:

Salads

Cafe Rio Sweet Pork Salad

COPYCAT

Cafe Rio Copycat Recipes – All the Best in One Place

Dinner

Cafe Rio Sweet Pork Burrito

5-Star Reviews

We have received many rave reviews on this sweet pork recipe. This pork is the real deal! We are thrilled that so many of you have enjoyed this recipe as much as we have.

“So I moved to Texas a little over a year ago and to my despair there isn’t a Cafe Rio for 500 miles. I love the pork Barbacoa burrito and have not been able to recreate it or find some thing close to it here in Texas until this recipe thank you for posting this. Every time I eat it, it’s like a warm homey feeling comes over me.” – Kamie

“I had my doubts because the ingredients seem so random, but we love this recipe and have done it with and without marinade several times. A++ both ways.” – Jessica

“THIS WAS ABSOLUTELY SPOT. ON. tastes amazing leftover too!!!!!” – Jared

“We love, love, love this recipe! We have made it for several years now and it surely is a treat! I love your blog and haven’t ever been disappointed! I make LOTS when I make it and freeze it…tastes just as good when thawed! Also the dressings freeze well too! Thanks for your time and talent!”– Misti

Frequently Asked Questions About Shredded Sweet Pork

How much protein is in a serving of Cafe Rio sweet pork?

This recipe for Cafe Rio sweet pork has 16g of protein per serving.

Can you use pork loin instead of pork shoulder for pulled pork?

Yes, pork loin can be used instead of pork shoulder for pulled or shredded pork.

How do you make sweet pork?

You cook the pork low and slow with sugar, soda, and a few seasonings. See the recipe below for full instructions.

Read More: 33+ Easy Dinner Ideas

More Cafe Rio Recipes

Dressings

Cilantro Lime Vinaigrette

Soups

Cafe Rio Tortilla Soup

Dressings

Cafe Rio Dressing (Cilantro Ranch Dressing)

A few more Cafe Rio / Costa Vida Recipes

  • Salsa Fresca (Pico de Gallo)
  • Cafe Rio’s Cilantro-Lime Vinaigrette
  • Homemade Flour Tortillas
  • Homemade Tortilla Strips
  • The BEST Guacamole EVER
  • Our Version of Cafe Rio’s Cilantro-Lime Rice and Black Beans
  • Cafe Rio’s Cilantro Ranch Dressing

How to Make Cafe Rio Sweet Pork

Cafe Rio Sweet Pork Recipe (12)

Cafe Rio Sweet Pork Copycat Recipe

4.90 from 117 votes

Unlock the secret to replicating the mouthwatering magic of Cafe Rio's Sweet Pork with this easy tried-and-true copycat recipe!

PrintPinRate

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 hours hrs

Marinating Time 4 hours hrs

Total Time 14 hours hrs 15 minutes mins

Course Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine Mexican/Spanish

Servings 10

Video

Ingredients

  • 2 pounds pork (we use boneless pork ribs)
  • 36 ounces co*ke (3 soda cans) NOT diet
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • dash garlic salt
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 1 can diced green chilies
  • 10 ounces red enchilada sauce (Old El Paso brand is gluten free, I like medium spiciness but any will work)
  • 1 cup brown sugar

Instructions

  • Put the pork in a heavy duty ziploc bag to marinate. Add about a can and a half of co*ke and about ¼ cup of brown sugar.Marinate for a few hours or overnight.

    Cafe Rio Sweet Pork Recipe (13)

  • Drain marinade and put pork, ½ can of co*ke, water, and garlic salt in crock pot on high for about 3-4 hours (or until it shreds easily, but don’t let it get TOO dry) or on low for 8 hours. .

    Cafe Rio Sweet Pork Recipe (14)

  • Remove pork from crock pot and discard any liquid left in the pot. Shred pork

    Cafe Rio Sweet Pork Recipe (15)

  • In a food processor or blender, blend ½ can co*ke, chilies, enchilada sauce and remaining brown sugar (about a cup, you can add a little more or less to taste). If it looks too thick, add more co*ke little by little. Put shredded pork and sauce in crockpot and cook on low for 2 hours.

    Cafe Rio Sweet Pork Recipe (16)

  • Serve on your favorite burrito or salad!

    Cafe Rio Sweet Pork Recipe (17)

Notes

  • Instant Pot Instructions: Throw all the ingredients in the Instant Pot and pressure cook on high for 60 minutes. Natural release for 20 minutes. If using pork ribs or pork chops, the time can be reduced to 40 minutes. For larger pork roasts you may need to add more time. The pork should shred easily after cooking. If the pork is still tough, place back in the Instant Pot for another 10-20 minutes depending how much more time you think it needs. After shredding, put the Instant Pot on the “sauté” setting and cook until the sauce thickens to your preference.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.
  • Leftovers can also be frozen in freezer Ziplock bags for up to 5 months.

Nutrition Information

Calories: 395kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 16gFat: 19gSaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 65mgSodium: 354mgPotassium: 310mgFiber: 1gSugar: 38gVitamin A: 210IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 42mgIron: 1mg

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Cafe Rio Sweet Pork Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What is sweet pork made of? ›

There are a few sweet pork recipes out there but I've found the best one to be this near-perfect imitation of Cafe Rio's sweet pork. The key ingredients are (besides pork, of course) Coca-Cola, brown sugar, chilis, enchilada sauce, and spices.

Discover More ›
How many carbs are in sweet pork at Cafe Rio? ›

Cafe Rio Tacos, Sweet Pork Barbacoa (1 serving) contains 8g total carbs, 8g net carbs, 7g fat, 5g protein, and 120 calories.

Read More ›
What happens if you put too much BBQ sauce in pulled pork? ›

Namely, if you accidentally incorporate too much sauce, the flavor and texture of the pork are going to be completely overwhelmed by the sauce — meaning you'll have a soggy mess, including buns that are potentially too soaked to hold, that is also missing the complex flavors of the slow-roasted pork.

Discover More Details ›
How to make barbecue pulled pork less sweet? ›

You can do this by adding more unseasoned ingredients to the pulled pork, such as additional shredded pork or other non-sweet components. This will help dilute the sweetness. Vinegar or Acidic Ingredients:Adding a touch of vinegar or acidic ingredients like apple cider v.

See More ›
What is the healthiest pork to eat? ›

If you're looking for the healthiest pork options, you want lean cuts -- tenderloin, loin chops and sirloin roast. Bacon and other fatty cuts are very high in artery-clogging saturated fat and cholesterol and not for everyday eating.

Learn More Now ›
Is Sweet pork a red meat? ›

Pork is classified a red meat because it contains more myoglobin than chicken or fish. When fresh pork is cooked, it becomes lighter in color, but it is still a red meat. Pork is classed as "livestock" along with veal, lamb, and beef. All livestock are considered red meat.

See Details ›
How do BBQ restaurants keep pulled pork moist? ›

The gelatin also thickens a bit as the meat cools during the rest, so more of it stays in the meat when sliced or pulled. Many competition barbecue teams will wrap briskets and pork butts in aluminum foil during the final stages of cooking and add broth, juice, or other flavorful concoctions to the foil package.

Find Out More ›
Do you drain the juice from pulled pork? ›

Slow cooked pork in the oven will make its own pan juices. So, there is no need to add liquid. In fact, you will need to drain off the liquid pan juices into a container to save for later so that they do not dilute any BBQ sauce. These pan juices can also be added back later to keep it moist.

See More ›
Should I drain a crockpot pulled pork? ›

Once finished, drain all of the juices from the slow cooker and remove the fat. Shred the pork with two forks into bite-sized chunks. Add the juices back into the meat and mix.

Explore More ›
What is the best liquid to moisten pulled pork? ›

Additionally, spray chicken broth or apple juice on the meat to prevent it from losing more moisture in the crockpot. To add a strong flavor during the process, white wine can also be sprayed.

Read On ›

What takes sweetness out of BBQ sauce? ›

Vinegars: These can help balance the sweetness of the standard off-the-shelf sauce. Apple cider vinegar is most common in barbecue sauce, but rice vinegar can do the job nicely without being so heavily tart. You can also look to citrus fruit for acidity as well.

Discover More Details ›
What is the secret to tender pulled pork? ›

Cooking the pork low and slow makes it incredibly tender. If you'd prefer to make this in the oven, see our oven pulled pork recipe.

Read The Full Story ›
What is Chinese sweet and sour pork made of? ›

A Chinese stir-fry dish made with juicy pieces of pork tenderloin, bell peppers, onion, and pineapple. Battered pork gets fried until crispy then tossed in a sweet and tangy sauce.

Discover More ›
What is sweet and sour pork in China? ›

The sweet and sour pork in China is quite different from the American version, though. The takeout style is usually heavily battered, deep fried, and swamped in a pool of very sugary sauce. On the other hand, in the Chinese version the pork is cut into thin strips, lightly coated with a batter and fried until crispy.

Tell Me More ›
What is the tastiest piece of pork? ›

Rib Chop: Cut from the rib section of the loin, these chops have a relatively high fat content, rendering them flavorful and unlikely to dry out during cooking. They are a favorite in the test kitchen. These chops are easily identified by the bone that runs along one side and the one large eye of loin muscle.

Read On ›
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