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plate of tacos filled with shredded Cafe Rio sweet pork recipe topped with cilantro, onions, and tomatoes, served alongside black beans, rice, and a wedge of lime.

Cafe Rio sweet pork recipe

A copycat version of the popular Cafe Rio sweet pork recipe featuring tender pork shoulder slow-cooked with brown sugar, Coca-Cola, green chiles, and spices. The broiling step adds crispy, caramelized edges that make this dish irresistible.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 8 hours
Broil Time 4 minutes
Total Time 8 hours 19 minutes
Servings: 9 servings
Course: Main Course, Mexican, Dinner
Cuisine: Mexican, Tex-Mex
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 4-5 lbs Pork Shoulder - The main protein of the dish; slow-cooked until fork-tender.
  • 1 teaspoon Salt - Adds flavor to the pork.
  • 1 teaspoon Black Pepper - Adds flavor to the pork.
  • 1 cup Brown Sugar - Adds sweetness to the pork and helps with caramelization.
  • 12 oz Coca-Cola - helping to tenderize the meat and add flavor.
  • 14 oz can Diced Green Chiles - Adds a mild heat and flavor.
  • 4 cloves Garlic Cloves Adds depth to the flavor of the pork.
  • 1 teaspoon Ground Cumin - Adds earthy flavor and spice.
  • 1 teaspoon Chili Powder - Adds heat and smokiness.
  • 1 cup Sour Cream -For serving provides creamy texture.
  • 8 pieces Flour Tortillas - For serving softens for tacos, burritos, and more.
  • 2 cups Cilantro Lime Rice - For serving a cilantro-infused rice to complement the pork.
  • 1 can Black Beans - For serving a side dish packed with protein.
  • 1 cup Shredded Cheese - For serving adds fresh flavor and crunch.

Equipment

  • 1 Slow Cooker (6-quart) (Essential for the slow cook method, ensures the pork becomes tender and easy to shred. )
  • 1 Instant Pot (Optional) (Use this for a faster version of the recipe. )
  • 1 Large Baking Sheet (For broiling the pork and achieving the crispy edges.)
  • 1 Aluminum Foil or Parchment Paper (To line the baking sheet for easy cleanup. )
  • 1 Two Sturdy Forks (For shredding the pork after cooking. )

Method
 

  1. Season the pork shoulder evenly with salt and pepper.
  2. Put the seasoned pork shoulder into the slow cooker.
  3. Combine brown sugar, Coca-Cola, spices, and green chiles.
  4. Pour the prepared liquid mixture over the pork.

Nutrition

Calories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 35gProtein: 25gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 500mgFiber: 3gSugar: 25gVitamin A: 300IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should be considered an approximation. Actual values may vary based on specific ingredients used and portion sizes

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