Cafe Rio Sweet Pork Recipe (2024)

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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 (Coke) – 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

Dinner

Sweet Pork Baked Burritos

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

COPYCAT

Cilantro Lime Rice

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

4.91 from 121 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

Sweet Pork

  • 2 pounds pork (boneless pork ribs work best)
  • 3 (12-ounce) cans Coca-Cola (not diet)
  • ¼ cup brown sugar
  • dash garlic salt
  • ¼ cup water
  • 1 can diced green chilies
  • 1 (10-ounce) red enchilada sauce
  • 1 cup brown sugar

Sauce

Burrito

  • 1 large flour tortilla
  • ½ cup cilantro lime rice
  • ½ cup black beans
  • ¾ cup sweet pork
  • ½ cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese, divided
  • lettuce, for serving
  • pico de gallo, for serving
  • guacamole, for serving

Instructions

  • Put the pork in a heavy-duty zip-top plastic bag to marinate. Add about a can and a half of Coke and ¼ cup of brown sugar. Marinate for 4 hours or overnight.

    Cafe Rio Sweet Pork Recipe (13)

  • Drain the marinade and put pork, ½ can of Coke, water, and garlic salt in a slow cooker on high for about 3-4 hours or on low for 8 hours. (You want the meat to shred easily, but not be too dry.)

    Cafe Rio Sweet Pork Recipe (14)

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

    Cafe Rio Sweet Pork Recipe (15)

  • In a food processor or blender, blend ½ a can of Coke, chilies, enchilada sauce, and 1 cup brown sugar. If the mixture looks too thick, add more Coke little by little. Put shredded pork and sauce in a slow cooker and cook on low for 2 hours.

    Cafe Rio Sweet Pork Recipe (16)

Sauce

  • Combine all the sauce ingredients in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for at least 20 minutes.

  • Heat oven to 450 degrees F.

    Layer rice, beans, pork, and ¼cup cheese on top of the tortilla. Roll it up into a burrito. Pour about ½ cup of green enchilada sauce over the burrito and top with the remaining ¼ cup of cheese. Bake until cheese is melted, about 10 minutes.

  • Serve with lettuce, pico de gallo, and guacamole.

    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 it back in the Instant Pot for another 10-20 minutes depending on 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. Accept no substitutions!

How many carbs are in a sweet pork salad from Cafe Rio? ›

Cafe Rio Salad, Sweet Pork Barbacoa (1 serving) contains 13g total carbs, 13g net carbs, 10g fat, 8g protein, and 180 calories.

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.

How do you make BBQ 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.

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.

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.

How much sugar is in Cafe Rio sweet pork? ›

Cafe Rio Sweet Pork Burrito
Nutrition Facts
How much sugar is in Cafe Rio Sweet Pork Burrito? Amount of sugar in Cafe Rio Sweet Pork Burrito: Sugar 29g-
How much fiber is in Cafe Rio Sweet Pork Burrito? Amount of fiber in Cafe Rio Sweet Pork Burrito: Fiber 13g52%
13 more rows

How much protein is in Cafe Rio sweet pork? ›

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

How many calories in Cafe Rio pork salad without tortilla? ›

Cafe Rio Pork Barbacoa Salad No Beans No Tortilla (1 serving) contains 23g total carbs, 18g net carbs, 22g fat, 14g protein, and 335 calories.

How do BBQ restaurants keep pulled pork moist? ›

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.

How do you thicken pulled pork sauce without cornstarch? ›

Use Flour and Water

Combine 2 tablespoons flour with every 1/4 cup cold water and whisk until smooth. Add the mixture to your sauce over medium heat, and continue to stir and cook until you've reached your desired consistency.

Should I drain liquid from pulled pork? ›

Skim out any fat residue that might be floating on the top of the juices. But do not drain the pan juices. They will keep the meat moist and not dilute the BBQ sauce.

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.

How do you fix pulled pork that is too sweet? ›

I made pulled pork and added too much brown sugar. What can I add to dilute it so it's not so sweet? Tried not adding barbeque sauce, but that didn't help. Salt and acids(vinegar) will help.

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.

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.

Which part of pork is the sweetest? ›

Baby-Back Ribs

Small and meaty, these curved slabs come from the pig's rib cage near the backbone. Prized for their sweet juicy meat, these baby-back ribs—as they're often called—cook quickly.

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.

What does sweet and sour pork contain? ›

Mix 1 cup water, 3/4 cup sugar, apple cider vinegar, ketchup, soy sauce, and salt in a large saucepan; bring to a boil over high heat. Stir in cooked pork, celery mixture, and pineapple chunks with juice.

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