Our family is in love with Cafe Rio’s sweet pork. It doesn’t matter what it’s in, we will eat it. To save money and satisfy our addiction, I’ve been searching for a recipe that tastes the same. Laura’s Version of Cafe Rio Sweet Pork is what I came up with.

I don’t think I’ll ever get it exactly the same. However, I thought I’d be doing well if I could get close. So I tried several recipes, and nothing was even close.

Finally, I found a good recipe from a fellow PYPer on pinchingyourpennies.com. I altered the recipe slightly and came up with this winner. I then created my version of the Cafe Rio sweet pork recipe.

We usually serve it on tacos, but beware—it is messy. If you are going for tacos, you better use a fork. Burritos would be great for this, too. We’ve even put it on nachos or in a quesadilla.

Ingredients to Make Laura’s Version of Cafe Rio Sweet Pork

• PORK ROAST
• COCA-COLA (NOT DIET SODA)
• RED ENCHILADA SAUCE
• GARLIC
• DICED GREEN CHILES
• BROWN SUGAR

How to Make Cafe Rio Sweet Pork

Start by placing the pork roast in a gallon-sized Ziploc bag. Add the Coke and allow it to marinate overnight.

Place the roast and marinade in a slow cooker. Cook on low for about 8 hours until extremely tender. Drain off any liquid after cooking.

Shred the pork and place it back in the crock pot. Mix in the enchilada sauce, garlic, green chilies, and brown sugar.

Cook for 30 minutes to one more hour. This Cafe Rio pork recipe offers versatility. You can serve it in tacos, burritos, salads, quesadillas, or over rice. It pairs well with toppings like lettuce, cheese, guacamole, and salsa.

Frequently Asked Questions

What cut of pork should I use for this recipe?
For this recipe, I recommend using pork shoulder or pork butt because they are well-marbled and become tender and flavorful when slow-cooked.

Can I use a different soda instead of Coca-Cola?
While Coca-Cola is preferred for its caramelized flavor, you can use other colas or even Dr. Pepper. However, the taste may slightly differ.

How long should I marinate the pork?
For best results, marinate the pork overnight or for at least 8 hours to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat fully.

Can I cook this in an Instant Pot instead of a slow cooker?
Yes, you can cook the pork in an Instant Pot. Use the pressure cook setting on high for about 60-80 minutes, depending on the size of the pork, and allow for natural release.

How do I shred the pork once I cook it?
After cooking, use two forks to pull the pork apart into shreds. The meat should be tender enough to shred easily.

FOR MORE RECIPES LIKE THIS, TRY:

• Cafe Rio Chicken
• Cilantro Lime Vinagrette
• Taco Bowl with Creamy Cilantro Dressing
• Cilantro Lime Rice