Use this Copycat Cafe Rio Sweet Pork recipe in emergency situations only, in all other cases: GO TO CAFE RIO!!! This was so much work, and so time consuming… but it was really, really good! Steve and I made salads with the meat and loved it. We even made it for my mother-in-law for her birthday and she too raved about it. If you’ve got the time, go for it – just plan ahead!
Copycat Cafe Rio Sweet Pork
This Copycat Cafe Rio Sweet Pork is absolutely delicious and is perfect for tacos, burritos, or salad!
Ingredients
- 2 lbs. pork
- 3 cans Coke NOT diet
- 1/4 c. brown sugar
- Dash garlic salt
- 1/4 c. water
- 1 4 oz can sliced green chilies
- 3/4 can red enchilada sauce
- 1 c. brown sugar
Instructions
-
Put the pork in a heavy duty Ziplock bag to marinade. Add about a can and a half of coke and about 1/4 c. brown sugar. Marinade for a few hours, or overnight. The longer the better.
-
Drain marinade and put pork, 1/2 can Coke, 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).
-
Remove pork from crock pot and drain any liquid left in the pot. Shred pork.
-
In a food processor or blender, blend 1/2 can Coke, 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 Coke little by little.
-
Put shredded pork and sauce in crock pot and cook on low for 2 hours. Enjoy!
Collette
What cut of pork do you prefer to buy?
Melissa McI
If you want to make it low carb can you use the diet and the Splenda brown sugar?
Kirstey
What kind of pork do you use and should it be defrosted first ?
Lucilee
Hey, quick question: how many ounces is the can of sliced green chiles supposed to be?
Yvonne
Hi Lucilee, great question! The can of green chilies should be approximately 4 ounces. Thanks for bringing this to my attention – I’ve updated the recipe with this detail.
Kim
Hi! To clarify what size red enchilada can?
Yvonne
Excellent question! 15 oz. Enjoy!
Jessica Hall
I suppose I will have to make this some time. I love Cafe Rio, but since we don’t live near one I will just have to make it my self some time. Would you happen to know the recipe for their ranch dressing? Then I can really have the yummy salad.
Yvonne
I sure do happen to have the recipe you are looking for! Check under the “salad dressing” link and you will find it, or search at the top of the website for “cafe rio” and you can find it that way too! It’s SO delish! Did you get your giftcard?