Indulge in the savory goodness of a homemade Café Rio Sweet Pork that rivals the restaurant’s famous recipe! This copycat version is a perfect balance of tender, slow-cooked pork that melts in your mouth, infused with a tantalizing blend of brown sugar, tangy enchilada sauce, and a perfect blend of seasonings and herbs.
Prep Time20 minutesmins
Cook Time12 hourshrs
Total Time12 hourshrs20 minutesmins
Course: Over 100 Family Reunion Food Ideas
Keyword: brown sugar, cafe rio, cafe rio copycat, cafe rio pork, copycat, copycat recipe, mexican pork, pork, root beer, shredded pork, sweet pork
Rub the seasoning mixture all over the pork and place in a 9x13" pan, fat pad facing up.
3 Pounds Pork Shoulder/Butt
Arrange the carrots, celery, onions, and bay leaves around the pork, or place in a square of cheesecloth (the traditional way), pull up the corners and tie it shut with a string. Wedge the bundle next to an end of the pork.
2 Carrots, 2 Stalks Celery, 1 Onion, 2 Bay Leaves
Set the uncovered pork butt in the oven and bake for 12 hours.
Remove from the oven and allow to rest for 1-2 hours.
Pour the juices into a fat separator.
Shred the meat well, discarding large pieces of the fat pad.
Pour 1/3 cup of the juices back onto the pork and toss to combine well.
In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water.
1 teaspoon Cornstarch, 1 teaspoon Water
Meanwhile, in a pot, add the enchilada sauce, brown sugar, garlic powder and Coke. Whisk to combine.
10 ounce Enchilada Sauce, 2 ⅓ Cups Light Brown Sugar, 1/2 teaspoon Garlic Powder, 1 Cup Coke
Bring to a boil and whisk in the cornstarch mixture. Turn to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes.
Pour the sauce all over the pork and toss to coat.
Place the meat in a warming oven with tin foil over it until ready to use or for at least 20 minutes to let the meat soak up the sauce a bit.
For the Slow Cooker
Prepare everything the same, but set the pork and bouquet garni in a slow cooker for 8-10 hours.
Shred as normal, preparing the sauce separate and toss to combine.
For the Quick Version
Sprinkle the pork with the garlic powder and roast in a slow cooker on low for 8 hours.
1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
Shred the meat.
Mix the Sauce packet, brown sugar and pop and bring to a simmer over medium high heat until thickened a little. Toss with the shredded meat and cook an additional 30 minutes.
10 ounce Red Enchilada Sauce, 1 ½ Cups Brown Sugar, 2 Cans Rootbeer
Video
Notes
Rumor has it that Dr Pepper or Coke are the preferred pops for Cafe Rio, choose whichever you preferStore in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.NOTE: The nutritional information is based on the full recipe ingredients (not the quick version).