just a thought for those trying to watch their sugar intake. Erica lives in Boise, Idaho with her husband, Jared, an attorney, and her three beautiful girls. You can also use the meat in tacos, enchiladas or burritos. Its delicious! This is the perfect mix of savory sweet and will find its way into our regular taco Tuesday rotation. xo I am planning a large event and want to make sure I have enough. I just added that to step 11 (where it should have been!). I have always marinated my pork the night before or for at least a couple hours, but if you forget or just dont have time go ahead and cook it without marinading it. Thank you so much for sharing, Josee, Im so glad you enjoyed the recipe! This applies to braising or smoking or an oven roast. Calista This amount of sauce will work fine for 4.5 lbs. Ingredients 3 pounds Pork Shoulder/Butt Bone in with a nice fat pad on top 1 Tablespoons Garlic Powder 1 Tablespoon Chili Powder Heaping 1 Tablespoon Cumin 1 Tablespoon Smoked Paprika 1 Tablespoon Kosher Salt Heaping 2 teaspoons Black Pepper 2 teaspoons Onion Powder 3 teaspoons Dried Oregano We dont have Caf Rio where I am, so I have nothing to compare to, but it sounds like a great combo. Doing a slow roast on the pork with a spice mixture, those root veggies and preparing the sauce separate makes for an identical result. Add about a can and a half of coke and about 1/4 cup of brown sugar. Thank you. Here is the old recipe: Is there anyway to use store bought pulled pork to speed up the recipe? i didnt continue to cook with sauce mixture but Im sure it would make the flavor more deep and perhaps a little thicker maybe? And yes, youll use ground oregano. that all work together. In the recipe, It states to place the shredded the pork with the sauce and additional 2 hours on the crock pot. Cut off the meat and shred it. Don't forget to add toppings to that as well (chopped onion, lime wedges, chopped lettuce, avocado, black beans, etc. No Cafe Rio?!! We have made it for several years now and it surely is a treat! The nearest Cafe Rio is 1200 miles away and we miss it as much as we miss The Mandarine.which is a lot!!! Cook, covered, on high for 6 hours OR on low for 8 hours. Si. We also used coke, the red enchilada sauce that we made, onions and carrots, sugar and butter. Si. Does thefood blogworldreally need another Caf Rio recipe? I am anxious to try this recipe since we love their pork : ). Merely arrange everything in the dish with the pork and get rid of it after baking. Definitely try this out. Definitely a new go to! I need to get myself an instapot and try this! I was SO tempted to make a taco at almost midnight because it smelled so good as I was finishing it. I made this for my daughter and I for a twist on regular tacos. I am SO excited to try this recipe. The difference was, they would warm theirs up for dinner the next night. Sprinkle the pork with the garlic powder and roast in a slow cooker on low for 8 hours. I make this so often and it is now the ONLY way i make sweet pork! ! Jared, We love, love, love this recipe! When prepared correctly, it practically melts in your mouth. I forgot to take that out of the instructions. I love Cafe Rio sweet pork, so I will definitely try this. Hope this helps. It is a bundle of aromatic herbs and sometimes vegetables that are used to enhance the flavor of soups, stews, stocks, poaching liquids and even braised dishes. You might enjoy Cinder. 3- Cover and secure the lid, and set valve to seal. LOVED this cafe rio pork recipe and got multiple compliments on it- I always tell everyone you are my recipe hero. Also, did not take 8 hours in our crock pot, more like 6 total. xo Thanks for asking! We love your recipes and your website! This Cafe Rio Sweet Pork Copycat recipe does much better in the oven as it really brings out the flavor, but a slow cooker will work just fine. Maybe closer to 35lbs if you are feeding hungry lacrosse players! Yum! Your email address will not be published. Put pork, 1/2 can of coke, water and garlic salt in slow cooker. Do you think canned enchilada sauce would work instead of the cooking sauce? I know, I know. I wonder if I can use chicken for pork? I worked at cafe rio and they boil the pork roasts in the coke unthen put the sugar and enchilada sauce in a bag until it is served on the line ..yours looks good but not the same. - Pork recipe is made with pork shoulder (Boston pork butt), pantry Carefully remove the lid from the pot when all of the pressure is released. xo You are awesome Im glad I read this! Yes, I made it last night for our Relief Society activity. (Old El Paso brand is gluten free, I like medium spiciness but any will work). Maybe 5 minutes longer? Im wanting to make this this weekend and put it on Rumbi-style rice. This looks so delicious!! Cover with lid and cook on high heat for 6 hours. Have you found a good replacement for The Old El Paso cooking sauce packet which is no longer available? Are you marinating it in the Coke before you add the spices and brown in the Instant Pot? If I dont have 2 hours once Im home from work, what else can I do? I m making it again today. Hello All, I'm looking to smoke a Pork Butt for sweet pulled pork using the Caf Rio Pulled Pork recipe using Coke or Dr Pepper as the flavor. I moved out of the area where my local cafe rio was. The pork is marinated and slow-cooked to perfection in some surprising ingredients! I read in a comment that you would recommend some sauces at Kroger. If you are wanting to triple the recipe, yes you would triple the amount of soda. Sorry Christine, but thanks for trying it. This Cafe Rio Sweet Pork recipe is full of delicious sweet flavor. Through the years weve had many friends who have moved on to new adventures in places other than Utah (though Cafe Rio is spreading like crazy across the countrynow in CA, AZ, CO, FL, ID, MD, MT, NV, VA, WA, and WY!) I always hope my replies are seen, but Im never sure as spam loves to take my emails. This process can't be rushed! Thanks Lori. I love this sweet pulled pork!! Si. Hi Brenda, I would use about 8-10 pounds of meat. thanks for reading ABK, xo, In your tips it says to simmer pork with cut up yellow onions (later you suggest caramelizing the onions prior), serrano peppers and carrots and then discard the peppers and carrots. Drain the marinade and add the pork to a 5-quart slow cooker. I love the recommendation of using Pork Shoulder or Boneless Pork Rib meat the meat is perfect every time! Mix the remaining 8 ounces of Coca-Cola, green chilies, enchilada sauce, and brown sugar in a blender or food processor. Instant Pot Cafe Rio Sweet Pork is an updated version of my original recipe made in the oven or slow cooker, which takes up to 12 hours to cook. Is it 10 hours total on low? Heres my question in someones reply: I bought a 9lb pork shoulder. Thats cheaper than I got mine. Add the pork to a gallon-sized ziplock bag and add cup brown sugar and 2 cups Coca-Cola. Drain the marinade and add the pork to a 5-quart slow cooker. Im so looking forward to making this for my family! Beyond the world of recipes, she loves adventuring with everything from kayaking, to cruising, to snowboarding and taking the family along for the thrill ride. Can you please post or send me the old recipe? I cook a recipe from your blog at least 3x a week , Oh no Sara, Im sorry! Discard liquid from crock pot. I hate that stores dont carry the same flavors. Si. I already know what youre thinking. They love everything from the keep you fit and healthy to the get out your sweat pants indulgent and everything in between. Looks like Ill have to make me one using your yummy recipe! This error message is only visible to WordPress admins, Menu Plan Monday #121 - Life In The Lofthouse, Menu Plan Monday #165 - Life In The Lofthouse, Sweet Pork Nachos - Life In The Lofthouse, Light Creamy Tomatillo Dressing - Life In The Lofthouse. How long would you recommend I cook the meat for in my 8qt IP? Im starting to wonder about the pork being cooked different. thanks! Prepare everything the same, but set the pork and bouquet garni in a slow cooker for 8-10 hours. Use the dro Stevia is a natural sweetener that grows as a plant. Muffins, Quick Bread, Coffee Cake & Cinnamon Rolls, https://abountifulkitchen.com/favorite-cafe-rio-copycat-recipes/. Have you ever seen a chef create a bundle of herbs and place it in a pot or with a roast to cook then it gets discarded? Love your blog:). Don't drink the crock pot liquid. Just made this recipe for the second time. We recently moved ro an area where we no longer have quick access to cafe rio (our fave). Hi Aubrey, Calm down now. Delicious! Cafe Rio {Copycat} Creamy Tomatillo Cilantro Ranch Dressing [+ Video], Cilantro Lime Rice Cafe Rio {Copycat} [+ Video], Crock Pot Cafe Rio {Copycat} Chicken [+ Video], Smothered Cafe Rio {Copycat} Chicken Burrito. Has anyone tried it? Thanks what flavor is the el paso liquid ? This pork is the real deal! Does anyone have a suggestion for recreating the Old El Paso sauce. When you make it, please let me know how you like it. Ive tried a couple other times to make this and this was by far closest to Cafe Rio. Hi Sara, the cook time will be the same, but to be safe I would pressure cook it for 60 minutes. Pour pork and liquid into crock pot and cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours. Hi Tara! Your ingredient list doesnt have the taco sauce on it. I am getting windy, but the Instant Pot version of CRP is amazing. Cook for 30-60 more minutes. The meat cooks for a long time in the crock pot in its own juices which allows it to absorb a lot of flavor. Served ot with spanish yellow rice and black beans. Sarah, Were not really Coke people, so we used root beer instead. Scoop out the pork from the crock pot and discard the cooking liquid. I have even been told this recipe tastes better than the real thing. Absolutely! Pour mixture into bag. There are many different cuts of pork sold in the grocery store and at big box stores, such as Costco. It might be overcooked a little. xo I missed this because I was doing all the other recipes as well. -Make red enchilada sauce from scratch. I am Lucky in love to a supportive husband, blessed to raise 3 kids (all moved away now! Alot of prep work but was delicious. . It wont taste as close but you could use Mels recipe, http://www.melskitchencafe.com/2011/09/red-chile-sauce-chicken-enchiladas.html I havent tried this with frozen pork yet. It makes it easy to scratch our itch for CPK so far away from Utah. Thanks so much for sharing and for reading ABK! This copycat Cafe Rio Sweet Pork Recipe is one of the most popular recipes on our website. Hi Elise, you could try cooking it for 45 minutes if you only have 3 lbs of meat. Do you have a good suggestion to replace the sauce packet since they arent sold anymore? He just loves it. Oh good! Recognizing the Sunshine and Living Happy. Thanks so much! Rub the seasoning mixture all over the pork and place in a 9x13" pan, fat pad facing up. Whisk to combine. Sweet pork is my favorite meat at Cafe Rio. This pulled pork was amazing! Hi Ginger, thats so sweet of you to help out your sister! As far as pork butt/shoulder goes, if its not shred-able, just keep cooking. Our favorite way to enjoy it is on top of a salad. Some things: Or would you stick to the original recipe you posted of the crockpot version? Combine the garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, chili powder, salt and pepper in a small dish. Such a sweet comment!! The extra two hours gives the shredded meat a chance to soak up more of the marinade. Oh nothe recipe says the total time is 10 min. I am so sad the Old El Paso sauce is no longer available. Just halved all ingredients for the sauce after it cooked. Be sure and follow me over on You Tube for weekly cooking demos, Your email address will not be published. So today, I am going to share with you my mothers recipe for Sweet Pork. yahoo!! Lets treat others how wed like to be treated . Thanks for reading ABK. Give them a try and let me know what YOU think! Each time I visit Utah, a visit to Cafe Rio is required at least once. Add the pork to a gallon-sized ziplock bag and add cup brown sugar and 2 cups Coca-Cola. -It is important to remember that Instant Pot cooking is not necessarily quick cooking! Im so glad you enjoyed the recipe and thank you for sharing, We love to place a tortilla on a plate, then top it with black beans, rice and the sweetpork, just like Caf Rio does. Step 1: Place pork in a zip lock bag. Just had to say thank you again! Used the above ingredients on low. Using a slow cooker is an easy way to make pulled pork. Full of delicious sweet flavor, this copycat Cafe Rio Sweet Pork recipe goes perfectly in salads, tacos, burritos and more. xo -I only cooked 2 pounds since its just us and a 2 year old. During early experiments with this recipe, I cooked the pork in the sauce but found the sauce ingredients to be so diluted (even without adding water) and the sauce so runny that it was better to drain off some of the sauce and start over after cooking. I love Cafe Rio! The only modifications I made were to add some salt and sliced onions. It is unnecessary to cover the roast with it. Thanks for the insider tip! This recipe is the most spot on i have ever found. Notes Freezing: this cooked pork freezes amazing well. We are still working on it! Mothers Day is coming soon(hint, hint) Go ahead and make this recipe as written. I would wait to put the sauce on until you are ready to serve it. Mix the Sauce packet, brown sugar and pop and bring to a simmer over medium high heat until thickened a little. This post may contain affiliate links. ON. Crave no longer my friends! document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Has anyone tried making it with rootbeer? brown sugar, cafe rio, cafe rio copycat, cafe rio pork, copycat, copycat recipe, mexican pork, pork, root beer, shredded pork, sweet pork, FREE EMAIL BONUS: Cozy Soup Recipes to Get You Through the Winter, http://www.pinterest.com/pin/157555686939072946/, http://www.melskitchencafe.com/2011/09/red-chile-sauce-chicken-enchiladas.html, Jenna @ Extra Income Genie on February 24, 2014, Rocky Mountain Woman on September 11, 2013, Lauren @ Climbing Grier Mountain on September 11, 2013, Georgia @ The Comfort of Cooking on September 11, 2013. Make sure the lid is set to the Sealing position. xo We should set up a taste test for the neighbors and see if people can tell which is which. Thanks for sharing, That is how yummy it is! Your email address will not be published. A few I use, a few I do not. , And of course I meant CRP not CPK, Thank you so much for your detailed review! I am doing a frozen 7 lb roast should I increase the cooking time? We have moved to a state that doesnt have Cafe Rios and needed to recreate it! Add the pork to your slow cooker, and discard the marinade. Walmart. It really is the saddest thing! Delicious sweet pulled pork perfect for your favorite Mexican food dish. Made the recipe as directed, rolled it up into a burrito, covered it with some salsa verse and cheesebam. If you want to start the meat at 3:00 pm when you leave to start driving carpool, go ahead, the meat will be fine in the Instant Pot for hours.