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Cafe Rio Sweet Pork Barbacoa Recipe

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Indulge in the mouthwatering flavors of Cafe Rio Sweet Pork Barbacoa with this delectable recipe that is both delicious and incredibly easy to make. Whether you choose to use a slow cooker or an instant pot, this recipe effortlessly captures the essence of the popular restaurant dish. Tender and juicy pulled pork infused with a blend of savory spices and a touch of sweetness, this meal is sure to be a hit at any dinner table. Prepare to experience the perfect balance of flavors as you savor each bite of this irresistible pulled pork recipe.

Homemade Cafe Rio Sweet Pork Barbacoa on a white plate with cilantro.

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Below you will find tips, tricks and helpful hints for making this recipe including step by step instructions with pictures. If you would like to go directly to the recipe, scroll down to the recipe card or tap “Jump to Recipe” at the top of the page.

Why You’ll Love Cafe Rio’s Sweet Pork Barbacoa

This Sweet Pork Barbacoa dish is packed with flavor but requires minimal effort. The savory and sweet combination of flavors from the spices, enchilada sauce, and brown sugar add a unique dimension to the pulled pork that can’t be replicated with any other recipe.

Not only does this dish taste amazing, it also offers a lighter option for dinner since it is made with lean pork. Furthermore, the slow cooker or instant pot makes this meal incredibly easy to prepare and allow you to enjoy succulent pulled pork right in your home.

What is Barbacoa?

The definition of barbacoa is beef, lamb, or other meat that has been slowly cooked with seasonings, typically shredded as a filling in tacos, burritos, etc. So Sweet Pork Barbacoa is basically a Mexican-spiced, sweet pulled pork.

To make the pork in this recipe, you can use a slow cooker or an Instant Pot. Whatever you like! I love this recipe because you can kind of set it and forget it, which makes it a great dinner idea for busy weeknights. It’s also a good idea to make some extra. Then you can have salads, tacos, etc. for lunch the rest of the week!

How to Serve Sweet Pork Barbacoa

This shredded sweet pork is so versatile and can be served in so many different ways. At Cafe Rio you can order it in a burrito, enchiladas, tacos, sweet pork salad, tostada, nachos, and quesadillas.

If you’re feeling creative, you can also use this pork in a variety of other recipes. Don’t forget to add a side of cilantro lime rice and black beans or pinto beans! Here are some ideas:

  • Top off a pizza with Sweet Pork Barbacoa for an unconventional twist
  • Roll up the pulled pork in jalapeno poppers and enjoy a spicy snack
  • Stuff your favorite veggies like peppers or mushrooms with shredded pork for an easy appetizer
  • Create a new style of nachos with pork, cheese, and fresh vegetables

Best Cut of Pork for Cafe Rio Sweet Pork Recipe

For this recipe, you’ll need to use a cut of pork that is lean yet still tender. The best cuts for the job are boneless pork shoulder, pork loin, or pork butt. Pork shoulder and pork butt are usually labeled interchangeably in grocery stores, so just look for a cut of meat with “pork shoulder/butt” on the label.

A plate of pulled Sweet Pork Barbacoa like Cafe Rio, sprinkled with cilantro.

Ingredients for Sweet Pork Barbacoa

*Ingredient amounts are located in the recipe card at the end of this post.

Pork Roast: Like mentioned above, you’ll want to choose pork shoulder or pork butt. You will need the roast to be 2-3 pounds.

Red Enchilada Sauce: Use your favorite store-bought red enchilada sauce for this recipe.

Garlic Salt: Adds a savory flavor to the pork.

Black Pepper: Enhances the flavors of the other ingredients.

Brown Sugar: The brown sugar adds a touch of sweetness to balance out all the savory and spicy notes in this dish.

Step-By-Step Instructions for Cafe Rio Sweet Pork

Cafe Rio Pork is a great recipe because it can be made in both a Crock Pot and an Instant Pot. I am including instructions for both.

Slow Cooker Instructions

[Step 1] Spray the inside of the slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray or use a slow cooker liner.

[Step 2] Place the pork roast in the slow cooker and sprinkle with garlic salt and pepper.

[Step 3] Cook the roast on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.

[Step 4] Remove the roast, drain the juice, and shred pork.

[Step 5] Mix together the enchilada sauce and brown sugar.

[Step 6] Add the mixture back to the slow cooker along with the shredded pork and heat for another 30 minutes.

[Step 7] Serve in a burrito, salad, taco. tostada, or quesadilla!

Instant Pot Instructions

[Step 1] Spray the inside of the Instant Pot with non-stick cooking spray.

[Step 2] Place the pork roast in the Instant Pot.

[Step 3] Sprinkle the roast with the garlic salt and black pepper.

[Step 4] Add one cup of water.

[Step 5] Replace the lid and make sure the vent is shut.

[Step 6] Set the Instant Pot to Manual mode for 50 minutes.

[Step 7] When the timer goes off, let the Instant Pot naturally release for another 10-15 minutes.

[Step 8] Remove the roast and shred the meat with two forks.

[Step 9] Empty the cooking liquid in the Instant Pot and turn on the Sauté mode.

[Step 10] Add the enchilada sauce and brown sugar, stir until it is mixed.

[Step 11] Place the shredded meat back in the Instant Pot and stir to coat with sauce.

[Step 12] When the meat and sauce are heated through, you can turn the Instant Pot to warm and serve.

Helpful Kitchen Tools

How to Store Leftovers

Once the Sweet Pork Barbacoa has cooled, store it in an airtight container for up to 5 days. If you would like to freeze the leftovers, make sure to store them in a freezer-safe bag or container before freezing. The pork will stay fresh for up to 3 months if stored properly.

To reheat the pork after being frozen, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and then heat it on the stovetop or in the microwave.

A plate of pulled Sweet Pork Barbacoa sprinkled with cilantro with a jar of creamy cilantro lime ranch.

Topping Ideas

Topping options are endless for this Cafe Rio recipe, but here are some ideas: tortilla strips, lime wedges, cilantro lime dressing, green chiles, fresh cilantro, romaine lettuce, cojita cheese, sour cream, guacamole, and pico de gallo.

Other Slow Cooker & Instant Pot Recipes

What to Serve With Sweet Pork Barbacoa

Cafe Rio Creamy Tomatillo Ranch: This creamy tomatillo dressing pairs amazingly with the flavors of this sweet pork recipe. Its great to top a pork barbacoa salad and even as a dip for a pork quesadilla. Get the recipe here.

Cilantro Lime Rice: This one-pot Mexican rice is the perfect side dish for your pork barbacoa. It’s light and flavorful, and ready in just 10 minutes. Get the recipe here.

Seven Layer Bean Dip: This seven layer bean dip is the perfect accompaniment to this pulled pork dish. The combination of flavors in this recipe provide a unique and flavorful experience. Get the recipe here.

Restaurant Style Salsa: This easy-to-make salsa is a great way to spice up the pork. The smooth yet zesty flavor of this classic Mexican dish perfectly complements the rich and savory flavors of the pulled meat. Get the recipe here.

Sweet Moist Cornbread: Nothing beats a warm, freshly baked cornbread to complete the meal. The sweetness of this cornbread pairs perfectly with the savory pork to provide a flavorful balance that can’t be beat. Get the recipe here.

Churro Bites: These churro bites are a fun and easy way to finish off the meal with a touch of sweetness. The pillowy texture of these delectable bites will melt in your mouth leaving you wanting more. Get the recipe here.

Other Favorite Mexican Meals

Final Thoughts

Cafe Rio Sweet Pork Barbacoa is a great way to make an easy yet flavorful Mexican dish. Whether you’re making this cafe rio copycat recipe in the slow cooker or Instant Pot, this recipe couldn’t be easier and will please even picky eaters. Don’t forget to serve it with your favorite side dishes and enjoy!

A plate of pulled Sweet Pork Barbacoa like Cafe Rio, sprinkled with cilantro.

Sweet Pork Barbacoa

Yield: 8
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 4 hours
Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes

Delicious and easy, this recipe taste just like Cafe Rio Sweet Pork Barbacoa and can be made in a slow cooker or instant pot! The perfect pulled pork recipe for dinner!

Ingredients

  • 2-3 Pound Pork Roast
  • 1 Can Red Enchilada Sauce, 10 ounce
  • 1 Tablespoon Garlic Salt
  • 1/4 Teaspoon Black Pepper
  • 2/3 Cup Brown Sugar

Instructions

Slow Cooker Instructions

  1. Spray the inside of the slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray or use a slow cooker liner.
  2. Place the pork roast in the slow cooker and sprinkle with garlic salt and pepper.
  3. Cook the roast on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
  4. Remove the roast, drain the juice, and shred the meat.
  5. Mix together the enchilada sauce and brown sugar. Add the mixture back to the slow cooker along with the shredded pork and heat for another 30 minutes.
  6. Serve in a burrito, salad, taco. tostada, or quesadilla!

Instant Pot Instructions

  1. Spray the inside of the Instant Pot with non-stick cooking spray.
  2. Place the pork roast in the Instant Pot. Sprinkle the roast with the garlic salt and black pepper. Add one cup of water. Replace the lid and make sure the vent is shut.
  3. Set the Instant Pot to Manual mode for 50 minutes. When the timer goes off, let the Instant Pot naturally release for another 10-15 minutes.
  4. Remove the roast and shred the meat with two forks.
  5. Empty the liquid in the Instant Pot and turn on the Sauté mode. Add the enchilada sauce and brown sugar, stir until it is mixed. Place the shredded meat back in the Instant Pot and stir to coat with sauce.
  6. When the meat and sauce are heated through, you can turn the Instant Pot to warm and serve.

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