Mmm, this is so delicious! I've had other copy cat recipes of Cafe Rio pork and this totally takes the cake if you ask me. I think it's even better than the pork at the restaurant. The secret here is really the El Pato sauce. It adds the perfect amount of spice, while the brown sugar keeps it a little sweet. Make it as a salad or as a burrito, or use it as a base for another recipe. Do not forget the tomatillo dressing though, it rounds out the flavor and is the icing on the cake!
Sweet and Spicy Shredded Pork
3-4 lb. pork roast
1 large can El Pato Sauce (It's the yellow can that says original on the side and Salsa de Chile Fresco across the bottom. Also, if you want it less spicy, use one or two of the smaller cans.)
1 small can tomato sauce
1 cup brown sugar
1 cup cola (or rootbeer)
Place cold roast in a cold crockpot. If your roast is boneless, you can cut it into chunks so that it will cook faster. Mix the rest of the ingredients in a bowl and pour about half over the pork, reserving the rest. Cover pork and cook on high for about 4-5 hours; may be a little less if you use the chunks. Roast is done when it easily breaks apart between your fingers. Remove pork and shred. Discard sauce and wipe out crock pot. Put shredded pork back into crock pot and pour remaining sauce over it. Cook on low for another hour or so.
To serve Cafe Rio burrito style: Melt monterey jack cheese on tortilla, top with either Cilantro-lime rice or Spanish Rice, beans, pork and Tomatillo Dressing. Top with guacamole, lettuce, and pico de gallo, if desired.
To serve salad style: Layer rice, beans, pork and other desired toppings on a bed of lettuce and sprinkle with shredded cheese.
Linked to...
This Week's Cravings @ Mom's Crazy Cooking
This is a staple dish in our house and I make a huge batch that I split into thirds or fourths and freeze for later meals. We LOVE this meal and have shared it with many others and it has always been enjoyed as a huge hit.
ReplyDeleteThis looks so good. I cant wait to try it. TY for linking up to Potluck Sunday. You have a new reader Ü
ReplyDeleteThis looks so good! My family would love this. Book marked! :)
ReplyDeleteThanks to Mommy's Kitchen for providing a link.
ReplyDeleteThis would definitely be a winner at any potluck.
This is our families #1 FAVORITE dish!! EVERYONE loves it!!!
ReplyDeleteIt is pretty FAB isn't it? We love it especially for big family gatherings. Thanks for stopping by.
Delete