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This is the BEST sweet pork taco recipe! It tastes just like Cafe Rio’s famous sweet pork, with a blend of sweet and tangy flavors that melt into tender, juicy meat. It’s perfect for tacos, salads, burritos, nachos, and anything else you can dream up!
In heaven, I envision two things: my rodizio pineapple and this Cafe Rio sweet pork recipe. My honey lime enchiladas are a close third. This pork has an unbeatable flavor. The key? Use good pork—look for a sealed pork shoulder roast with whiter, less fatty meat.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This copycat recipe has only a few ingredients, is packed with delicious flavor, and is incredibly versatile. Once you try it, you will want to have it on repeat!
- Six ingredients: This recipe only calls for six ingredients and I bet you already have them in your kitchen!
- Flavor: The sweet brown sugar and tangy enchilada sauce create a delicious blend with the pork that your taste buds will absolutely love!
- Versatile: What I love about this pork is its versatility—it’s perfect for tacos, burritos, nachos, enchiladas, and my favorite sweet pork salad and more!
Sweet Pork Taco Tradition
Every year, my family made clam chowder for our special Christmas Eve dinner. However, when my sisters and I got married, one of our husbands turned out to be allergic to shellfish. So, we had to find a new Christmas Eve tradition. That’s when I suggested this Cafe Rio pork, and everyone was on board. We haven’t looked back since! Now, it’s one of our kids’ favorite holidays to celebrate.
We always serve it with garlic and butter black beans, cilantro lime rice, pinto beans, and crisp lettuce. I love topping mine with guacamole, pico de gallo, fresh cilantro, tortilla strips, and a sprinkle of cotija cheese. My husband always adds some jalapenos for a kick of heat! Yum!
Ingredients Needed for the Best Sweet Pork tacos
With just six simple ingredients, you can quickly get started. To begin, pick up a pork butt, gather the remaining ingredients. After that, grab your crock pot, and dinner will be on its way! For the exact measurements, be sure to scroll down to the recipe card.
- Pork roast: Provides the perfect protein base for the sweet pork tacos.
- Brown Sugar: Adds sweetness that balances the savory pork.
- Red enchilada sauce: Provides a tangy depth for the sauce.
- Diced green chiles: Gives the pork a hint of heat and a scrumptious texture.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: Acts as a tenderizer for the meat and brings a bright acidity to the sauce.
- Pork seasoning: Enhances the overall flavor with a blend of complementary spices.
Cafe Rio Pork Recipe
This recipe’s simplicity makes it even more delicious. Just dump everything into your crock pot, set it, and forget it! While the meat cooks, you’ll have plenty of time to prepare your sides and toppings.
- Place pork: Add the pork to the bottom of the crockpot.
- Combine: Pour in the enchilada sauce, vinegar, brown sugar, green chilies, and pork seasoning.
- Set to low: Cook on low for 4-6 hours.
- Shred pork: Shred the meat in the crock pot, and then let the juices soak into the meat.
- Enjoy: Serve in tortillas with your favorite taco toppings!
Sweet Pork Taco Tips
- Easy Cleanup: To make cleanup easier, line your crock pot with a slow cooker line or spray with nonstick cooking spray.
- Instant Pot Option: If you want to speed up the cooking time, then bust out your instant pot. Add all of the ingredients to the pot. Secure the lid in the “seal” mode then cook on “manual” mode for 25 minutes. Allow the instant pot to release the steam, and then you can shred the pork and enjoy!
- Shredding Tips: You only need two forks to shred your pork, which will be SO tender. I shred it right in the liquid so it can soak up the yummy flavor.
- Serving Ideas: I know this recipe is called sweet pork tacos, but you can enjoy the pork any way you like! Serve it on rice, salads, or with mashed potatoes. It’s so versatile!
Storing Cafe Rio Sweet Pork
This recipe makes a huge amount of meat! So, you will want to store what you don’t use right away to use all week in your tacos, nachos, or with a fresh salad! Here are my tips for how to properly store your pork so it will last as long as possible.
- Refrigerator: Place cooked pork in a shallow air-tight container or wrap tightly in heavy-duty aluminum foil or plastic wrap. Your pork will last 3-5 days in the refrigerator.
- Freezer: If you can’t use up all this juicy meat in 5 days, place it in an airtight container (make sure that you label it with the date) in the freezer for up to 3 months.
More Tasty Taco Recipes
The key to happiness? Tacos! I’m head over heels for them and can’t get enough. Check out the recipes below to get your taco fix!
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The BEST Sweet Pork Tacos
Ingredients
- 3 pounds pork roast
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- 10 ounces red enchilada sauce
- 4 ounces diced green chiles
- ⅓ cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon pork seasoning
Instructions
- Add the pork to the bottom of the crockpot.
- Pour in the enchilada sauce, vinegar, brown sugar, green chilies, and pork seasoning.
- Cook on low for 4-6 hours.
- Shred the meat and let the juices soak into the meat.
- Serve in tortillas with your favorite taco toppings!
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
I just made these last night for dinner. Very tasty! I will definitely be making these again. Thanks for sharing!
Your sweet pork tacos look so delicious! We would love to have you link up to our “Strut Your Stuff Saturday” and share this yummy recipe. We hope to see you there! -The Sisters
sixsistersstuff.com
Those look so good! Thanks so much for joining in the bloglovin blog hop. I’m a new follower. I host a weekly link party on Wednesdays and I’d love for you to join in.
Looks just great. I managed to miss the cut off for the linky this time …sigh. Have a super week.
These look mouthwatering! Thanks for linking up to the Thursday Food Fest.
Thanks for stopping by. I’m your newest follower too!! Have a great 4th.
http://mommieagain.com
Oh my goodness, I absolutely LOVE Cafe Rio pork salads…I am definitely going to try this!!
Modern Modest Beauty
I’m sooo going to make these! Thanks for sharing!
Now following (;