Get ready to transform your kitchen into a flavor paradise with this irresistible Cafe Rio-inspired sweet barbacoa pork recipe! Imagine tender, juicy pork that falls apart with the gentlest touch, infused with a perfect balance of sweet and spicy seasonings that will make your taste buds dance. Whether you're craving a restaurant-quality meal or looking to impress your dinner guests, this recipe is your golden ticket to culinary bliss.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 8 hrs
Total Time: 8 hrs 10 mins
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 3 pounds pork roast
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup white sugar
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 tablespoon cumin
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 cup beef broth
Instructions
- Begin by preparing your ingredients. Gather 3 pounds of pork roast, 1/2 cup of brown sugar, 1/4 cup of white sugar, 1 tablespoon of chili powder, 1 tablespoon of cumin, 1 tablespoon of garlic powder, 1/4 cup of apple cider vinegar, and 1 cup of beef broth.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the brown sugar, white sugar, chili powder, cumin, and garlic powder. Mix these dry ingredients thoroughly until well blended.
- Rub the spice mixture evenly over the entire surface of the pork roast. Make sure to coat it generously to enhance the flavor.
- Place the seasoned pork roast into a slow cooker. Ensure that it fits comfortably without being cramped.
- In a separate bowl, mix the apple cider vinegar and beef broth together. Pour this mixture over the pork roast in the slow cooker, ensuring that the roast is well moistened.
- Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to low heat. Allow the pork to cook for approximately 8 hours. This slow cooking process will make the pork tender and flavorful.
- After 8 hours, check the pork for doneness. It should be fork-tender and easily shredded. If necessary, cook for an additional hour.
- Once the pork is cooked, remove it from the slow cooker and place it on a cutting board. Use two forks to shred the meat into bite-sized pieces.
- Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker, mixing it with the remaining juices to keep it moist and flavorful.
- Serve the sweet barbacoa pork in tacos, burritos, or over rice, and enjoy your delicious homemade Cafe Rio-style meal!
Tips
- Choose the right cut: For the most tender result, use a pork shoulder or pork butt roast with good marbling.
- Don't rush the cooking: The 8-hour slow cooking is crucial for developing deep, rich flavors and creating that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Generously coat the meat: Ensure every inch of the pork is covered with the spice mixture for maximum flavor penetration.
- Keep it moist: The combination of beef broth and apple cider vinegar helps keep the meat juicy and adds a subtle tangy complexity.
- Shred while warm: The pork is easiest to shred immediately after cooking when it's still warm and tender.
- Save the juices: Mix the shredded meat back into the cooking liquid to keep it moist and flavorful.
- Versatility is key: This pork is perfect for tacos, burritos, rice bowls, or even as a standalone protein for a low-carb meal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 18g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 110mg
