Sweet and Savory Pork Barbacoa Bowl
Bring the vibrant flavors of a Cafe Rio-inspired meal to your home with this delicious Sweet and Savory Pork Barbacoa Bowl. Tender, shredded pork roast is slow-cooked in a sweet and tangy sauce made from a blend of Coca-Cola, tomato sauce, and aromatic spices. Perfect for serving a crowd, this dish pairs beautifully with a bed of cilantro lime rice, black beans, and fresh romaine lettuce, all drizzled with a zesty Ranch and salsa verde dressing. Enjoy the comforting flavors and enticing aromas that will transport you to your favorite bistro without stepping foot outside!
10
Servings
280
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Pork Roast
4 lbs (Trim excess fat if necessary)
Tomato Sauce
1 (8 ounce) can (None)
Garlic Clove
1-2 (Pressed)
Brown Sugar
1.5-2 cups (Packed)
Cumin
2 teaspoons (None)
Coke
2 cups (None)
Molasses
2 tablespoons (None)
Salt
1/2 teaspoon (None)
Pepper
to taste (None)
Instructions
1
Begin by spraying the crock pot with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2
Place the pork roast inside the crock pot.
3
In a mixing bowl, combine the tomato sauce, pressed garlic, brown sugar, cumin, Coke, molasses, salt, and pepper. Stir well until the sugar is fully dissolved.
4
Pour the sauce mixture evenly over the pork roast.
5
Cover and cook on low heat for 8 to 10 hours, or until the pork is tender enough to shred with a fork.
6
Once cooked, shred the pork directly in the pot and stir to combine with the sauce.
7
Serve the pulled pork over a base of cilantro lime rice, topped with black beans, romaine lettuce, and a drizzle of Ranch and salsa verde dressing.
Nutrition Information
12g
Fat
30g
Carbs
10g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the inspiration for this Sweet and Savory Pork Barbacoa recipe?
This recipe is inspired by the vibrant flavors found at Cafe Rio, offering a sweet and savory copycat experience at home.
What cut of meat is best for this recipe?
A 4-pound pork roast is recommended for this recipe, ideally trimmed of excess fat if necessary.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes approximately 10 servings, making it a great choice for feeding a crowd.
What is the cooking time for the pork barbacoa?
The pork should be slow-cooked on low heat for 8 to 10 hours until it is tender enough to shred easily.
What are the main ingredients in the barbacoa sauce?
The sauce consists of tomato sauce, pressed garlic, brown sugar, cumin, Coke, molasses, salt, and pepper.
Why is Coca-Cola used in the recipe?
Coke acts as both a sweetener and a tenderizer, helping to break down the pork roast while adding a distinct flavor profile.
How many calories are in one serving of the Pork Barbacoa Bowl?
Each serving contains approximately 280 calories.
What is the nutritional breakdown per serving?
Each serving provides 12g of fat, 30g of carbohydrates, and 10g of protein.
How should I prepare the slow cooker before adding the meat?
It is recommended to spray the crock pot with cooking spray to prevent the pork and sauce from sticking.
Can I use a different type of sugar instead of brown sugar?
While brown sugar provides a deep molasses-like sweetness, you can experiment with other sweeteners, though it may alter the classic Cafe Rio flavor.
What kind of rice should I serve with the pork?
Cilantro lime rice is the recommended base for these bowls to complement the savory flavors of the pork.
What toppings are suggested for the Pork Barbacoa Bowl?
Recommended toppings include black beans, fresh romaine lettuce, and a combination of Ranch and salsa verde dressing.
How do I shred the pork?
Once the pork is tender after 8-10 hours, you can shred it directly in the crock pot using a fork so it absorbs the juices.
How much cumin is needed for the recipe?
The recipe calls for 2 teaspoons of cumin to add an aromatic, earthy flavor.
Is this recipe considered easy to make?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy dinner because most of the work happens in the slow cooker with minimal prep time.
What size can of tomato sauce is required?
You will need one 8-ounce can of tomato sauce.
Does the recipe require a specific type of molasses?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of molasses; standard unsulphured molasses works best for this sweet and savory profile.
How much brown sugar is used in the sauce?
The recipe uses between 1.5 to 2 cups of packed brown sugar depending on your preference for sweetness.
Can I adjust the amount of garlic?
Yes, the recipe suggests using 1 to 2 pressed garlic cloves based on your taste preference.
Is there a specific way to prepare the garlic?
The garlic should be pressed to ensure it mixes thoroughly into the sauce and distributes flavor evenly.
What are the primary flavor categories for this dish?
The dish is categorized as sweet and savory, with a Mexican-inspired barbacoa profile.
Can I substitute the soda in this recipe?
While Coke is traditional for this specific copycat recipe, some people use Dr. Pepper or Root Beer for slight variations in flavor.
Is this dish spicy?
The recipe as written is not spicy, focusing more on sweet and savory notes; you can add heat by adding chiles or spicy salsa if desired.
Can I cook the pork on high heat instead?
While low heat for 8-10 hours is best for tenderness, you can typically cook on high for 4-5 hours, though the texture may vary.
Should I drain the fat from the pot after cooking?
The recipe suggests shredding the pork directly in the pot to mix with the sauce, but you can skim off excess fat before shredding if desired.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, the pork barbacoa stores well and can be used for leftovers or pre-assembled bowls throughout the week.
What kind of beans are best for the bowl?
Black beans are the standard recommendation to pair with the sweet and savory pork.
What provides the 'savory' element in the sauce?
The savory profile comes from the tomato sauce, garlic, cumin, and the natural juices of the pork roast.
Is this a good recipe for a family dinner?
Absolutely, it is a comfort food favorite that is generally a hit with both kids and adults due to its sweet flavor.
What is the first step in the instructions?
The first step is to spray your crock pot with cooking spray to ensure easy cleanup and prevent sticking.