Sweet Pork Nachos from Cafe Rio feature tender, slow-cooked sweet pork layered over crispy tortilla chips, topped with melted cheese, fresh jalapenos, tangy salsa, and a drizzle of creamy sour cream, delivering a flavorful blend of savory, sweet, and spicy elements with satisfying crunch.
Equipments
- Slow cooker
- Baking sheet
- Aluminum foil (optional)
- Oven
- Chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Mixing bowls
- Saucepan (optional, for melting cheese or warming beans)
- Grater (for cheese, if shredding)
- Serving platter or plates
- Spatula or tongs
Ingredients
- 2 lbs pork shoulder (or pork butt)
- 1 can (12 oz) Coca-Cola (not diet)
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup red enchilada sauce
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce
- 1/4 cup green chilies (diced, canned or fresh)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- Tortilla chips
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1-2 fresh jalapeños (sliced)
- 1 cup salsa (your choice of style)
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro (chopped, optional)
- 1 cup diced tomatoes (optional)
- 1/2 cup sliced green onions (optional)
Using pork shoulder or pork butt ensures the meat becomes tender and juicy during slow cooking, which is key to achieving the iconic texture of Sweet Pork Nachos from Cafe Rio. Coca-Cola's carbonation and sweetness help to tenderize the meat and enhance the caramelized flavor, so avoid diet versions as they won't produce the same effect. Opt for a good quality red enchilada sauce and fresh jalapenos to maintain the balance of smoky heat and sweetness in each bite. Remember to use a mix of shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses for the perfect melt and creamy finish atop your tortilla chips. Your flavorful dish will closely resemble the Sweet Pork Nachos from Cafe Rio copycat menu when these ingredients are carefully selected.
Instructions
- Trim excess fat from pork shoulder and cut into large chunks.
- Place pork in slow cooker.
- Add Coca-Cola, brown sugar, red enchilada sauce, tomato sauce, green chilies, minced garlic, cumin, chili powder, salt, and black pepper to the slow cooker.
- Stir to combine ingredients in the slow cooker.
- Cover and cook pork on low for 8 hours (or high for 4–5 hours).
- Remove pork from slow cooker and shred using forks.
- Return shredded pork to the sauce in the slow cooker and mix well to coat.
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Line baking sheet with aluminum foil (optional).
- Spread tortilla chips in an even layer on baking sheet.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese evenly over chips.
- Spoon warm sweet pork evenly over the chips and cheese.
- Add sliced jalapeños on top.
- Bake in preheated oven for 5–7 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove nachos from oven.
- Drizzle salsa and sour cream over nachos.
- Sprinkle with fresh cilantro, diced tomatoes, and sliced green onions (if using).
- Serve immediately on a platter or plates, using spatula or tongs.
Substitution
Sweet Pork Nachos from Cafe Rio copycat menu relies on slow-cooked pork shoulder simmered in a sweet and tangy sauce to achieve its signature tender texture and rich flavor. If you don't have a slow cooker, cooking the pork in a covered Dutch oven on low heat for several hours works well as an alternative. Substitute Coca-Cola with another cola or a similar sweet soda if unavailable; however, avoid diet sodas as they may alter the taste and texture. For cheese, pre-shredded blends can be used to save time, but freshly grated cheddar and Monterey Jack will melt better and provide richer flavor. When layering your nachos, use thick, sturdy tortilla chips to prevent sogginess under the moist pork and toppings.
Tips
Make sure to trim excess fat from the pork shoulder before cooking to avoid greasy nachos and ensure even shredding. Slow cook the pork on low for the full 8 hours for maximum tenderness and flavor absorption from the Coca-Cola and enchilada sauce. When layering the nachos, evenly distribute cheese and pork to get a balanced bite every time you serve. Your toppings like fresh jalapenos, cilantro, and sliced green onions should be added after baking to maintain their vibrant color and texture.
Nutritions
Sweet Pork Nachos from Cafe Rio offer a robust source of protein primarily from slow-cooked pork shoulder, which supports muscle repair and satiety. The dish combines carbohydrates from crispy tortilla chips and sugars from Coca-Cola and brown sugar used in the marinade, providing quick energy. Calcium intake is boosted by the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses, while fresh jalapenos, salsa, and optional vegetables add vitamins, antioxidants, and fiber. To enjoy this flavorful meal while managing nutrition, balance Your portion size with vegetables or a side salad for added nutrients and controlled calorie intake.
Storage
Store any leftover Sweet Pork Nachos in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness and prevent sogginess. Separate the toppings like salsa, sour cream, and jalapenos from the pork and chips to keep their textures intact. When reheating, warm the pork and chips in the oven on a baking sheet to restore the crispiness before adding fresh toppings to your serving.
Variation or Alternatives
Swap pork shoulder with boneless chicken thighs for a lighter protein option that still stays tender when slow-cooked. Instead of baking the assembled nachos, try layering ingredients in a cast-iron skillet and broiling for a crispier cheese topping. You can replace the Coca-Cola with root beer or a spiced ginger ale to add a unique twist to the pork's sweetness. Use Greek yogurt in place of sour cream for a tangier, lower-fat topping that complements the spicy jalapenos.
Allergies
Sweet Pork Nachos from Cafe Rio contain common allergens such as dairy from the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese, as well as sour cream, which may cause reactions in individuals with lactose intolerance or milk allergies. The tortilla chips could contain gluten if not labeled gluten-free, and the dish's use of various spices, salsa, and canned ingredients like green chilies may include preservatives or additives that trigger sensitivities in some people. You should always check ingredient labels carefully and consult with your healthcare provider if you have known food allergies before enjoying this flavorful meal.
Why this recipe?
Sweet Pork Nachos from Cafe Rio are beloved for their perfect balance of savory, sweet, and spicy flavors, combining tender, slow-cooked pork with melted cheese, fresh pico de gallo, and tangy tomatillo sauce. The dish features a satisfying texture contrast between crispy tortilla chips and juicy, tender meat, making every bite flavorful and enjoyable. Creating a copycat version at home allows you to customize ingredients to your taste while capturing the authentic taste and freshness that Cafe Rio delivers. Your homemade Sweet Pork Nachos offer a rewarding culinary experience that mirrors the restaurant's signature quality without dining out.