CopyCat Cafe Rio Sweet Pork Salads

Are you ready to elevate your TexMex game and impress a crowd with a delicious, customizable, and nutritious salad? Look no further than this Instant Pot Cafe Rio Copycat Sweet Pork Salad recipe! Growing up in a religious household with a penchant for potlucks, I’ve mastered the art of feeding a crowd, and this recipe has always been a favorite. Packed with flavors and customizable toppings, it’s a TexMex delight that will leave everyone satisfied. Plus, I’ve made a few tweaks to boost its nutrition content and streamline the preparation process. Let’s dive into the details!

Ingredients:

• 4 lb. pork shoulder or pork loin
• 12 oz. sparkling water
• 4 oz. tomato paste
• 4 oz. diced green chilis
• 1/4 C maple syrup
• 1 Tbsp cumin
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 8 tortillas
• 3 heads Romaine lettuce
• 3 cans black beans
• 4 packets Uncle Ben’s ReadyRice Cilantro Lime Rice
• 16 oz. pico de Gallo
• 2 avocados (or pre-made guacamole) + desired seasonings
• 8 oz. tortilla strips
• 4 oz. cotija cheese
• 1 bunch cilantro
• 1 14-oz. bottle Bolthouse Farms Cilantro Avocado Dressing
• 8 aluminum pie pans (optional)

Step-by-Step Guide:

For the Pork

Step 1: Cut the pork into large chunks, approximately 4-5 inches long, for optimal cooking and shredding.

Step 2: Season the pork with salt and pepper, then place it in the Instant Pot. Pour sparkling water over the pork, ensuring it’s well-covered. Close the lid, seal the valve, and set to HIGH manual pressure for 70 minutes. Allow for 10 minutes of natural release.

Step 3: Manually release the pressure, transfer pork chunks to a stand mixer, and shred with the paddle attachment. If no stand mixer, shred in a large mixing bowl with a hand mixer or forks.

Step 4: Return shredded pork to the Instant Pot, add tomato paste, green chilis, maple syrup, cumin, and chili powder. Keep the Pot on “keep warm” mode to meld flavors and keep the meat warm. Serve when ready.

For the Salads

Step 1: Empty black beans into a saucepan, cover with a lid, and simmer on medium-low heat for 30 minutes.

Step 2: Prepare rice according to package instructions.

Step 3: Wash and chop the lettuce into bite-size pieces, placing it in a large serving bowl.

Step 4: Add desired toppings to individual bowls.

To Serve

Layer a tortilla in the bottom of an aluminum pie pan, then add lettuce, beans, rice, pork, and toppings in order.

FAQs Answered:

1. Can I make the pulled pork ahead of time? Yes! Prepare up to 48 hours before your event and store in the fridge. Reheat in the Instant Pot on “keep warm” with the lid sealed.
2. Can I use shredded chicken instead? Absolutely! Use rotisserie chickens and season as per the recipe.
3. Can I use different beans or rice? Of course! Customize with pinto beans or homemade cilantro lime rice.
4. Aren’t canned beans unhealthy? Not necessarily! Choose “no salt added” cans for a healthier option.
5. Are these salads diet-friendly? Yes! Adjust for gluten-free, dairy-free, or vegetarian diets with simple substitutions.
6. Can I make my salad a burrito? Yes! Serve smaller portions and omit lettuce for a perfect burrito.

Conclusion:

With the ease of an Instant Pot and a few simple tweaks, you can create a Cafe Rio Copycat Sweet Pork Salad that surpasses the original. From the flavorful pulled pork to the customizable toppings, this recipe is sure to be a hit at any gathering. Try it out, leave your feedback, and let others know how much you enjoyed it! Your journey to TexMex perfection starts now.