Why You’ll Love this Sweet Pork Barbacoa Recipe
Sweet Pork Barbacoa is a dish that will elevate any meal. I can’t get enough of its rich, savory flavors that dance on my palate. Each bite melts in my mouth, and it’s incredibly versatile—you can serve it in tacos, burritos, or even over rice.
The slow-cooked process means it’s practically effortless, too. I love how the sweetness from the brown sugar balances the smoky chipotle, creating a perfect harmony. Plus, it’s a crowd-pleaser for gatherings, making it my go-to for potlucks.
Once you try it, you’ll understand why it’s a staple in my kitchen.
Ingredients of Sweet Pork Barbacoa
When it comes to Sweet Pork Barbacoa, the ingredients play a vital role in creating that sweet, smoky goodness we all crave. Just imagine the tender pork melting in your mouth, combined with the rich flavors of spices and a hint of sweetness. It’s like a flavor party in your mouth, and everyone’s invited!
So, let’s gather those ingredients and get ready to plunge into a culinary adventure.
Here’s what you’ll need for this delicious dish:
- 1 2/3 – 5 lbs pork tenderloin (the leaner, the better)
- 20 ounces of Pepsi (no diet, please)
- 1 cup of brown sugar
- 7 ounces of chipotle chiles in adobo (we’ll just use the sauce)
- 1 (10 ounce) can of enchilada sauce (Old El Paso is my favorite)
- 2 minced garlic cloves
- 1 teaspoon of dry mustard
- 1 teaspoon of cumin
Now, before you roll up your sleeves and get cooking, let’s chat about a few things. First off, I really recommend going for the leanest pork tenderloin you can find.
That way, you won’t have to worry about trimming too much fat later on, and your barbacoa will be tender without being greasy.
And while I know that using regular Pepsi might feel a bit indulgent, trust me, it’s essential for that unique flavor. Diet soda just won’t cut it here.
How to Make Sweet Pork Barbacoa
Alright, let’s plunge into the delicious world of making Sweet Pork Barbacoa! First things first, grab your 20 ounces of Pepsi—no diet stuff here, folks—and pour it into a mesh strainer or sieve.
Now, hold that sieve over your crock pot and pour the Pepsi through it. This little trick captures all that smoky, spicy goodness from the chipotle chiles in adobo sauce that you’ve strained out. Yeah, I know, it feels a bit like throwing away a golden ticket, but trust me, we want just the sauce in this recipe.
Once that’s done, toss in 1 cup of brown sugar, the 7 ounces of chipotle sauce, your 10-ounce can of enchilada sauce, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon of dry mustard, and 1 teaspoon of cumin. Stir it all together until it’s well mixed and looks like a flavorful potion waiting to happen.
Next up, let’s tackle that pork tenderloin! You’ll need about 1 2/3 to 5 lbs of it, so choose the leanest one you can find—nobody wants a greasy barbacoa. Go ahead and trim off any visible fat; it’s a bit of a chore, but it’s worth it for that melt-in-your-mouth experience.
Once your pork is ready, plop it right into that delicious sauce you’ve just concocted. Now, set your crock pot to high and let it work its magic for 5 hours. After that, grab two forks and shred the pork—it should come apart effortlessly.
Lower the heat to low and let it cook for an additional 3 to 4 hours. You’ll know it’s done when the meat turns a lovely mahogany color, and your kitchen smells like a fiesta. Seriously, you might find yourself doing a little happy dance while it cooks.
And there you have it, the steps to create your own Sweet Pork Barbacoa. It’s a bit of a time commitment, but I promise the reward is worth every second. Just think about how good it will taste in tacos, burritos, or even over rice.
Cooking doesn’t have to be complicated, and with this recipe, you’ll impress everyone at the dinner table—even if you do end up with a few bits of sauce on your shirt. Enjoy!
Sweet Pork Barbacoa Substitutions & Variations
Ever wondered how to mix things up with your Sweet Pork Barbacoa?
If you want to switch it up, try using beef chuck or chicken for a different protein. You can even substitute the Pepsi with Dr. Pepper or root beer for a unique twist.
For a smoky flavor, consider adding a bit of liquid smoke or smoked paprika. If you’re looking for less heat, skip the chipotle chiles entirely or use a milder sauce.
You could also add pineapple juice for a fruity sweetness.
Experimenting with these substitutions keeps your barbacoa fresh and exciting! Enjoy the journey!
What to Serve with Sweet Pork Barbacoa
After exploring ways to mix up your Sweet Pork Barbacoa, let’s talk about what to serve it with for a complete meal experience.
I love pairing it with warm flour tortillas, allowing everyone to build their own tacos. A fresh cilantro-lime rice complements the savory pork perfectly.
Don’t forget a side of black beans for added protein and flavor! For extra crunch, I recommend a simple corn salad with diced bell peppers and lime dressing.
And, of course, some homemade guacamole or salsa adds that fresh kick. These sides turn a delicious dish into a memorable feast everyone will enjoy!
Additional Tips & Notes
While preparing Sweet Pork Barbacoa, it’s helpful to keep a few tips in mind to elevate your dish. First, don’t skip trimming visible fat; it really makes a difference in the final texture.
If you want extra depth, consider marinating the pork overnight with the sauce. For added sweetness, adjust the brown sugar to taste.
Finally, feel free to customize the spice level by adding more or fewer chipotle chiles. Serve the barbacoa on warm tortillas with your favorite toppings like cilantro, lime, or avocado for a complete meal.
Enjoy the deliciousness; you won’t regret it!