Why You’ll Love this Sweet Pork Barbacoa Recipe
If you’re looking for a dish that perfectly balances sweet and savory flavors, you’ll absolutely love this Sweet Pork Barbacoa recipe. The moment I took my first bite, I was hooked. The tender pork melts in your mouth, while the caramelized notes from the brown sugar create a delightful contrast to the smoky chipotle.
It’s a dish that brings people together, making it perfect for gatherings or a cozy family dinner. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to prepare in a slow cooker, allowing me to enjoy the rich aromas wafting through my kitchen without constant attention.
Whether served in tacos or over rice, this barbacoa never fails to impress, leaving everyone craving more. Trust me, you won’t regret trying it!
Ingredients of Sweet Pork Barbacoa
To whip up a delicious batch of Sweet Pork Barbacoa, you’re going to need some key ingredients that come together to create that perfect balance of sweet and smoky flavors.
Trust me, once you gather these ingredients, you’ll be well on your way to making something truly special. Let’s explore what you’ll need for this mouthwatering dish.
Ingredients for Sweet Pork Barbacoa:
- 1 2/3 – 5 lbs pork tenderloin (the leaner, the better!)
- 20 ounces of Pepsi (and no, not diet)
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 7 ounces chipotle chiles in adobo (you’ll only use the sauce, don’t worry)
- 1 (10 ounce) can enchilada sauce (I favor Old El Paso)
- 2 minced garlic cloves
- 1 teaspoon dry mustard
- 1 teaspoon cumin
Now, let’s chat a bit about these ingredients.
First off, the pork tenderloin is the star of the show, so picking a nice, lean cut is key. You want that meat to be tender and juicy, not swimming in fat.
And while we’re at it, let’s talk about that Pepsi; it might sound a bit odd, but it gives the meat a sweet, caramelized crust that’s simply irresistible.
The chipotle chiles add that smokiness without being overwhelmingly spicy—trust me, we want flavor, not a fire-breathing dragon situation.
If you’re feeling adventurous, you can experiment with different brands of enchilada sauce, but Old El Paso has won my heart (and stomach) over the years.
How to Make Sweet Pork Barbacoa
Alright, let’s plunge into the wonderful world of making Sweet Pork Barbacoa! First things first, grab your 1 2/3 to 5 lbs pork tenderloin. Seriously, the leaner the cut, the better your final dish will be. Nobody wants a greasy mess, right? Trim off any visible fat because we want tender, juicy meat, not a swimming pool of grease.
Now, here comes the fun part—take a mesh sieve or strainer and dump in the chipotle chiles in adobo. Next, pour 20 ounces of Pepsi over them, letting that sweet soda do its magic. This little trick will infuse the sauce with flavor while keeping the heat at bay. Don’t worry about those chiles; they’re just here to party for a minute before you toss them out.
Once that’s done, it’s time to add in the rest of our flavor bomb: 1 cup of brown sugar, 1 (10 ounce) can of enchilada sauce (Old El Paso is my go-to), 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon of dry mustard, and 1 teaspoon of cumin. Stir everything together until well combined—it should smell heavenly already.
Now, take your trimmed pork and nestle it right into that glorious mixture in your crock pot. Cover it and crank the heat to high for about 5 hours. Yes, that’s right, let it cook and fill your home with that intoxicating aroma of sweet and smoky goodness.
After those 5 hours, it’s time to reveal your inner chef. Take two forks and shred that pork like a pro. It’s a little messy, but hey, who doesn’t love a good shred?
Now, lower the temperature to low and let it hang out for another 3 to 4 hours. This is where the magic happens, as the meat transforms into a beautiful mahogany color and becomes tender enough to melt in your mouth. Seriously, if you could bottle that moment, you’d have happiness in a jar.
Sweet Pork Barbacoa Substitutions & Variations
While I absolutely love the classic Sweet Pork Barbacoa recipe, there’s always room for creativity in the kitchen.
For a twist, try using chicken or beef instead of pork; both can soak up the flavors beautifully. If you’re avoiding sugar, consider substituting the brown sugar with honey or maple syrup for a different sweetness.
To amp up the heat, toss in some diced jalapeños or extra chipotle sauce. For a smoky flavor without chiles, smoked paprika works wonders. You can even add a splash of orange juice for a citrusy zing.
Finally, if you’re short on time, a pressure cooker can expedite the cooking process while still delivering tender, flavorful meat.
What to Serve with Sweet Pork Barbacoa
What should you pair with Sweet Pork Barbacoa to elevate your meal? I love serving it with warm tortillas, making it easy to create delicious tacos. Fresh cilantro and diced onions add a burst of flavor, while lime wedges bring a zesty kick.
A side of Mexican street corn or a simple avocado salad complements the richness of the barbacoa nicely. To balance the sweetness, I’ll often whip up a spicy salsa or guacamole. If I’m feeling indulgent, a side of cilantro-lime rice works wonders.
For drinks, a rejuvenating agua fresca or even a cold beer can really enhance the experience. These pairings not only elevate the meal but also create a delightful feast for the senses!
Additional Tips & Notes
When enjoying Sweet Pork Barbacoa, there are a few additional tips that can enhance your cooking experience and the final dish.
First, don’t skip trimming excess fat from the pork; it really makes a difference in texture. If you prefer a bit more heat, save a few chipotle peppers to add at the end of cooking, but be cautious!
For an even richer flavor, consider adding a splash of apple cider vinegar to the sauce. I also recommend serving it with fresh toppings like cilantro, diced onions, or avocado to balance the sweetness.
Finally, let the shredded pork rest for a few minutes before serving; it’ll absorb the juices better and be more flavorful. Enjoy your cooking!