Have you ever eaten at Costa Vida and wondered what they do to their pork to make it so delicious? Or wondered how you can make it at home. I know I have. I LOVE Costa Vida's sweet pork salad. It is my favorite. I get the small it's a TON of food. I wanted one for my birthday but I decided that it was wiser not to spend $7.00 on one small salad. So tonight, I'm making it at home. I had a 6 lb pork shoulder in the freezer and since i'm having company over this weekend, I thought I could make it tonight and serve it again later this weekend. Is that cheating? Well, anyways... i'm thinking tonight will be sweet pork pizza, tomorrow I will have sweet pork salad for lunch and then not sure what to have the other days, but really looking forward to some delicious dinners/lunches with this pork. I have been told that it makes a TON so make sure you freeze some for another day. I haven't tried this recipe before but I'm hopeful!
Ingredients:
6 lb pork roast (pork shoulder or rump works)
water
24 oz coke (I'm using generic cola and added extra to cover meat)
14 oz salsa
3 cups brown sugar
Directions:
Place pork in crock pot and cover 1/2 way with water. cook on high for 6 hours, then remove water, shred pork and place back in the slow cooker, mix together rest of the ingredients, pour over meat and cook another 2-3 hours.
* I have had mine on warm overnight. I had used a frozen pork so it cooked on high for 10 hours. Then I just put it on low for 10 hours with the sauce and it has been in the slow cooker on warm all day. This flavor is so tasty! I'm waiting until the dough is done for the pizza before I turn it off. This is very sweet and so delicious!
Ingredients for cilantro ranch dressing:
1 buttermilk ranch mix packet (dry)
2 cups mayo
2 cups buttermilk or 1 cup sour cream and 1 cup milk (I used buttermilk)
2 tomatillo's (optional)
1 jalapeno, seeded or equivalent slices diced
1/2 - 1 bunch of cilantro (optional you can substitute parsley for cilantro)
1 tbs lime juice (I used lemon juice as I didn't have lime)
1 clove garlic, crushed (I'm using garlic paste as I don't have any fresh garlic or minced garlic)
Directions:
Blend all ingredients with a mixer or food processor. Makes a lot so store in an air tight container.
Verdict: SO YUMMY... it tastes so close to the Costa Vida dish that I don't think I'll ever pay for another salad there again. Well, unless I get lazy and don't have any of this ready. With the dressing and stuff this makes for a perfect duplicate. plus... I think it actually tastes better than the original. If that is possible. Enjoy! I know I am especially with a whole 6 Qt. slow cooker full of yummy sweet pork! MMMMM
