Carnitas Bowl

Carnitas Bowl

DinnerMexicanMexican
Homii

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Flavor

CitrusySavoryRichSmoky

Texture

CreamyTenderCrispy

Best seasons

SpringSummerFallWinter

Best for

Hot DayComfort FoodMeal PrepCasual WeeknightBright Fresh Flavors
  • Prep25m
  • Cook150m
Total time
2h 55m
Internal temp
145°F
Prep
25 min
Cook
2h 30m
Recipe written for 4 servings

Main

Carnitas Spice Rub

Carnitas

Cilantro-Lime Rice

Seasoned Black Beans

Main

Pickled Red Onions

Main

Garnish

Main

Uses your kitchen

Stovetop

Cookware

Dutch Oven

Pan

Pot

Saucepan

Fridge

4 days

Freezer

60 days

Reheat

StovetopMicrowave
Start here
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2 lb boneless pork shoulder cut into 3-inch chunks

Slow cooker pork shoulder

480–600 min200°F

Methods

Optional finish

More options
Step by step

Instructions

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  • 3–4 min
  • Medium-high

In a small mixing bowl, combine 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1 tsp kosher salt, and ½ tsp black pepper. Pat the 2 lb boneless pork shoulder chunks dry with paper towel, then rub the spice mixture all over the meat. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Working in batches, sear the 2 lb boneless pork shoulder on all sides until deep golden brown, about 3–4 minutes per side. Transfer seared pieces to a plate.

Uses

  • Mixing Bowl
  • Paper Towel
  • Dutch Oven
  • Ground Cumin
  • Smoked Paprika
  • Oregano
  • Salt
  • 120 min
  • Low

Return all boneless pork shoulder to the Dutch oven. Add the 4 cloves garlic smashed smashed, 1 whole orange juiced, 1 whole lime juiced, and ½ cup chicken broth gluten-free certified. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer until the 2 lb boneless pork shoulder is fall-apart tender, about 2 hours. Remove the lid for the last 20 minutes to let the liquid reduce. Use two dipping forks to shred the 2 lb boneless pork shoulder directly in the pot, tossing it in the remaining juices. Increase heat to medium-high and cook uncovered for 5–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the edges of the boneless pork shoulder get slightly crispy.

Uses

  • Dutch Oven
  • Dipping Fork
  • Pork Shoulder
  • Garlic
  • Orange Juice
  • Chicken Broth Gluten-Free Certified
  • Lime Juice
  • 18 min
  • High

While the carnitas braises, combine rinsed 1 ½ cups long-grain white rice, 3 cups water, and 1 tsp kosher salt in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to the lowest setting, cover, and cook for 18 minutes. Remove from heat and let steam, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff with a dipping fork, then stir in 1 whole lime juiced and chopped fresh cilantro chopped.

Uses

  • Saucepan
  • Dipping Fork
  • Long-Grain Rice
  • Water
  • Salt
  • Lime Juice
  • 5–7 min
  • Medium

In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the drained black beans, 1 tsp ground cumin, and ¼ tsp garlic powder with 2 tablespoons of water. Stir and heat for 5–7 minutes until warmed through and fragrant. Season with 1 tsp kosher salt to taste.

Uses

  • Saucepan
  • Black Bean
  • Ground Cumin
  • Garlic Powder
  • Water
  • Salt
  • 15 min

Place the thinly sliced red onion thinly sliced in a small mixing bowl. Add the juice of one 1 whole lime juiced and a pinch of kosher salt. Toss well and let sit for at least 15 minutes while the carnitas finishes cooking. The onions will turn bright pink and mellow in flavor.

Uses

  • Mixing Bowl
  • Red Onion
  • Orange Juice
  • Lime Juice
  • Salt

Divide the ¼ cup fresh cilantro chopped-1 whole lime juiced rice among four bowls. Top each with a generous scoop of seasoned 1 can black beans and a hearty portion of crispy 2 lb boneless pork shoulder. Arrange sliced whole avocado sliced or diced, pickled ½ cup red onion thinly sliced, and halved 1 cup cherry tomatoes around the mixing bowl. Finish with a dollop of sour cream, extra ¼ cup fresh cilantro chopped, and hot sauce if desired. Serve immediately.

Uses

  • Cilantro
  • Lime Juice
  • Long-Grain Rice
  • Black Bean
Per serving

Nutrition facts

Estimated for one serving as written. Scale with Serving size in the sidebar for your batch.

620

Cal

Protein

38 g

25%

Carbs

58 g

39%

Fat

24 g

36%