Carnitas Bowl Mexican Style

Bring the vibrant and bold flavors of a Mexican cantina right to your dining table with this hearty Carnitas Bowl. At the heart of this dish is succulent, slow-cooked pork shoulder, seasoned with a blend of aromatic spices and citrus juices until it's tender enough to melt in your mouth. This protein is perfectly complemented by fluffy white rice and seasoned pinto beans, creating a satisfying foundation that is as nutritious as it is delicious.

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The beauty of the Carnitas Bowl lies in its layers of texture and freshness. Each bite offers a combination of warm, savory meat and beans against the cool, crisp bite of fresh salsa and the creamy richness of sliced avocado. It’s a versatile meal that works beautifully for a relaxed family dinner or a vibrant weekend gathering with friends.

Ingredients

• Pork Carnitas
• 1.5 lbs (700 g) boneless pork shoulder, cut into large chunks
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 onion, chopped
• 1 orange, juiced
• 1 lime, juiced
• 1 cup (240 ml) low-sodium chicken broth
• Rice
• 1 cup (200 g) long-grain white rice
• 2 cups (480 ml) water
• 1/2 tsp salt
• Pinto Beans
• 1 can (15 oz/425 g) pinto beans, drained and rinsed
• 1/4 tsp ground cumin
• 1/4 tsp chili powder
• 1/4 cup (60 ml) water
• Toppings
• 1 cup (150 g) fresh tomato salsa (pico de gallo or store-bought)
• 1 large ripe avocado, sliced
• 1/4 cup (10 g) chopped fresh cilantro
• 1 lime, cut into wedges

Instructions

Prepare the Carnitas

In a slow cooker, combine pork shoulder, salt, pepper, cumin, oregano, smoked paprika, garlic, onion, orange juice, lime juice, and chicken broth. Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or on high for 4 hours, until pork is very tender. Shred pork with two forks. For crispy edges, transfer shredded pork to a baking sheet and broil for 5-7 minutes until browned.

Cook the Rice

Rinse rice under cold water until water runs clear. In a medium saucepan, combine rice, water, and salt. Bring to a boil, then cover, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 15 minutes. Remove from heat and let stand, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork.

Heat the Pinto Beans

In a small saucepan, combine pinto beans, cumin, chili powder, and water. Simmer over medium heat for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until heated through.

Assemble the Bowls

Divide rice evenly among four bowls. Top with pinto beans, carnitas, salsa, avocado slices, and cilantro. Serve with lime wedges on the side.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

Carnitas can be made ahead and reheated, which actually allows the flavors to deepen further. If you are short on time, using a pressure cooker can significantly reduce the cooking time for the pork while still achieving that signature tenderness.

Varianten und Anpassungen

Substitute brown rice or quinoa for a whole-grain option to add more fiber. For a vegetarian version, you can replace the carnitas with roasted vegetables or seasoned jackfruit to maintain the hearty texture of the bowl.

Serviervorschläge

For extra flavor and a pop of color, add pickled red onions or a dollop of cool sour cream. Serving with extra lime wedges is essential to provide that final bright, acidic note that ties all the components together.

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Enjoy the rich, complex flavors of this homemade Carnitas Bowl. It's a nourishing and colorful meal that brings the best of Mexican-inspired cuisine right to your table, providing a satisfying dining experience that the whole family will love.

Questions & Answers

→ How long does it take to cook carnitas?

Carnitas cook for 8 hours on low or 4 hours on high in a slow cooker until the pork is very tender and easily shreds with a fork.

→ Can I make this bowl ahead of time?

Yes, the carnitas can be made ahead and reheated. The rice and beans can also be prepared in advance and stored separately for up to 3 days.

→ What cut of pork works best for carnitas?

Boneless pork shoulder is ideal because it has enough fat to keep the meat moist during long cooking. The fat renders down and creates tender, flavorful meat.

→ How do I get crispy edges on the carnitas?

After shredding the cooked pork, spread it on a baking sheet and broil for 5-7 minutes until browned and crispy on the edges.

→ What can I substitute for the toppings?

Try pickled red onions, sour cream, shredded cheese, or radish slices. For a dairy-free option, use dairy-free yogurt or skip creamy toppings entirely.