Carnitas Bowl Mexican Style (Printable View)

Tender pork carnitas with rice, beans, and fresh toppings for a satisfying meal.

# What You'll Need:

→ Pork Carnitas

01 - 1.5 lbs boneless pork shoulder, cut into large chunks
02 - 1 teaspoon salt
03 - 0.5 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
04 - 1 teaspoon ground cumin
05 - 1 teaspoon dried oregano
06 - 0.5 teaspoon smoked paprika
07 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
08 - 0.5 onion, chopped
09 - 1 orange, juiced
10 - 1 lime, juiced
11 - 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth

→ Rice

12 - 1 cup long-grain white rice
13 - 2 cups water
14 - 0.5 teaspoon salt

→ Pinto Beans

15 - 1 can (15 ounces) pinto beans, drained and rinsed
16 - 0.25 teaspoon ground cumin
17 - 0.25 teaspoon chili powder
18 - 0.25 cup water

→ Toppings

19 - 1 cup fresh tomato salsa
20 - 1 large ripe avocado, sliced
21 - 0.25 cup chopped fresh cilantro
22 - 1 lime, cut into wedges

# How To Make It:

01 - In a slow cooker, combine pork shoulder, salt, pepper, cumin, oregano, smoked paprika, garlic, onion, orange juice, lime juice, and chicken broth.
02 - Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or on high for 4 hours, until pork is very tender and easily shreds.
03 - Shred pork with two forks. For crispy edges, transfer shredded pork to a baking sheet and broil for 5-7 minutes until browned.
04 - 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.
05 - Remove from heat and let stand, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork.
06 - 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.
07 - Divide rice evenly among four bowls. Top with pinto beans, carnitas, salsa, avocado slices, and cilantro. Serve with lime wedges on the side.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Tender & Crispy: The slow-cooking process makes the meat incredibly tender, while a quick broil adds those irresistible crispy edges.
  • Fully Customizable: Easily adapt the toppings and base to suit your personal preferences or dietary needs.
  • Nutrient-Dense: A balanced meal featuring high-quality protein, healthy fats from avocado, and fiber from beans.
  • Perfect for Meal Prep: The components store well, making this an ideal choice for healthy lunches throughout the week.
02 -
  • Don't Skip the Broil: Broiling the shredded pork is the secret to getting those authentic, crispy bits found in traditional carnitas.
  • Rinse Your Rice: Always rinse your rice under cold water until it runs clear to remove excess starch for fluffier results.
  • Season the Beans: Adding cumin and chili powder to canned beans while heating them transforms them from a simple side into a flavorful component.
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