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Pork Carnitas Burrito Bowls with Cilantro Rice

Elina James
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 45 minutes
Course Dinner
Cuisine Mexican
Servings 4 servings
Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • For the Pork Carnitas:
  • 2 lbs pork shoulder (cut into large chunks)
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • ½ tsp chili powder
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • ½ cup orange juice
  • ¼ cup lime juice
  • 1 onion, quartered
  • 4 cloves garlic, smashed
  • 1 bay leaf
  • For the Cilantro Rice:
  • 1 cup long-grain white rice
  • 2 cups water or chicken broth
  • ½ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 2 tbsp lime juice
  • 1 tsp olive oil
  • Salt, to taste
  • Optional Bowl Toppings:
  • Black beans (cooked or canned)
  • Corn kernels
  • Diced tomatoes or pico de gallo
  • Diced avocado or guacamole
  • Sour cream or Greek yogurt
  • Shredded cheese
  • Sliced jalapeños
  • Lime wedges

Instructions
 

  • Prepare the Pork Carnitas: Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C) or prepare a slow cooker. Rub pork chunks with salt, pepper, cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, and garlic powder. Place pork in a roasting pan or slow cooker. Add orange juice, lime juice, onion, garlic, and bay leaf.
  • Cook the Pork: Oven Method: Cover with foil and bake for 1.5 hours, until tender. Slow Cooker Method: Cook on low for 6–7 hours or until pork is tender.
  • Shred and Crisp the Pork: Remove pork from pan and shred with two forks. Optional: For crispy edges, spread shredded pork on a baking sheet and broil for 5–7 minutes until slightly browned and crispy.
  • Prepare the Cilantro Rice: Rinse rice under cold water until water runs clear. Combine rice and water (or broth) in a saucepan; bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer 15–18 minutes until rice is cooked. Remove from heat, fluff with a fork, then stir in cilantro, lime juice, olive oil, and salt to taste.
  • Assemble the Burrito Bowls: Divide cilantro rice among 4 bowls. Top with shredded pork carnitas, black beans, corn, tomatoes, avocado, and any other desired toppings. Garnish with lime wedges and extra cilantro if desired.