Carnitas Bowl

This Carnitas Bowl is a vibrant and flavorful Mexican-inspired main dish that perfectly balances tender, slow-cooked pork with fresh, bright toppings. It is a hearty and customizable meal that brings together the richness of seasoned carnitas, the comfort of fluffy rice, and the creaminess of ripe avocado for a satisfying gluten-free experience.

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The magic of this dish happens in the slow cooker, where the pork shoulder breaks down into melt-in-your-mouth goodness. When paired with the earthy pinto beans and zesty salsa, every bite offers a harmonious blend of textures and authentic spices.

Ingredients

• Pork Carnitas: 1.5 lbs (700 g) boneless pork shoulder (cut into 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, 1 large ripe avocado (sliced), 1/4 cup (10 g) chopped fresh cilantro, 1 lime (cut into wedges)

Instructions

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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 easily. To maintain the best texture, store the meat in its cooking juices and perform the broiling step right before you are ready to serve to ensure those edges are perfectly crispy.

Varianten und Anpassungen

For a whole-grain alternative, substitute the white rice with brown rice or quinoa. If you prefer a vegetarian version, you can replace the pork carnitas with roasted vegetables or seasoned jackfruit for a similar shredded texture.

Serviervorschläge

Enhance the flavor profile by adding pickled red onions or a generous dollop of sour cream. The fresh lime wedges are essential for providing a bright, acidic finish that cuts through the rich flavors of the pork.

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This Carnitas Bowl is a testament to how simple ingredients, when slow-cooked with care, can transform into a restaurant-quality meal. Gather your favorite toppings and enjoy a wholesome, delicious dish that is sure to become a household staple.

Recipe FAQs

→ How long does it take to make carnitas?

Carnitas require slow cooking for 8 hours on low or 4 hours on high. The hands-on preparation takes about 25 minutes, making this perfect for meal prep or weekend cooking.

→ Can I make carnitas in advance?

Yes, carnitas actually taste better when made ahead. The flavors deepen overnight in the refrigerator. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave before assembling bowls.

→ What cut of pork works best for carnitas?

Pork shoulder (also known as pork butt) is ideal because its marbling and connective tissue break down during slow cooking, creating tender, shreddable meat.

→ How do I get crispy edges on carnitas?

After shredding the cooked pork, spread it on a baking sheet and broil for 5-7 minutes. This creates those delicious crispy, caramelized edges characteristic of authentic carnitas.

→ What other toppings work well in this bowl?

Pickled red onions, sour cream, shredded cheese, radish slices, or pickled jalapeños all complement the flavors. For extra crunch, add crushed tortilla chips on top.

→ Is this bowl gluten-free?

Yes, all ingredients are naturally gluten-free. Always check labels on canned beans and broth to ensure no gluten-containing additives are present.