Carnitas Burrito Bowl

Tender, flavorful slow-cooked carnitas served over fluffy rice with black beans, sweet corn, crisp lettuce, zesty salsa, and a tangy lime crema—a vibrant, satisfying bowl inspired by classic Mexican flavors.

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This bowl captures the essence of traditional Mexican carnitas while providing a structured, easy-to-eat format that is perfect for meal prep or a hearty family meal.

Ingredients

• Carnitas: 1.5 lbs (700 g) pork shoulder, trimmed and cut into large chunks; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1 tsp ground cumin; 1 tsp dried oregano; 1/2 tsp smoked paprika; 1/2 tsp chili powder; 1/2 cup (120 ml) orange juice; 1/4 cup (60 ml) lime juice; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 medium onion, quartered.
• Rice: 1 cup (200 g) long-grain white rice; 2 cups (480 ml) water; 1/2 tsp salt.
• Bowl Components: 1 can (15 oz/425 g) black beans, drained and rinsed; 1 cup (160 g) corn kernels; 2 cups (60 g) shredded romaine lettuce; 1 cup (150 g) fresh tomato salsa.
• Lime Crema: 1/2 cup (120 g) sour cream; 2 tbsp fresh lime juice; 1/2 tsp lime zest; pinch of salt.
• Garnish: 1/4 cup (10 g) fresh cilantro, chopped; lime wedges.

Instructions

Prepare Carnitas

In a slow cooker, combine pork shoulder, salt, pepper, cumin, oregano, paprika, chili powder, orange juice, lime juice, garlic, and onion. Toss to coat. Cover and cook on low for 7–8 hours or high for 3–4 hours, until pork is fork-tender. Remove pork and shred with two forks. Optionally, crisp shredded pork under a broiler for 3–5 minutes or in a hot skillet until edges are golden.

Cook Rice

Rinse rice under cold water. In a saucepan, bring water and salt to a boil. Add rice, reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes or until water is absorbed. Let stand 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork.

Prepare Lime Crema

In a small bowl, mix sour cream, lime juice, lime zest, and salt until smooth. Chill until ready to use.

Assemble Burrito Bowls

Divide rice among four bowls. Top each with black beans, corn, lettuce, salsa, and a generous portion of carnitas. Drizzle with lime crema. Garnish with cilantro and lime wedges.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

For the best texture, take the extra step to crisp the shredded pork in a skillet or under the broiler to get those classic golden, crispy carnitas edges. The pork can also be made ahead of time and reheated when you are ready to assemble.

Varianten und Anpassungen

Feel free to customize your bowl by adding avocado slices or pickled red onions. If you prefer a lighter sauce, substitute Greek yogurt for the sour cream in the lime crema.

Serviervorschläge

This satisfying main dish pairs beautifully with a light Mexican lager or a crisp, citrusy white wine to complement the vibrant lime and salsa flavors.

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Enjoy this flavorful and filling Carnitas Burrito Bowl, a perfect way to bring the bold tastes of Mexican cuisine into your home kitchen with minimal effort and maximum satisfaction.

Recipe FAQs

→ How long does it take to make carnitas?

The carnitas cook in a slow cooker for 7-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high until fork-tender. Total hands-on prep takes about 25 minutes, making this mostly hands-off cooking.

→ Can I make the carnitas ahead of time?

Absolutely! The carnitas can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days or frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave before assembling bowls.

→ What cut of pork works best for carnitas?

Pork shoulder (also known as Boston butt) is ideal for carnitas. The marbling and connective tissue break down during slow cooking, creating tender, juicy meat that shreds beautifully.

→ How do I get crispy edges on the carnitas?

After shredding the cooked pork, spread it on a baking sheet and broil for 3-5 minutes, or crisp in a hot skillet with a bit of oil until golden edges form. This step adds delicious texture contrast.

→ What can I substitute for the lime crema?

Greek yogurt makes a lighter alternative to sour cream in the lime crema. For a dairy-free option, try cashew cream or coconut yogurt blended with lime juice and zest.

→ Is this bowl gluten-free?

Yes! As written, this bowl is naturally gluten-free. Just ensure all packaged ingredients like salsa and spices are certified gluten-free if you have celiac disease or severe gluten sensitivity.