Carnitas Burrito Bowl (Print Version)

Slow-cooked pork carnitas over rice with beans, corn, lettuce, salsa, and lime crema.

# What You Need:

→ Carnitas

01 - 1.5 lbs pork shoulder, trimmed and cut into large chunks
02 - 1 tsp salt
03 - 1/2 tsp black pepper
04 - 1 tsp ground cumin
05 - 1 tsp dried oregano
06 - 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
07 - 1/2 tsp chili powder
08 - 1/2 cup orange juice
09 - 1/4 cup lime juice
10 - 4 cloves garlic, minced
11 - 1 medium onion, quartered

→ Rice

12 - 1 cup long-grain white rice
13 - 2 cups water
14 - 1/2 tsp salt

→ Bowl Components

15 - 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
16 - 1 cup corn kernels
17 - 2 cups shredded romaine lettuce
18 - 1 cup fresh tomato salsa

→ Lime Crema

19 - 1/2 cup sour cream
20 - 2 tbsp fresh lime juice
21 - 1/2 tsp lime zest
22 - Pinch of salt

→ Garnish

23 - 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
24 - Lime wedges

# Directions:

01 - In a slow cooker, combine pork shoulder, salt, pepper, cumin, oregano, paprika, chili powder, orange juice, lime juice, garlic, and onion. Toss to coat evenly. Cover and cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until pork is fork-tender and easily shreds.
02 - Remove cooked pork from slow cooker and shred using two forks. For enhanced texture, place shredded pork under a preheated broiler for 3-5 minutes or in a hot skillet until edges are golden and crispy.
03 - Rinse rice thoroughly under cold water. In a saucepan, bring water and salt to a boil. Add rice, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until water is absorbed. Remove from heat and let stand covered for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork.
04 - In a small mixing bowl, combine sour cream, lime juice, lime zest, and salt. Whisk until smooth and well combined. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
05 - Divide cooked rice evenly among four serving bowls. Top each bowl with black beans, corn, shredded lettuce, salsa, and a generous portion of carnitas. Drizzle lime crema over the top and garnish with fresh cilantro and lime wedges.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • The pork cooks itself for hours while you ignore it, then shreds into silky perfection with minimal effort.
  • It's naturally gluten-free and endlessly customizable—everyone can build their own bowl exactly how they want it.
  • The balance of acid, spice, and richness makes every bite feel intentional and complete.
02 -
  • Don't skip rinsing the black beans and corn—the starchy liquid will muddy the clarity of your final dish.
  • If you crisp the carnitas, do it at the very last minute or they'll dry out before you serve them.
  • The lime crema can be made several hours ahead and chilled, but add fresh cilantro only right before eating.
03 -
  • Make the carnitas a day or two ahead—they actually taste better after the flavors have time to settle, and reheating them is effortless.
  • Keep your lime juice and orange juice fresh and room temperature for maximum flavor impact on the final dish.
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