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Pork Carnitas Bowls

Pork Carnitas Bowls


  • Author: wellness sleuth
  • Total Time: 0 hours
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Instant Pot Pork Carnitas Bowls are a delicious, easy-to-make meal that is sure to please all appetites. This simple Instant Pot dish starts with slow-cooked pork shoulder that has been perfectly seasoned and then crisped up in the Instant Pot.


Ingredients

Scale

🌶 Dry Rub for Pork Carnitas

Season your pork with this Mexican-inspired spice blend for rich, smoky flavor:

    • ½ tablespoon chili powder

    • ½ tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder – deepens flavor without adding sweetness

    • 1 teaspoon garlic powder

    • 1 teaspoon ground cumin

    • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika

    • ½ teaspoon chipotle powder – adds a subtle heat

    • 1 teaspoon dried Mexican oregano

    • 1 teaspoon sea salt

    • ½ teaspoon ground black pepper

    • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (divided for rub and cooking)

🍖 Pork Carnitas

The heart of the bowl—slow-cooked, tender pork:

    • lbs pork shoulder roast – trimmed and cut into 68 chunks

    • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (divided)

    • 1 medium red onion, diced

    • 1 medium jalapeño, diced

    • ¾ cup chicken broth – preferably organic

    • ¾ cup fresh orange juice – adds natural sweetness

    • 3 tablespoons lime juice – for brightness

🌿 Cilantro-Lime Rice

A fresh, zesty base for your carnitas bowl:

    • 1 cup uncooked rice – prepared according to package directions

    • 3 tablespoons fresh cilantro leaves, chopped

    • 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice (divided)

    • Sea salt & black pepper, to taste

🍅 Fresh Pico de Gallo

Adds color, crunch, and a burst of freshness:

    • 1 pint cherry or grape tomatoes, quartered

    • ¼ cup red onion, diced

    • 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro leaves, finely chopped

    • 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice

    • Sea salt & black pepper, to taste


🥑 Remaining Bowl Toppings

For the perfect finishing touch:

3 tablespoons fresh cilantro, for garnish

1 large avocado, sliced

1 cup black beans, warmed

1 cup whole kernel corn, warmed

2 large limes, cut into wedges


Instructions

🥘 How to Make Pork Carnitas Bowls 1️⃣ Prepare the Dry Rub

In a small bowl, combine ½ tablespoon chili powder, ½ tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon ground cumin, ½ teaspoon smoked paprika, ½ teaspoon chipotle powder, 1 teaspoon dried Mexican oregano, 1 teaspoon sea salt, and ½ teaspoon ground black pepper.
Stir well to evenly blend the spices.

2️⃣ Season the Pork

Pat the 3½–4½ pounds pork shoulder dry with paper towels.
Rub the spice mixture all over the pork chunks until evenly coated.
Let it rest for 10–15 minutes so the flavors absorb.

3️⃣ Sear the Pork

Heat 1½ tablespoons olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
Add pork chunks in batches, searing for 2–3 minutes per side until browned and caramelized. This creates a rich, flavorful crust.
Transfer browned pork to a plate and repeat with remaining pieces.

4️⃣ Build the Flavor Base

In the same pot, add the diced red onion and jalapeño.
Sauté for 2–3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
Pour in ¾ cup chicken broth, ¾ cup fresh orange juice, and 3 tablespoons lime juice, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.

5️⃣ Braise the Pork

Return all browned pork chunks to the pot.
Cover and reduce heat to low, letting it cook for 2½–3 hours, or until the pork is fork-tender and easy to shred.
Once done, shred pork with two forks and mix it with the cooking liquid for maximum flavor.

6️⃣ Make Cilantro-Lime Rice

Cook 1 cup rice according to package instructions.
Fluff with a fork, then stir in 3 tablespoons chopped cilantro, 2 tablespoons lime juice, salt, and pepper to taste.

7️⃣ Prepare the Pico de Gallo

In a bowl, combine 1 pint cherry tomatoes (quartered), ¼ cup diced red onion, 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro, and 2 tablespoons lime juice.
Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir gently to combine.

8️⃣ Assemble the Bowls

Start with a bed of cilantro-lime rice in each bowl.
Top with shredded pork, pico de gallo, sliced avocado, 1 cup warmed black beans, and 1 cup warmed whole kernel corn.
Garnish with lime wedges and fresh cilantro.

9️⃣ Optional: Crisp the Carnitas

Preheat your oven broiler to high.
Line a large rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
Transfer shredded pork to the baking sheet and drizzle with ¼ cup of the cooking juices from the pot. Toss gently to combine, then spread into a thin, even layer.
Broil for 4–5 minutes, then remove from the oven and toss the pork to brown the other side.
Place back under the broiler for another 4–5 minutes, or until the pork is crispy and browned on the edges.
Remove from oven and serve immediately.serve, top with chopped cilantro and fresh lime wedges, if desired. Enjoy!

Notes

Tip: Prepare the Cilantro-Lime Rice and fresh Pico de Gallo once the pork is in the Instant Pot® to save time.

  • Prep Time: 20
  • Cook Time: 1 hr - 20 mins
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