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I’m taking you on a journey to flavor paradise with the irresistible Carnita Bowl. Brace yourselves for a taste explosion that’s as bold as it is simple to create.
Carnitas Unveiled: The Art of Slow-Cooked Perfection
Let’s start with the heart and soul of this culinary escapade – carnitas. Imagine tender, juicy pork shoulder slow-cooked to perfection. We’re talking about a mesmerizing blend of savory and slightly crispy bits that practically melt in your mouth. The secret? A tantalizing mix of spices, a touch of citrus, and a low-and-slow cooking dance that transforms the pork into savory, pull-apart goodness.
Building the Ultimate Carnita Bowl:
Here’s how you craft the ultimate Carnita Burrito Bowl:
1. Carnitas:
Start by generously layering your bowl with a heap of that slow-cooked magic. The contrast of the savory carnitas against the other fresh and vibrant ingredients sets the stage for a flavor spectacle. If you don’t have the time to make carnitas, we create this flavorful dish using Del Real Food Carnitas.
2. Rice:
Next up, fluffy, cooked rice serves as the perfect foundation. Whether you opt for white or brown rice, it’s your chance to soak up the succulent juices from the carnitas.
3. Pinto Bean:
Introduce a cup of pinto beans, hearty and protein-packed. They add a rich, earthy depth that complements the savory notes of the carnitas. If you prefer black beans just swap them out for the pinto beans.
4. Corn:
Bring in a burst of sweetness with corn kernels – whether fresh off the cob or straight from the freezer, it’s a vibrant addition that adds a touch of summer to every bite.
5. Tomato:
Halved cherry tomatoes offers juicy, burst-in-your-mouth goodness. Their freshness provides a delightful contrast to the warm carnitas.
6. Lettuce:
Shredded lettuce adds a cool, crisp element, creating a refreshing balance to the richness of the carnitas.
7. Avocado:
Sliced avocado delivers creamy, buttery bites that perfectly complement the savory pork.
8. Cheese:
A sprinkle of shredded cheese – cheddar, Mexican blend, or a melty queso fresco – adds a layer of gooey, savory perfection.
9. Salsa:
Now, it’s time for the salsa. Whether you prefer mild or fiery, add a spoon full or tow of salsa over your bowl. We love Renfro in our house, here’s a few of our favorites.
10. Sour Cream:
And for those sour cream lovers, here’s where you add a dollap of your sour cream.
11. Cilantro:
Finally, a sprinkle of fresh cilantro, infusing a burst of citrusy, herbaceous notes that tie the entire bowl together. If cilantro isn’t your thing, you can skip this step or use parsley in it’s place.
The Art of Eating a Carnita Bowl:
Now comes the fun part – diving into this bowl of bliss. Grab a fork and swirl the ingredients together, ensuring each bite is a harmonious blend of flavors and textures. The succulent carnitas, creamy avocado, zesty salsa, and all the vibrant elements create a fiesta on your palate.
And there you have it, this Carnita Burrito Bowl, is quite simple to make and it’s celebration of flavors, textures, and in every bite.
Carnita Bowl
Ingredients
For Carnitas:
- 2 lbs pork shoulder diced
- 1 onion finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup orange juice
- 1 cup chicken broth
For Bowl Assembly:
- Cooked white or brown rice
- Pinto Beans or Black beans drained and rinsed
- Corn salsa mix of corn, tomatoes, red onion, cilantro
- Avocado slices
- Shredded lettuce
- Shredded cheese cheddar or Mexican blend
- Fresh lime wedges
- Sour cream, optional
Instructions
Carnitas Preparation:
- In a large pan or Dutch oven, sauté the diced pork shoulder until browned.
- Add chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until softened.
- Stir in cumin, oregano, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Pour in orange juice and chicken broth, ensuring the pork is covered.
- Bring to a simmer, then cover and let it cook for 2-3 hours until the pork is tender and easily shredded.
Bowl Assembly:
- In serving bowls, start with a base of cooked rice.
- Arrange the slow-cooked carnitas on top.
- Add pinto beans, corn salsa, avocado slices, and shredded lettuce.
- Dollop sour cream and sprinkle shredded cheese.
- Garnish with fresh lime wedges for a burst of citrus.
Notes
Have you tried this recipe yet? If you have, I’d love to hear your thoughts! Share your thoughts in the comments below, and don’t forget to snap a photo of your cooked meal to inspire others in our community. Be sure to share this delicious recipe with your friends and family too!
