Go Back
Easy Pork Carnitas Burrito Bowls Recipe Poster

Easy Pork Carnitas Burrito Bowls

Lori
If you have a slow cooker, try this Easy Pork Carnitas Burrito Bowls recipe. The combination of juicy pork carnitas, cilantro-lime rice, and Pico de Gallo is delicious and also makes great leftovers.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Sauté time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4 to 6

Ingredients
  

Dry Rub Ingredients

  • 1/2 T. chili powder
  • 1/2 T. unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 t. garlic powder
  • 1 t. ground cumin
  • 1/2 t. smoked paprika
  • 1/2 t. chipotle powder
  • 1 t. dried Mexican oregano
  • 1 t. sea salt
  • 1/2 t. ground black pepper
  • 3 T. extra virgin olive oil , divided

Tender Pork Carnitas Ingredients

  • 3 1/2 to 41/2 lbs pork shoulder roast , trimmed and cut into 6-8 chunks
  • 3 T. extra virgin olive oil , divided
  • 1 medium red onion , diced
  • 1 medium jalapeno , diced
  • 3/4 c. chicken broth (organic)
  • 3/4 c. fresh orange juice
  • 3 T. lime juice

Cilantro-Lime Rice Ingredients

  • 1 c. uncooked rice prepared according to package ingredients
  • 3 T. fresh cilantro leaves , chopped
  • 3 T. fresh lime juice , divided
  • Sea salt & black pepper (to taste)

Pico de Gallo Ingredients

  • 1- pint cherry or grape tomatoes , quartered
  • 1/4 c. red onion , diced
  • 2 T. fresh cilantro leaves , chopped
  • 2 T. fresh lime juice
  • Sea salt & black pepper (to taste)

Remaining Pork Carnitas Bowls Ingredients

  • 1 large avocado , sliced
  • 1 cup black beans , warmed
  • 1 cup whole kernel corn , warmed
  • 2 large limes , cut into wedges
  • 3 T. fresh cilantro (for garnish)

Instructions
 

  • Combine dry rub ingredients in a small bowl and stir to combine. Rub mixture onto pork until each piece is covered. Press well to adhere.
  • Select the saute function button on Instant Pot and set it to high. Add 1 tablespoon olive oil and half the seasoned pork shoulder pieces to the container. Sear until pork is browned on all sides, approximately 2-3 minutes per side.
  • Once browned, transfer seared pork to a plate and repeat this process with another tablespoon of olive oil and the remaining pork. Remove browned pork from the Instant Pot and set aside.
  • Add remaining tablespoon olive oil to the container, along with red onion and jalapeño. Sauté, stirring occasionally, until soft and translucent, approximately 3-4 minutes.
  • Add browned pork back to the pot and pour chicken broth, orange juice, and lime juice on top. Add lid and lock into place. Set the steam vent to “Sealing.” Press the “Manual” button and adjust to the “High” setting, if necessary. Adjust cook time to 30 minutes. (Select 40 minutes for 4+ pound roasts).
  • While the pork is cooking, prepare the Cilantro-Lime Rice and Pico de Gallo by combining the ingredients for each in medium bowls. Stir to combine and set aside until ready to use.
  • When the Instant Pot cook time is complete, allow the pressure to release naturally for 20 minutes. Do this before doing a quick release of any remaining steam.

Optional Steps for Crispier Carnitas

  • Pre-heat the oven broiler to high and line a large, rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil. Transfer pork to the prepared baking sheet and gently shred with two forks. Drizzle with 1/4 cup juices from the Instant Pot® and toss to combine before spreading into a thin, even layer. Season with more salt and black pepper, if desired.
  • Place pork under the broiler for 4-5 minutes, then remove from the oven. Add a little more juice before turning the meat to brown the other side. Place back under the broiler for another 4-5 minutes or until the pork is nice and crispy edges.
  • When finished broiling, remove the baking sheet from the oven. Divide the shredded pork, Cilantro-Lime Rice, Pico de Gallo, sliced avocado, black beans, and corn into serving bowls. To serve, top with chopped cilantro and fresh lime wedges if desired. Enjoy!

Notes

  1. DO NOT move or touch the lid while using the “Sauté” function on an Instant Pot.
  2. Prepare the Cilantro-Lime Rice and fresh Pico de Gallo once the meat is cooking in the Instant Pot to save time.
Keyword Dinner