Print

Tender Slow Cooker Carnitas Bowl Recipe with Easy Cilantro Lime Rice

slow cooker carnitas bowl - featured image
Print Recipe

A comforting and easy slow cooker carnitas bowl featuring tender shredded pork shoulder and bright, zesty cilantro lime rice. Perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3–4 pounds pork shoulder, trimmed of excess fat
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 large onion, sliced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon ground cumin
  • 1 tablespoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 orange, juiced
  • 1 lime, juiced
  • ½ cup chicken broth or water
  • 1 cup long grain white rice, rinsed
  • 2 cups water or low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 lime, zested and juiced
  • ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • Optional toppings: avocado slices or guacamole, sour cream or Mexican crema, pico de gallo or fresh salsa, shredded lettuce or cabbage, pickled jalapeños, fresh lime wedges

Instructions

  1. Trim excess fat from the pork shoulder and pat dry with paper towels.
  2. In a small bowl, combine cumin, oregano, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper to make the spice rub.
  3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and sear the pork on all sides until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side.
  4. Place sliced onions and minced garlic at the bottom of the slow cooker. Set the pork shoulder on top.
  5. Sprinkle the spice rub evenly over the pork. Pour in the orange juice, lime juice, and chicken broth.
  6. Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-6 hours until pork is tender and easily shredded.
  7. About 30 minutes before the pork finishes, rinse the rice under cold water until water runs clear.
  8. In a medium saucepan, bring water or broth to a boil. Add rice and salt, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18-20 minutes until water is absorbed.
  9. Remove rice from heat and let it sit covered for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork.
  10. Stir in lime zest, lime juice, olive oil or butter, and chopped cilantro. Adjust salt to taste.
  11. Using two forks, shred the pork directly in the slow cooker.
  12. Optional: Spread shredded pork on a baking sheet and broil for 3-5 minutes until edges crisp up.
  13. Assemble bowls starting with cilantro lime rice, add a generous scoop of carnitas, and top with desired garnishes.

Notes

Searing the pork before slow cooking adds flavor and texture. Broiling shredded pork for a few minutes creates crispy edges. Rinse rice to remove excess starch for fluffier results. Save leftover cooking juices for drizzling or dipping. Use a slow cooker liner for easier cleanup. Adjust spice level by adding jalapeños or increasing chili powder. For lower-carb option, substitute cilantro lime rice with cauliflower rice.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker carnitas, pork shoulder, cilantro lime rice, easy dinner, meal prep, Mexican bowl, shredded pork, comfort food

Find it online: https://tinastirs.com/tender-slow-cooker-carnitas-bowl-recipe-with-easy-cilantro-lime-rice/