Get ready to embark on a culinary journey that will transform your ordinary dinner into an extraordinary flavor explosion! These Slow Cooker Cuban Pork Rice Bowls are the ultimate comfort meal that combines tender, citrus-infused pork with classic Cuban spices, creating a dish so delicious, you'll feel like you've been transported straight to the vibrant streets of Havana. With minimal prep time and a slow cooker doing all the hard work, this recipe is about to become your new weeknight hero that will impress family and friends alike.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 6 hrs
Total Time: 6 hrs 10 mins
Cuisine: Cuban
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 lbs pork shoulder
- 1 onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon cumin
- 1 tablespoon oregano
- 1 cup orange juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooked rice for serving
- Black beans for serving
- Avocado for topping
Instructions
- Prepare the pork shoulder by trimming excess fat and patting the meat dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt, pepper, cumin, and oregano, ensuring even coverage on all sides of the meat.
- Chop the onion finely and mince the garlic cloves. Spread the chopped onions across the bottom of the slow cooker to create a flavorful base for the pork.
- Place the seasoned pork shoulder on top of the onions in the slow cooker. Pour the fresh orange juice around the meat, being careful not to wash off the spice rub.
- Cover the slow cooker and set to low heat. Cook for 6 hours, allowing the pork to become tender and easily shreddable. The low, slow cooking process will help break down the meat and infuse it with citrusy and spice flavors.
- Once cooking is complete, carefully remove the pork from the slow cooker and place it on a cutting board. Use two forks to shred the meat, discarding any large pieces of fat.
- Strain the cooking liquid and skim off excess fat. If desired, reduce the liquid in a saucepan to concentrate the flavors.
- Prepare serving bowls by placing a base of warm cooked rice, topped with black beans and the shredded Cuban-style pork.
- Garnish each bowl with fresh sliced avocado and optional additional toppings like chopped cilantro or a squeeze of lime juice.
- Serve immediately while the pork is warm and enjoy the rich, tender flavors of this traditional Cuban-inspired dish.
Tips
- Choose the Right Cut: Pork shoulder (or pork butt) is ideal for this recipe due to its marbling, which ensures tender, juicy meat after slow cooking.
- Spice Rub Technique: Massage the spices into the meat thoroughly to maximize flavor penetration. Don't be shy with the cumin and oregano!
- Liquid Magic: The orange juice isn't just a marinade - it's a tenderizing agent that adds bright, citrusy notes to the pork.
- Shredding Secrets: Let the meat rest for 10-15 minutes after cooking before shredding to help it retain moisture.
- Flavor Boost: For an extra flavor punch, consider reducing the cooking liquid and drizzling it over the shredded pork before serving.
- Customization Options: Feel free to add additional toppings like pickled red onions, cilantro, or a spicy salsa to personalize your rice bowls.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: This recipe is perfect for meal prep - the pork actually tastes even better the next day!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 120mg
