Burrito Bowls

Pork Burrito Bowl

Name: Pork Burrito Bowl
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 120 min
Total time: 150 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb (450g) pork shoulder, boneless; 1/4 cup (60g) lard or vegetable oil; 2 dried ancho chiles, toasted and ground; 1 large onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup (250g) uncooked white rice; 2 cups (475ml) chicken broth; 1 can (15 oz/425g) black beans, drained and rinsed; 1 cup (120g) frozen corn kernels; 1/2 cup (115g) chopped fresh cilantro; 2 tbsp (30g) lime juice; Salt and pepper to taste

By Zadie Penhallow · June 19, 2026 · Burrito Bowls

Prep30 min

Cook120 min

Total150 min

Serves4

I still remember the first time I had a Pork Burrito Bowl at my abuela's house in Guadalajara. The combination of tender pork, flavorful rice, and fresh salsa was love at first bite. As I grew older, I realized that the secret to this dish lies in the layers of flavor and the patience that goes into preparing each component. In this recipe, I'll guide you through the process of creating an authentic Pork Burrito Bowl that will transport your taste buds to the heart of Mexico.

One of the things that sets this recipe apart is the use of traditional Mexican techniques, such as charring the ingredients on a comal or under the broiler to bring out their natural sweetness. This step may seem tedious, but trust me, it's worth the extra effort. The smoky flavor that develops is the foundation of the dish and will elevate your Pork Burrito Bowl to the next level.

This recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. It's easy to make in large quantities and can be customized to suit your taste preferences. Whether you like your salsa mild or spicy, your beans refried or black, this recipe is flexible and forgiving. So, let's get started and create a delicious Pork Burrito Bowl that will become a staple in your kitchen.

In Mexico, the Pork Burrito Bowl is more than just a meal, it's a way of life. It's a symbol of community, family, and love. When we gather around the table to share a meal, we're not just nourishing our bodies, we're nourishing our souls. And that's what I hope to share with you through this recipe – a taste of the love and tradition that goes into every Pork Burrito Bowl.

As you cook, remember that the most important ingredient is love. Put your heart into every step, and you'll be rewarded with a dish that's not only delicious but also meaningful. So, let's cook with love and make this Pork Burrito Bowl a reality.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is easy to make and requires minimal ingredients
It's perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion
The dish is customizable to suit your taste preferences
It's a great way to use up leftover ingredients and reduce food waste
The recipe is authentic and traditional, making it a great way to experience Mexican culture
It's a hearty and filling meal that's perfect for a crowd
The dish is nutritious and balanced, making it a great option for a healthy meal

Why This Recipe Works

The key to a great Pork Burrito Bowl is in the layers of flavor. By charring the ingredients on a comal or under the broiler, we're developing a deep, smoky flavor that's the foundation of the dish. This step is crucial because it brings out the natural sweetness in the ingredients and adds a level of complexity to the flavor profile.

Another important aspect of this recipe is the use of traditional Mexican techniques, such as toasting the chiles and rendering the fat in the beans. These steps may seem old-fashioned, but they're essential to creating an authentic Pork Burrito Bowl. By toasting the chiles, we're releasing their natural oils and intensifying their flavor, while rendering the fat in the beans adds a richness and creaminess to the dish.

The combination of tender pork, flavorful rice, and fresh salsa is what makes this dish truly special. The pork is cooked low and slow to ensure it's tender and juicy, while the rice is cooked with aromatics and spices to add depth and complexity. The salsa is made with fresh ingredients and a touch of acidity to balance out the richness of the dish.

Finally, the resting time is crucial to allowing the flavors to meld together and the pork to become tender and easy to shred. This step may seem counterintuitive, but it's essential to creating a dish that's not only delicious but also visually appealing.

Ingredients You’ll Need

When it comes to making a great Pork Burrito Bowl, the ingredients are just as important as the technique. Look for fresh, high-quality ingredients that are rich in flavor and texture. For the pork, choose a cut that's tender and juicy, such as pork shoulder or pork belly. For the salsa, use fresh ingredients like tomatoes, onions, and chiles to create a bright and tangy flavor profile.

One of the most important ingredients in this recipe is the dried chiles. These chiles add a deep, smoky flavor to the dish and are essential to creating an authentic Pork Burrito Bowl. Look for dried chiles at your local Mexican market or online, and be sure to toast them before using to bring out their natural oils and flavor.

1 lb (450g) pork shoulder, bonelessChoose a cut that's tender and juicy, such as pork shoulder or pork belly. This will ensure that the pork is easy to shred and full of flavor.
1/4 cup (60g) lard or vegetable oilUse a high-quality oil that's rich in flavor and has a high smoke point. This will ensure that the pork is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.
2 dried ancho chiles, toasted and groundLook for dried ancho chiles at your local Mexican market or online. Toasting the chiles brings out their natural oils and flavor, and grinding them creates a smooth and even texture.
1 large onion, dicedChoose a sweet onion like Vidalia or Maui. This will add a touch of sweetness to the dish and balance out the acidity of the salsa.
2 cloves garlic, mincedUse fresh garlic for the best flavor. Mince the garlic finely to ensure that it distributes evenly throughout the dish.
1 cup (250g) uncooked white riceChoose a high-quality rice that's fresh and fragrant. This will ensure that the rice is fluffy and separate, and not sticky or clumpy.
2 cups (475ml) chicken brothUse a low-sodium broth to control the amount of salt in the dish. This will ensure that the flavors are balanced and not too salty.
1 can (15 oz/425g) black beans, drained and rinsedChoose a low-sodium beans to control the amount of salt in the dish. Rinsing the beans removes excess sodium and helps to balance the flavors.
1 cup (120g) frozen corn kernelsUse fresh or frozen corn kernels for the best flavor. This will add a touch of sweetness to the dish and balance out the acidity of the salsa.
1/2 cup (115g) chopped fresh cilantroChoose fresh cilantro for the best flavor. Chop the cilantro finely to ensure that it distributes evenly throughout the dish.
2 tbsp (30g) lime juiceUse fresh lime juice for the best flavor. This will add a touch of acidity to the dish and balance out the richness of the pork.
Salt and pepper to tasteUse a high-quality salt like kosher or sea salt. This will ensure that the flavors are balanced and not too salty.

Equipment You’ll Need

Large heavy skillet or Dutch ovenComal or broilerSharp chef's knifeCutting boardInstant-read thermometerRice cooker or large saucepan

How to Make Pork Burrito Bowl

1
Preheat the oven to 300°F (150°C). This will ensure that the pork is cooked low and slow, and is tender and juicy.
2
In a large bowl, combine the pork shoulder, lard or oil, ground ancho chiles, onion, garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine, making sure that the pork is evenly coated with the spices and chiles.
3
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight. This will allow the flavors to meld together and the pork to become tender and easy to shred.
4
Remove the pork from the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature. This will ensure that the pork cooks evenly and is not too cold in the center.
5
Heat a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the pork and sear until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes per side. This will create a crispy crust on the outside and a tender interior.
6
Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and cook for 2-3 hours, or until the pork is tender and easy to shred. Use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature, which should be at least 165°F (74°C).
7
While the pork is cooking, prepare the rice. Rinse the rice in a fine-mesh strainer and drain well. In a large saucepan, combine the rice, chicken broth, and salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and fluffy.
8
In a separate pan, heat a couple of tablespoons of oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the frozen corn kernels and cook until thawed and tender, about 5 minutes.
9
To make the salsa, combine the diced onion, minced garlic, chopped cilantro, and lime juice in a bowl. Stir well to combine, making sure that the flavors are balanced and not too acidic.
10
To assemble the burrito bowls, slice the cooked pork into thin strips. Serve the pork over the cooked rice, with the salsa, black beans, and corn kernels on top. Garnish with chopped cilantro and a sprinkle of salt and pepper.
11
Let the dish rest for 10-15 minutes before serving. This will allow the flavors to meld together and the pork to become tender and easy to shred.

Expert Tips

Use a high-quality oil that's rich in flavor and has a high smoke point. This will ensure that the pork is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.
Toast the ancho chiles before using to bring out their natural oils and flavor. This will add a deep, smoky flavor to the dish.
Use fresh garlic for the best flavor. Mince the garlic finely to ensure that it distributes evenly throughout the dish.
Choose a low-sodium broth to control the amount of salt in the dish. This will ensure that the flavors are balanced and not too salty.
Rinse the black beans to remove excess sodium and help balance the flavors. This will ensure that the dish is not too salty.
Use fresh lime juice for the best flavor. This will add a touch of acidity to the dish and balance out the richness of the pork.
Let the dish rest for 10-15 minutes before serving. This will allow the flavors to meld together and the pork to become tender and easy to shred.
Experiment with different types of chiles and spices to find the flavor combination that you like best.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Not toasting the ancho chiles before using. This will result in a dish that lacks depth and flavor.
Not using a high-quality oil that's rich in flavor and has a high smoke point. This will result in a dish that's greasy and lacks flavor.
Not letting the dish rest for 10-15 minutes before serving. This will result in a dish that's not tender and easy to shred.
Not using fresh garlic and lime juice. This will result in a dish that lacks flavor and is not balanced.
Not rinsing the black beans to remove excess sodium. This will result in a dish that's too salty.
Not using a low-sodium broth to control the amount of salt in the dish. This will result in a dish that's too salty.

Variations and Substitutions

Add diced bell peppers or zucchini to the skillet with the onion and garlic for added flavor and nutrients.
Use different types of chiles, such as guajillo or chipotle, to change the flavor profile of the dish.
Add a sprinkle of queso fresco or feta cheese to the top of the burrito bowls for added flavor and creaminess.
Use leftover roasted vegetables, such as carrots or sweet potatoes, in place of the corn kernels.
Add a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt to the top of the burrito bowls for added creaminess and flavor.
Experiment with different types of protein, such as chicken or beef, to change the flavor profile of the dish.
Add a sprinkle of chopped fresh cilantro or scallions to the top of the burrito bowls for added freshness and flavor.

What to Serve With Pork Burrito Bowl

Serve the Pork Burrito Bowls with your favorite toppings, such as diced avocado, sour cream, or salsa. You can also add some heat with diced jalapenos or serrano peppers.

For a fun and interactive meal, set up a burrito bar with all the fixings, including shredded cheese, diced tomatoes, and shredded lettuce. This will allow everyone to create their own custom burrito bowls and enjoy the flavors and textures of the dish.

Serve with diced avocado or sour cream for added creaminessAdd some heat with diced jalapenos or serrano peppersUse leftover roasted vegetables, such as carrots or sweet potatoes, in place of the corn kernelsExperiment with different types of protein, such as chicken or beef, to change the flavor profile of the dishAdd a sprinkle of queso fresco or feta cheese to the top of the burrito bowls for added flavor and creaminessSet up a burrito bar with all the fixings, including shredded cheese, diced tomatoes, and shredded lettuce

Make-Ahead, Storage, Freezing and Reheating

The Pork Burrito Bowls can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months. To reheat, simply microwave or oven-heat the dish until warmed through.

To freeze, portion the burrito bowls into individual containers and wrap tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Label and date the containers and store in the freezer for up to 2 months.

To reheat from frozen, simply microwave or oven-heat the dish until warmed through. You can also add a splash of water or broth to the dish to help it reheat evenly and prevent drying out.

For a quick and easy meal, consider making a double batch of the Pork Burrito Bowls and freezing some for later. This will save you time and effort in the long run and ensure that you have a delicious and healthy meal ready to go whenever you need it.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of pork is best for this recipe?

Pork shoulder or pork belly is best for this recipe, as it's tender and juicy and has a lot of flavor. You can also use other types of pork, such as pork loin or pork tenderloin, but they may not be as tender or flavorful.

Can I use different types of chiles?

Yes, you can use different types of chiles, such as guajillo or chipotle, to change the flavor profile of the dish. Just be sure to toast them before using to bring out their natural oils and flavor.

How do I store and reheat the Pork Burrito Bowls?

The Pork Burrito Bowls can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months. To reheat, simply microwave or oven-heat the dish until warmed through. You can also add a splash of water or broth to the dish to help it reheat evenly and prevent drying out.

Can I customize the recipe to suit my taste preferences?

Yes, you can customize the recipe to suit your taste preferences. Consider adding diced bell peppers or zucchini to the skillet with the onion and garlic, or using different types of cheese or salsa. You can also experiment with different types of protein, such as chicken or beef, to change the flavor profile of the dish.

Is this recipe spicy?

The recipe has a moderate level of heat, thanks to the ancho chiles. If you prefer a milder dish, you can reduce the amount of chiles or omit the seeds and membranes, which contain most of the heat. If you prefer a spicier dish, you can add more chiles or use hotter peppers, such as habaneros or ghost peppers.

Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can make this recipe in a slow cooker. Simply brown the pork and cook the onion and garlic in a skillet, then transfer everything to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours. This will result in a tender and flavorful dish that's perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion.

How do I prevent the rice from becoming mushy or sticky?

To prevent the rice from becoming mushy or sticky, be sure to rinse it in a fine-mesh strainer and drain well before cooking. You can also add a splash of oil or butter to the rice while it's cooking to help it cook more evenly and prevent it from sticking to the pan.

Can I use leftover cooked pork for this recipe?

Yes, you can use leftover cooked pork for this recipe. Simply shred the pork and add it to the skillet with the onion and garlic, then proceed with the recipe as instructed. This will save you time and effort in the long run and ensure that you have a delicious and healthy meal ready to go whenever you need it.

How do I make the salsa?

To make the salsa, simply combine the diced onion, minced garlic, chopped cilantro, and lime juice in a bowl. Stir well to combine, making sure that the flavors are balanced and not too acidic. You can also add other ingredients, such as diced tomatoes or jalapenos, to the salsa to change the flavor profile and heat level.

The Full Recipe

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