Healthy [Whole 30 Approved] Pork Carnitas Bowls

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These bowls are so delicious & satisfying! Not only do they taste good but they make your body feel good too. They’re a healthier twist on the typical burrito bowl you get from places like Chipotle or Qdoba.

By swapping out the typical burrito bowl ingredients for healthier alternatives, our bodies can get the nutrients it needs without compromising on flavor. There are many ways to make a burrito bowl “healthier” but this one in particular is Whole 30 Approved [contains zero grains, added sugars, legumes, soy, or dairy].

Rice & beans are the basis for Qdoba & Chipotle burrito bowls – which are clearly off limits during Whole 30. This is where we get our carbs & fiber from typically, so this recipe includes Smoky Sweet Potato Bites & Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice in their place. The “Caulirice” is flavored with Lime & Cilantro, just like your favorite take out.

To make this recipe easier, consider using a vegetable chopper like this one to chop your potatoes into perfect little cubes. It saves some time & makes them cook more evenly since they are all the same size.

Fun foodie fact …

Did you know that eating white rice on a regular basis increases your risk of Type 2 Diabetes?

White rice is a highly processed grain that metabolizes quickly into sugar. It has a higher glycemic index & therefor a higher negative impact on our bodies. Brown rice is a better choice when out to eat. Brown rice is less processed and has a lower glycemic index.

Like to Meal Prep?

I originally crafted this recipe for meal prep lunch bowls while on a round of Whole 30. It reheats very well & adding some fresh toppings each day takes away the ‘leftovers’ vibe.

As always, if you try this recipe, please tell me all about how it goes! I really appreciate all of your feedback & I love seeing your creations! Tag This & That on Instagram or Facebook, or leave a comment below.

Healthy [Whole30 Approved] Pork Carnitas Bowls

Stephanie Ralya
These bowls are filled with Pork Carnitas, Cilantro Lime Caulirice, Smoky Sweet Potato Bites & topped with all the best extras. They're the perfect meal to satisfy your Take-Out craving without loading up on processed carbs & sneaky sugars.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 10 minutes
Course Main Dish
Cuisine American, Mexican
Servings 6 Servings

Equipment

  • Slow Cooker

Ingredients
  

Carnitas:

  • 1 T Oregano dried
  • 2 t Cumin ground
  • 1 T Olive Oil
  • 2 lbs Pork Tenderloin or Loin
  • 1 Small Onion white or yellow, chopped
  • 3 cloves Garlic minced or 3 t Preminced
  • 1 Jalapeño deseed for less spice & dice
  • 2 t Salt
  • 1 Lime juiced
  • 1 Orange juiced

Cilantro Lime Caulirice:

  • 1 T Olive Oil
  • 5 cloves Garlic minced (or 1.5 T preminced)
  • 2 24 oz bags Riced Cauliflower frozen
  • 2 Limes halved
  • ½ bunch of Cilantro finely chopped

Smoky Sweet Potato Bites:

  • 2 lbs Sweet Potatoes
  • 1.5 T Olive Oil
  • ¼ t Cinnamon
  • ½ t Sea Salt
  • 1 t Chili Powder
  • 1 t Smoked Paprika
  • ½ t Chipotle Powder

Toppings: (all optional)

  • 1 Red Onion finely diced
  • Chopped Cilantro remaining ½ bunch
  • 1-2 Limes cut into wedges
  • 1-2 Jalapenos thinly sliced
  • Avocado or Guacamole
  • Salsa Verde read labels for Whole30

Instructions
 

To make the carnitas:

  • Pat pork tenderloin dry with paper towels. Mix rub ingredients together & rub all over tenderloin. Place in your Crockpot. Top with remaining ingredients & cover. Cook on high for 4-6 hours or low for 6-8 hours.
  • Remove the tenderloin from the Crockpot and shred the meat with two forks. Add back to cooking juices to keep moist.

To make the potatoes:

  • Preheat your oven to 425. Peel & cube the sweet potatoes into small bite size pieces (approx ½”). Place the bites on your largest baking sheet & toss with oil & spices. Spread into a single layer. Roast for 15-20 minutes, until fork tender. Make the caulirice while the potatoes cook.

To make the caulirice:

  • in a large skillet, heat oil over medium high heat. Reduce heat, add minced garlic & saute 30 seconds. Add frozen cauliflower rice to skillet & stir to combine with the oil & garlic. Bring heat back up to medium-high. Continue cooking until the extra moisture is evaporated, caulirice is warm throughout, & it starts to brown slightly (10-15 minutes). Remove from heat & allow to cool. Juice limes into rice. Add chopped cilantro & stir to combine the flavors. (If rice is too hot, the cilantro will brown but still taste fine.) Season with salt & pepper to taste.

Serve with toppings as desired & enjoy!

    Notes

    • Consider using this Vegetable Chopper to make this recipe easier.  It saves time & helps the potatoes cook evenly.
    • This recipe is adapted from 40aprons.com’s Crockpot Carnitas from Pork Tenderloin.  It will make more pork than you will probably use.  Consider freezing the leftovers or repurposing for other recipes (tacos, nachos, enchiladas, etc).
    Keyword bowl, easy, healthy, kid-friendly, meal-prep, spicy, whole30

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