These Cuban Pork Rice Bowls have become a favorite in our household, especially on those busy Monday nights when I need something easy and delicious.
The best part is how freezer-friendly this recipe is! I love preparing everything ahead of time by dumping all the ingredients into a freezer bag and storing it until we’re ready to enjoy.
We often serve the pork over rice, but it’s also fantastic for making pork burritos. Just add rice, black beans, cheese, salsa, and any other favorite toppings.
But I”‘m getting ahead of myself- let me show you how to make it!
Key Takeaways
- Cook Time: Low- 8 hours
- Main Ingredients: Pork tenderloin, onion, garlic, lime juice, salt, pepper, cumin, oregano, garlic powder, beef broth, and more
- Servings: 6
- Extras: Add vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, or sweet potatoes to the slow cooker for additional flavor and nutrients
- Tip: Make this recipe as a freezer meal to simplify meal prep for busy nights; just assemble the ingredients in a freezer bag, freeze, and cook when ready
Authentic Cuban Pork Bowl Recipe
This past Monday, I decided to make a new pork tenderloin recipe that’s become a family favorite. I got to work in the kitchen after the girls were set, thinking ahead to our cozy dinner together later that evening.
I started making this Cuban pork recipe by combining salt, pepper, cumin, oregano, and garlic powder in a small bowl for the spice mixture.
I rubbed the spice mixture all over the pork tenderloin, ensuring every inch was coated with the flavorful blend. Once the pork was well-seasoned, I placed it into the crockpot.
Next, I chopped up a large onion and peeled eight cloves of garlic, adding them to the pot with the pork.
I didn’t make minced garlic for this one; I wanted pieces to smooth into my rice, but you can mince the garlic before you add it in if you’d like.
I added three tablespoons of lime juice for a bit of tang and poured in a cup of beef broth to keep everything moist and flavorful as it cooked. With everything in place, I set the crockpot to low and let it work its magic over the next eight hours.
Throughout the day, the mouthwatering scent of the pork cooking slowly filled the house, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.
It was the perfect background as I went about my day, knowing that dinner was already taken care of.
When it was finally time to eat, I shredded the tender pork, the meat practically falling apart at the touch of my fork.
I served the pork over a bed of rice, making sure to spoon some of the delicious juices from the crockpot over the top. For a finishing touch, I added a dollop of sour cream to each plate.
We all enjoyed the meal together, chatting about their day at school and making plans for the week ahead. The pork was tender and flavorful, the perfect comforting dish for a lazy Monday night!
Ingredients
- 4 lb. pork tenderloin
- 1 onion chopped
- 8 cloves garlic
- 3 Tbsp lime juice
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp pepper
- 2 tsp cumin
- 2 tsp oregano
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 cup beef broth
Instructions
- Combine salt, pepper, cumin, oregano, and garlic powder in a bowl.
- Rub all over pork.
- Place pork in the crockpot with everything else.
- Cook on low for 8 hours, and shred.
- Serve over rice and top with sour cream.
Nutrition
Serving It Up
This slow cooker pork is incredibly versatile, making it a fantastic base for a variety of dishes. One of my favorite ways to serve it is over a bed of fluffy rice, allowing the tender, flavorful pork to shine.
That’s where this recipe for Cuban Pork Rice Bowls started!
The juices from the slow cooker mix with the rice, creating a comforting and satisfying meal that my family loves.
Next time, I want to step it up and make cilantro lime rice to amp up the flavor!
For a change of pace, the pork is also perfect for making burritos. I like to fill a warm tortilla with the Cuban-style pork, then add white or brown rice, black beans, cheese, and salsa.
You can get creative with your favorite toppings, whether it’s guacamole, sour cream, or a splash of hot sauce. The result is a hearty and delicious burrito that’s perfect for lunch or dinner.
Another great option is to use the pork as a filling for tacos. Just warm up some corn or flour tortillas, and top the pork with fresh cilantro, diced onions, and a squeeze of lime juice. It’s a quick and easy way to enjoy a flavorful meal that’s sure to please.
For a lighter option, the pork can be added to a salad. Toss together some mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and avocado, then top with the pork and your favorite dressing. It’s a fresh and healthy way to enjoy this delicious meat.
Finally, the pork is wonderful in sandwiches. Pile the Cuban pork onto a crusty roll, add some coleslaw for crunch, and enjoy a savory, satisfying sandwich that’s perfect for a casual meal.
Recipe Substitutions & Add-Ins
One of the great things about this slow cooker pork recipe is its flexibility, allowing you to easily make substitutions and add-ins to suit your tastes or what you have on hand.
The Meat
If you want to switch up the meat, you can use chicken thighs or beef chuck roast instead of pork. Chicken will cook up tender and juicy, while beef will provide a richer, heartier flavor.
Incorporating beans such as black beans or chickpeas can add both texture and protein, making the meal even heartier.
The Veggies
You can also add a variety of vegetables to enhance the dish and add more nutrients.
Carrots, bell peppers, and sweet potatoes are excellent choices that will absorb the flavors of the slow cooker. Simply chop them into bite-sized pieces and add them to the pot with the meat and seasonings.
The Seasoning
If you’re looking to change up the seasoning, there are plenty of options to explore.
To lean into the citrus flavor, you could add lime zest, lemon juice, lemon zest, orange juice or zest, and any combination of these.
The citruses will add more bright notes to the dish, which will make for a more flavorful rice bowl.
For a Mediterranean twist, you can use rosemary, thyme, and a splash of lemon juice. If you prefer an Asian-inspired flavor, add soy sauce, ginger, and a touch of sesame oil to the mix.
For those who enjoy a bit of heat, consider adding some diced jalapeños or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the slow cooker. These additions will give the dish a nice spicy edge without overpowering the other flavors.
Another great add-in is a can of diced tomatoes or tomato sauce, which will create a richer, more robust base for the pork. You can also add a splash of white wine or apple cider vinegar for a touch of acidity that balances the flavors beautifully.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of pork for this recipe?
Yes, you can use pork loin, roast, shoulder, or butt to make slow cooker meals like these Cuban pork rice bowls.
These cuts are also well-suited for slow cooking and will become tender and flavorful after several hours in the crockpot.
What if I don’t have a slow cooker? Can I still make this recipe?
Absolutely! If you don’t have a slow cooker, you can use an oven.
Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C), place all ingredients in a covered oven-safe dish or Dutch oven, and cook for about 4-5 hours or until the pork is tender and easily shreddable.
I usually see people brown the pork loin in olive oil first for browning, which you could do to seal in the juices, but it’s up to you.
You could also make Cuban pork rice bowl in the Instant pot by browsing and then pressure cooking for about 60 minutes.
Can I prepare this meal in advance?
Yes, this recipe is perfect for meal prep. You can assemble all the ingredients in a freezer bag and freeze them until you’re ready to cook.
Just defrost the bag overnight in the refrigerator, then transfer the contents to your slow cooker in the morning.
Can I use this pork for other dishes?
Absolutely! This shredded pork is very versatile. You can use it in tacos, burritos, sandwiches, or even as a topping for salads. It’s a great base for many different meals.
Could I add mojo sauce to make this a more authentic Cuban dish?
Yes, adding mojo sauce to this recipe would enhance the flavors and give it a more authentic Cuban taste.
Simply marinate the pork in mojo sauce for a few hours or overnight before cooking to infuse the meat with a delicious blend of citrus and garlic.
You can make your own Mojo sauce or buy some, it is totally up to you.
Final Thoughts
As we finished our meal and savored the last bites of the Cuban Pork Rice Bowls, I felt so satisfied with how the recipe turned out!
With its tender, flavorful pork and simple preparation, these pork bowls had the makings for so much, and I added it to my Aldi meal plan to freeze and prep for later.
Not only does a good slow cooker meal like this make busy days easier, but it also brings us together around the table, creating cherished moments of togetherness.
Whether served over rice or used to make delicious pork burritos, this dish never fails to satisfy and delight.
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