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High Protein Carnitas Bowls – Easy Macro Friendly Meal Prep

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These high protein carnitas bowls feature lean, juicy pork, fluffy rice, and a rainbow of fresh toppings for a macro-friendly, meal-prep ready dish. Packed with protein and customizable for any diet, they’re perfect for busy weeks and healthy eating.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lbs pork tenderloin or pork loin, trimmed of visible fat
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/4 cup fresh orange juice
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 1/2 cup low sodium chicken broth
  • 2 teaspoons ground cumin
  • 2 teaspoons dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 4 cups cooked brown rice or cauliflower rice
  • 1 cup shredded red or green cabbage
  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup fresh pico de gallo or salsa
  • 1 large avocado, sliced or diced
  • 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt (nonfat or 2%)
  • Handful fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
  • Lime wedges, for serving

Instructions

  1. Pat pork tenderloin dry with paper towels. Season all over with salt, pepper, cumin, oregano, smoked paprika, and chili powder. If using pork loin, slice into 2-inch thick medallions.
  2. Set pressure cooker (or large skillet) to sauté/high heat. Add olive oil and sear pork on all sides until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side. Transfer pork to a plate.
  3. In the same pot, add chopped onion and garlic. Sauté for 2 minutes until fragrant and translucent. Pour in orange juice, lime juice, and chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits.
  4. Return pork to the pot. Lock lid and set to ‘Manual’ or ‘Pressure Cook’ for 25 minutes (pork tenderloin) or 35 minutes (pork loin). For slow cooker: cook on LOW for 6-7 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours, until pork is fork-tender.
  5. Let pressure release naturally for 10 minutes, then quick release any remaining steam. Remove pork, transfer to a cutting board, and shred with two forks. Simmer down excess liquid if desired, or spoon some over meat.
  6. Preheat broiler to high. Spread shredded pork onto a foil-lined baking sheet. Broil for 3-5 minutes, until edges are crispy and caramelized. Alternatively, crisp meat in a hot skillet with a splash of cooking liquid.
  7. While pork crisps, prep bowls: spoon brown rice or cauliflower rice into each, then layer with shredded cabbage and black beans.
  8. Divide crispy carnitas among bowls. Top each with pico de gallo or salsa, avocado, Greek yogurt, and cilantro. Serve with lime wedges.

Notes

For best results, always sear the pork before cooking and broil after shredding for crispy edges. Store toppings separately for meal prep. Easily adapt for low-carb, dairy-free, or vegetarian diets. Use cauliflower rice for fewer carbs, and jackfruit or tempeh for a plant-based version.

Nutrition

Keywords: high protein, carnitas, meal prep, macro friendly, healthy, Mexican, bowl, pork, gluten free, easy, pressure cooker, slow cooker

Find it online: https://norasfoods.com/high-protein-carnitas-bowls-easy-macro-friendly-meal-prep/