The Pulled Pork Burrito from Moe's Southwest Grill features tender, smoky pulled pork, seasoned rice, black beans, fresh pico de gallo, and melted cheese, all wrapped in a warm, soft flour tortilla for a savory and satisfying Tex-Mex experience.
Equipments
- Slow cooker or smoker
- Rice cooker or pot
- Saucepan
- Mixing bowls
- Chef's knife
- Cutting board
- Cheese grater
- Spoon or spatula
- Tongs
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Skillet or griddle
- Aluminum foil (optional for wrapping)
- Serving tray or plate
Ingredients
- 2 lb (900g) pork shoulder
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce (optional)
- 2 cups long-grain white rice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt (for rice)
- 3 1/2 cups water or chicken broth (for rice)
- 2 cups cooked black beans (canned or homemade)
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/4 cup diced red onion
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 jalapeño, seeded and diced
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (for pico de gallo)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or cheese blend)
- 4–6 large flour tortillas
Ensure you use a well-marbled pork shoulder to achieve tender, flavorful pulled pork essential for the Pulled Pork Burrito. Using smoked paprika and chili powder will deliver the authentic smoky and spicy profile characteristic of Moe's Southwest Grill's offering. Cooking the rice in chicken broth instead of water enhances the seasoning, providing depth to the rice component. Fresh ingredients like cilantro, jalapeno, and lime juice are crucial for making a vibrant pico de gallo that balances the richness of the meat and cheese. Your Pulled Pork Burrito copycat will come together perfectly with these attention-to-detail ingredient choices.
Instructions
- Prepare the pork:
- Mix smoked paprika, chili powder, cumin, oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt in a bowl.
- Rub spice mixture over pork shoulder.
- Place pork in slow cooker or smoker.
- Cook on low for 8 hours (slow cooker) or until tender in smoker.
- Shred pork with tongs or forks.
- Mix with barbecue sauce if desired.
- Cook the rice:
- Add rice, olive oil, salt, and water or chicken broth to rice cooker or pot.
- Cook until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
- Fluff rice with a fork.
- Make pico de gallo:
- Combine diced tomatoes, red onion, cilantro, jalapeño, lime juice, and salt in a mixing bowl.
- Stir to combine.
- Warm the black beans:
- Heat beans in a saucepan over medium heat until warm.
- Grate the cheese.
- Warm the flour tortillas:
- Heat on a skillet or griddle until soft and pliable.
- Assemble the burritos:
- Lay flour tortilla flat on a plate or tray.
- Layer seasoned rice, black beans, pulled pork, pico de gallo, and shredded cheese in the center.
- Fold sides and roll up into a burrito.
- Optional: Wrap burrito in foil and heat on skillet or griddle to melt the cheese and crisp the outside.
- Serve warm.
Substitution
The Pulled Pork Burrito from Moe's Southwest Grill copycat menu combines smoky pulled pork, seasoned rice, black beans, fresh pico de gallo, and melted cheese wrapped in a soft flour tortilla. If pork shoulder is unavailable, you can substitute with pork butt or even slow-cooked shredded chicken for a different twist. Should you prefer a spicier flavor, adding extra jalapenos or a splash of hot sauce can enhance the heat. Using chicken broth instead of water to cook the rice adds additional depth and richness to the filling. When wrapping, warm the tortillas slightly to prevent cracking and make rolling easier for your burrito assembly.
Tips
Make sure to cook the pork low and slow for at least 8 hours in a slow cooker or until it easily shreds with forks or tongs to achieve tender, flavorful pulled pork. When cooking rice, using chicken broth instead of water enhances taste, and fluffing it with a fork prevents clumping. Your pico de gallo should be prepared fresh and allowed to sit for a few minutes to let the flavors meld, balancing acidity with the jalapeno's heat. Warm the tortillas just before assembling to keep them soft and pliable, which makes rolling the burrito easier and prevents tearing.
Nutritions
The Pulled Pork Burrito from Moe's Southwest Grill provides a balanced mix of protein, fiber, and carbohydrates, thanks to the tender pork shoulder, black beans, and seasoned rice. The pork offers a rich source of protein and essential amino acids, while black beans contribute dietary fiber and important minerals like iron and magnesium. Your intake of vitamins A and C gets a boost from the fresh pico de gallo, made with tomatoes, cilantro, and lime juice. Melted cheddar cheese adds calcium and healthy fats, making this burrito a nutrient-dense choice to keep you energized and satisfied.
Storage
Store leftover pulled pork in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days to maintain its moisture and flavor. Rice and black beans should be kept in separate sealed containers to prevent sogginess, refrigerated for up to 3 days. When reheating, warm your burrito components separately before assembling to ensure even heat distribution and preserve the textures.
Variation or Alternatives
You can substitute pork shoulder with boneless chicken thighs marinated in the same spice mix for a lighter option with similar smokiness. Swap white rice for cilantro-lime brown rice to add a nutty flavor and increase fiber content. For a dairy-free alternative, replace cheddar cheese with avocado slices or use a plant-based cheese to maintain creaminess. Use corn tortillas instead of flour for a gluten-free burrito variation without compromising the Tex-Mex flavor profile.
Allergies
The Pulled Pork Burrito contains common allergens including dairy from shredded cheddar cheese and gluten from flour tortillas. Black beans and spices such as chili powder and cumin could trigger sensitivities in some individuals, and the use of barbecue sauce may introduce additional allergens or preservatives. If you have specific food allergies, review ingredient labels carefully to ensure your safety when enjoying this Tex-Mex dish.
Why this recipe?
Pulled Pork Burrito from Moe's Southwest Grill is celebrated for its tender, slow-cooked pork seasoned with a smoky blend of spices, delivering authentic Southwest flavors in every bite. The combination of fresh ingredients like cilantro-lime rice, savory beans, and zesty salsa creates a balanced and satisfying meal perfect for your cravings. Its customizable nature allows you to tailor the burrito to your taste, making each experience unique and flavorful. Trying to make a copycat version at home is worth it because you can enjoy the delicious, restaurant-quality taste while controlling the ingredients and portion sizes.