Pork Carnitas Burrito from Qdoba features tender, slow-cooked shredded pork seasoned with bold spices, combined with cilantro-lime rice, black beans, fresh pico de gallo, and melted cheese, all wrapped in a warm flour tortilla for a hearty and flavorful meal.
Equipments
- Slow cooker or Dutch oven
- Chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Mixing bowls
- Saucepan
- Skillet or sauté pan
- Cheese grater
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon or tongs
- Aluminum foil
- Ladle
- Large serving spoon
- Burrito-sized flour tortillas
Ingredients
- 2 lbs pork shoulder (boneless)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 large onion
- 4 cloves garlic
- 1 orange
- 1 lime
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 cups long grain white rice
- 1 bunch fresh cilantro
- 2 tablespoons lime juice (additional)
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans
- 1 cup fresh pico de gallo
- 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 6-8 large flour tortillas
Choosing a boneless pork shoulder with a good balance of fat ensures tender and flavorful carnitas after slow cooking. Using fresh spices like cumin, oregano, and smoked paprika enhances the bold seasoning essential to authentic taste. Fresh ingredients such as cilantro, lime juice, and pico de gallo bring brightness and balance to the rich pork flavor. Cooking your rice and black beans separately before assembling helps maintain texture and quality in the burrito. Your Pork Carnitas Burrito from Qdoba copycat menu will deliver a satisfying combination of tender pork, zesty rice, and creamy cheese wrapped in warm flour tortillas for a true restaurant-style experience.
Instructions
- Instructions:
- Cut pork shoulder into large chunks.
- Season pork with salt, pepper, cumin, oregano, smoked paprika, chili powder, coriander, and cinnamon.
- Peel and dice onion; mince garlic.
- Heat olive oil in skillet; sear pork on all sides.
- Transfer pork to slow cooker or Dutch oven.
- Add diced onion, minced garlic, juice of orange, juice of lime, and chicken broth.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours (slow cooker) or 3-4 hours (Dutch oven), until pork is tender.
- Shred cooked pork with two forks.
- Reduce cooking liquid and return shredded pork to moisten.
- Rinse and cook rice according to package instructions.
- Chop fresh cilantro.
- Fluff cooked rice and stir in cilantro and 2 tablespoons lime juice.
- Drain and rinse black beans; warm in saucepan.
- Grate Monterey Jack cheese if using a block.
- Warm flour tortillas using skillet or foil-wrapped in oven.
- Lay tortilla flat; layer with cilantro-lime rice, black beans, carnitas, pico de gallo, and shredded cheese.
- Fold sides in and roll burrito tightly.
- Serve immediately, or wrap in foil to keep warm.
Substitution
The Pork Carnitas Burrito from Qdoba copycat menu can be easily adapted if you don't have a slow cooker by using a Dutch oven to braise the pork low and slow on the stovetop. You can substitute chicken thighs or turkey breast if pork shoulder is unavailable, adjusting cooking times accordingly to maintain tenderness. Fresh pico de gallo can be replaced with salsa or chopped tomatoes mixed with onions and cilantro for a similar fresh garnish. If cilantro is not to your taste, parsley or green onions can provide a fresh herbal note in the cilantro-lime rice. You can warm your tortillas wrapped in aluminum foil in the oven or skillet to ensure they stay pliable for wrapping your burrito.
Tips
Make sure to sear the pork shoulder well on all sides to develop a deep, rich flavor before slow cooking. Use fresh lime juice in both the cooking liquid and cilantro-lime rice to brighten the overall taste of your carnitas burrito. When shredding the pork, remove any excess fat or gristle for a better texture and avoid making your burrito greasy. To keep your tortillas pliable and prevent cracking, warm them briefly in a skillet or wrapped in foil before assembling your burritos.
Nutritions
Pork Carnitas Burritos provide a balanced source of protein from the slow-cooked pork shoulder, which is rich in essential amino acids necessary for muscle repair. Your meal also includes black beans, offering dietary fiber that supports digestion and helps maintain steady blood sugar levels. The inclusion of cilantro-lime rice adds carbohydrates for sustained energy, while fresh pico de gallo supplies vitamins A and C along with antioxidants. The combination of melted Monterey Jack cheese contributes calcium and fat, making this burrito a nutrient-dense, flavorful option for a satisfying meal.
Storage
To store your Pork Carnitas Burrito, allow the cooked pork and rice to cool completely before refrigerating in airtight containers to maintain freshness. Store black beans, pico de gallo, and shredded cheese separately to prevent sogginess and mix just before assembling the burritos. Wrap the assembled burritos tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap, then refrigerate for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 1 month for optimal flavor preservation.
Variation or Alternatives
You can substitute pork shoulder with boneless chicken thighs for a lighter variation while maintaining tenderness and flavor. Swap cilantro-lime rice with Mexican street corn (elote) for a creamy, smoky twist in your burrito filling. Instead of Monterey Jack cheese, use crumbled queso fresco or shredded cheddar to alter the cheese profile and texture. Consider roasting the pork in the oven at 325degF for 3 hours covered with foil, then broiling uncovered for 10 minutes to achieve caramelized edges without a slow cooker.
Allergies
The Pork Carnitas Burrito contains dairy from shredded Monterey Jack cheese, which may cause reactions for those with lactose intolerance or milk allergies. The flour tortillas include gluten, posing a risk for individuals with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity. Your meal also includes black beans and spices like cumin and chili powder that could trigger sensitivities in some people prone to legume or spice allergies.
Why this recipe?
The Pork Carnitas Burrito from Qdoba features tender, slow-cooked pork braised to perfection, delivering rich, savory flavors that satisfy cravings for authentic Mexican cuisine. Combined with fresh ingredients like cilantro-lime rice, hand-mashed guacamole, and zesty salsa, every bite provides a balanced and indulgent taste experience. Making a copycat version allows you to customize spices and ingredients to match your preferences while enjoying a cost-effective, restaurant-quality meal at home. Your taste buds will appreciate the bold flavors and hearty portions that make this burrito a fan favorite.