Craving a delicious and satisfying meal that's also quick to prepare? Look no further! This Pulled Pork Rice Bowl recipe is your answer. It's packed with flavor, incredibly easy to make, and perfect for a busy weeknight dinner. Forget takeout – homemade deliciousness is just a few simple steps away! This recipe is a fantastic example of easy recipes that deliver big on taste. It's a healthy meal option too, making it a winner all around. Let's dive in!
Ingredients:
- 1 lb boneless pork shoulder, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite!)
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups cooked rice
- Toppings of your choice (see suggestions below)
Instructions:
-
Sear the Pork: Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Season pork cubes generously with salt and pepper. Sear the pork on all sides until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the pork from the pot and set aside.
-
Sauté Aromatics: Add the chopped onion to the pot and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
-
Simmer the Pork: Return the pork to the pot. Add chicken broth, BBQ sauce, brown sugar, smoked paprika, cumin, and cayenne pepper (if using). Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for at least 1.5-2 hours, or until the pork is very tender and easily shreds with a fork. For even quicker cooking, use a pressure cooker following manufacturer's instructions.
-
Shred the Pork: Once the pork is cooked through, remove it from the pot and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded pork to the pot and stir to coat it in the sauce.
-
Assemble the Bowls: Serve the pulled pork over cooked rice. Add your favorite toppings and enjoy!
Topping Suggestions:
- Coleslaw
- Pickled red onions
- Chopped cilantro
- Avocado slices
- A drizzle of extra BBQ sauce
- Sesame seeds
Tips for the Best Pulled Pork:
- Don't overcrowd the pot: Sear the pork in batches if necessary to ensure proper browning.
- Low and slow is key: Cooking the pork low and slow ensures it becomes incredibly tender.
- Adjust the spice level: Feel free to adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to your liking.
- Make it ahead: This dish is even better the next day! The flavors meld together beautifully overnight.
Variations:
- Spicy Pulled Pork: Add a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce to the cooking liquid for extra heat.
- Sweet and Tangy Pulled Pork: Increase the amount of brown sugar or add a splash of apple cider vinegar for a sweeter and tangier flavor profile.
- Pulled Pork Tacos: Use the pulled pork as a filling for tacos instead of serving it over rice.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 450-500
- Protein: 35-40g
- Fat: 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: 40-50g
This pulled pork rice bowl recipe is a fantastic addition to your repertoire of quick dinner ideas and homemade cooking creations. It's a delicious and satisfying meal the whole family will love. Enjoy!