When you think of comfort food with a vibrant twist, the Caribbean Pork and Rice Bowl should be at the top of your list. This dish combines tender, seasoned shredded pork with the rich flavors of Caribbean spices, served over a bed of fluffy rice and beans. What makes this bowl truly special is the addition of fried plantains, fresh avocado, and a drizzle of tangy lime crema, which tie together the savory, sweet, and spicy elements into a perfectly balanced meal. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or meal prepping for the week, this dish is hearty, flavorful, and satisfying.
Caribbean cuisine is known for its bold flavors and use of fresh, natural ingredients. In this Caribbean Pork and Rice Bowl, those traditions shine through. The slow-cooked pork is marinated with classic island seasonings like allspice, garlic, and thyme, while the rice and beans offer a comforting base. Fried plantains add sweetness, balancing out the savory pork, while creamy avocado and lime crema add a refreshing touch. Each bite takes you on a journey to the islands, with a blend of flavors that are both familiar and exotic. This bowl is a testament to the beauty of Caribbean food: simple ingredients, deeply satisfying flavors, and a sense of comfort in every bite.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 3 hours
Total Time: 3 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients:
For the Pork:
- 2 lbs pork shoulder, trimmed and cut into chunks
- 1 tablespoon allspice
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon ground thyme
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- Juice of 1 lime
For the Rice and Beans:
- 1 ½ cups white rice
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
For the Toppings:
- 2 ripe plantains, sliced and fried
- 1 avocado, sliced
- ¼ cup lime crema (sour cream mixed with lime juice)
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
Instructions:
- Prepare the Pork: In a small bowl, combine allspice, garlic powder, thyme, smoked paprika, black pepper, salt, and brown sugar. Rub this seasoning mixture all over the pork chunks, making sure to coat them evenly.
- Sear the Pork: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned pork chunks and sear them on all sides until browned, about 8-10 minutes.
- Slow Cook the Pork: Add the diced onions and minced garlic to the pot with the pork and cook until the onions are soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Pour in the chicken broth and lime juice. Lower the heat to a simmer, cover, and cook for 2-3 hours, or until the pork is tender and easy to shred with a fork.
- Prepare the Rice and Beans: While the pork is cooking, prepare the rice according to the package instructions. Once cooked, stir in the black beans, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and chopped cilantro. Keep warm until ready to serve.
- Fry the Plantains: In a frying pan, heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil over medium heat. Fry the plantain slices in batches until golden brown and crispy on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove and drain on paper towels.
- Assemble the Bowl: To assemble the Caribbean Pork and Rice Bowls, start by layering a scoop of the rice and beans in each bowl. Top with shredded pork, fried plantains, and avocado slices. Drizzle with lime crema and garnish with fresh cilantro.
- Serve: Serve the Caribbean Pork and Rice Bowls warm, with extra lime crema on the side if desired. Enjoy the rich flavors of the Caribbean in every bite!
This Caribbean Pork and Rice Bowl is a beautiful representation of the islands’ diverse flavors. The combination of tender, slow-cooked pork, savory rice and beans, and the sweetness of fried plantains creates a satisfying meal that’s sure to impress. Whether you’re looking for a comforting dinner or a flavorful lunch, this bowl is the perfect choice for a taste of the Caribbean right at home.
When you think of comfort food with a vibrant twist, the Caribbean Pork and Rice Bowl should be at the top of your list. This dish combines tender, seasoned shredded pork with the rich flavors of Caribbean spices, served over a bed of fluffy rice and beans. What makes this bowl truly special is the addition of fried plantains, fresh avocado, and a drizzle of tangy lime crema, which tie together the savory, sweet, and spicy elements into a perfectly balanced meal. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or meal prepping for the week, this dish is hearty, flavorful, and satisfying.
Caribbean cuisine is known for its bold flavors and use of fresh, natural ingredients. In this Caribbean Pork and Rice Bowl, those traditions shine through. The slow-cooked pork is marinated with classic island seasonings like allspice, garlic, and thyme, while the rice and beans offer a comforting base. Fried plantains add sweetness, balancing out the savory pork, while creamy avocado and lime crema add a refreshing touch. Each bite takes you on a journey to the islands, with a blend of flavors that are both familiar and exotic. This bowl is a testament to the beauty of Caribbean food: simple ingredients, deeply satisfying flavors, and a sense of comfort in every bite.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 3 hours
Total Time: 3 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients:
For the Pork:
- 2 lbs pork shoulder, trimmed and cut into chunks
- 1 tablespoon allspice
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon ground thyme
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- Juice of 1 lime
For the Rice and Beans:
- 1 ½ cups white rice
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
For the Toppings:
- 2 ripe plantains, sliced and fried
- 1 avocado, sliced
- ¼ cup lime crema (sour cream mixed with lime juice)
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
Instructions:
- Prepare the Pork: In a small bowl, combine allspice, garlic powder, thyme, smoked paprika, black pepper, salt, and brown sugar. Rub this seasoning mixture all over the pork chunks, making sure to coat them evenly.
- Sear the Pork: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned pork chunks and sear them on all sides until browned, about 8-10 minutes.
- Slow Cook the Pork: Add the diced onions and minced garlic to the pot with the pork and cook until the onions are soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Pour in the chicken broth and lime juice. Lower the heat to a simmer, cover, and cook for 2-3 hours, or until the pork is tender and easy to shred with a fork.
- Prepare the Rice and Beans: While the pork is cooking, prepare the rice according to the package instructions. Once cooked, stir in the black beans, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and chopped cilantro. Keep warm until ready to serve.
- Fry the Plantains: In a frying pan, heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil over medium heat. Fry the plantain slices in batches until golden brown and crispy on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove and drain on paper towels.
- Assemble the Bowl: To assemble the Caribbean Pork and Rice Bowls, start by layering a scoop of the rice and beans in each bowl. Top with shredded pork, fried plantains, and avocado slices. Drizzle with lime crema and garnish with fresh cilantro.
- Serve: Serve the Caribbean Pork and Rice Bowls warm, with extra lime crema on the side if desired. Enjoy the rich flavors of the Caribbean in every bite!
This Caribbean Pork and Rice Bowl is a beautiful representation of the islands’ diverse flavors. The combination of tender, slow-cooked pork, savory rice and beans, and the sweetness of fried plantains creates a satisfying meal that’s sure to impress. Whether you’re looking for a comforting dinner or a flavorful lunch, this bowl is the perfect choice for a taste of the Caribbean right at home.
