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Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Bowls with Fragrant Rice

This dish features tender, shredded pork shoulder slow-cooked with smoky barbecue sauce and spices until melt-in-your-mouth soft. Served over fluffy jasmine rice with optional fresh toppings, it offers a comforting, flavorful meal with a rich, smoky aroma and juicy texture.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 8 minutes
Total Time 8 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 520

Ingredients
  

  • 2 pounds pork shoulder chunks well-marbled, cut into chunks
  • 1/2 cup smoky barbecue sauce
  • 1 teaspoon cumin ground
  • 1 teaspoon paprika smoked or sweet
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili powder optional, for heat
  • 1 cup jasmine rice rinsed well
  • 1 medium onion diced
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 cup chicken broth or water
  • optional fresh cilantro for topping
  • 1 lime lime for squeezing

Equipment

  • Slow cooker
  • Medium saucepan

Method
 

  1. Place the pork shoulder chunks into the slow cooker. Drizzle with half of the barbecue sauce and sprinkle the cumin, paprika, and chili powder over the meat. Cover and set to low, cooking for about 8 hours until the pork is fall-apart tender and easily shreddable with forks.
  2. While the pork cooks, rinse the jasmine rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Combine the rice with a pinch of salt in a medium saucepan, add the chicken broth, and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until the rice is fluffy and fragrant.
  3. In a skillet, sauté the diced onion and minced garlic over medium heat until fragrant and slightly golden, about 3-4 minutes. This develops a toasted aroma that enhances the flavor of the dish.
  4. Once the pork is cooked, use two forks to shred the meat directly in the slow cooker, mixing it with the juices and remaining barbecue sauce to soak up all the smoky flavors. Check for tenderness and adjust cooking time if needed.
  5. Divide the cooked rice into bowls. Top with a generous portion of the shredded pork, along with the sautéed onions and garlic. Squeeze fresh lime over the top and sprinkle with chopped cilantro if desired for a bright, fresh flavor.
  6. Serve the bowls hot, allowing the smoky pork, fragrant rice, and fresh toppings to come together in every bite. Enjoy the tender, juicy pulled pork complemented by the aromatic rice and zesty lime.