Pork Carnitas Energy Bowl
A nourishing, Mexican-inspired bowl featuring tender slow-cooked pork, hearty black beans, and brown rice. Fresh pico de gallo adds a bright punch of flavor and vitamin C to boost your energy.
Prep
15 min
Cook
90 min
Total
105 min
Makes
4 servings
The feel-good payoff
Why this meal can feel especially good in perimenopause
Think practical wins: steadier energy, comfortable fullness and one less food decision. Your response is personal, so use the prompts below to notice what works for you.
Perimenopause symptoms and relief · Office on Women’s HealthSteadier energy
Feel fueled, not flattened
A complete meal with protein, carbohydrates and fats is designed to offer more staying power than a quick carb-only fix.
Notice: energy 1–3 hours later
Comfortably satisfied
Fullness that has staying power
This meal is designed to feel substantial, so finishing it can feel like the meal is complete rather than the start of an evening of grazing.
Notice: fullness 2–3 hours later
More staying power
Make the next few hours easier
This meal is built to be more sustaining than a snack-sized stopgap, with enough substance to carry you into the next part of the day.
Notice: energy + fullness later
Clearer, simpler choices
Let the recipe do the thinking
Clear steps and a complete plate mean fewer decisions when focus is in short supply—and a more substantial meal once you are done.
Notice: focus + energy later
Setup
Get set up
Choose your servings, gather what you need, then cook along below.
Prep
15 min
Cook
90 min
Total
105 min
How many are you cooking for?
The ingredient amounts update automatically.
Equipment
Oven · Large skillet · Saucepan · Knife and cutting board
Time saver
Meal Prep: Store the pork, rice, and beans together in airtight containers for up to 4 days. Keep the pico de gallo and cilantro in separate small containers so they stay bright and fresh.
Do these three things first
- 1Prep black beans (rinsed), bunch fresh cilantro (chopped)
- 2Set out all ingredients before cooking
- 3Measure the pantry ingredients before heating the pan
Ingredients
Gather as you go
Ingredients
From Your Pantry
Cook along
Instructions
0 of 6 steps complete
Next: Cook the brown rice in water according…
- 01
Cook the brown rice in water according…
Cook the brown rice in water according to package directions. Set aside once fluffy.
Tap card to mark done - 02
Heat a drizzle of olive oil in…
Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Generously season the pork cubes with salt, black pepper, dried oregano, and ground cumin. Add to the pot and sear until browned on all sides.
Look for: browned on all sides
Tap card to mark done - 03
Pour in just enough water or chicken…
Pour in just enough water or chicken broth to cover the bottom of the pot (about 1/2 cup). Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 1.5 hours, or until the pork is deeply tender and easily pulls apart.
Look for: the pork is deeply tender and easily pulls apart
Tap card to mark done - 04
Remove the lid
Remove the lid, increase the heat slightly, and let any remaining liquid evaporate so the pork crisps up slightly in its own rendered fat. Shred gently with two forks right in the pot.
Tap card to mark done - 05
Warm the drained black beans over low…
In a small saucepan, warm the drained black beans over low heat with a splash of water, a pinch of salt, and a dash of cumin until heated through.
Look for: heated through
Tap card to mark done - 06
Assemble the bowls by dividing the cooked…
Assemble the bowls by dividing the cooked brown rice, warm black beans, and shredded pork evenly among four containers. Top each with fresh pico de gallo and a generous handful of chopped cilantro.
Ready when: everything is assembled and ready to enjoy
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