Mission-Style Carnitas Burrito with Cilantro Lime Rice

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A classic San Francisco-style burrito loaded with tender pork carnitas, cilantro lime rice, beans, and fresh salsa wrapped in a large flour tortilla. This mexican-inspired tacos & burritos ready in about 140 minutes pairs pork shoulder, cut into 2-inch chunks, orange juice, garlic cloves, minced for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 700 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 120 min Serves 4 Mexican cuisine 700 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 2 lbs pork shoulder chunks with 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 tbsp ground cumin, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1 1/2 tsp salt, 1 tsp black pepper, and 1 cup orange juice. Marinate for at least 1 hour.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Brown the pork pieces on all sides, about 5 minutes.
  3. Step 3: Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer the pork with marinade for 2 hours until tender and shreddable.
  4. Step 4: While pork cooks, prepare cilantro lime rice: cook 1 cup long grain white rice according to package instructions. Once cooked, stir in 2 tbsp lime juice and 1/4 cup chopped cilantro.
  5. Step 5: Warm 4 large flour tortillas on a dry skillet over medium heat until pliable, about 30 seconds per side.
  6. Step 6: To assemble each burrito, layer 1/2 cup cilantro lime rice, 1/4 cup black beans, 1/4 of the shredded pork carnitas, 2 tbsp salsa roja, 2 tbsp sour cream, and 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese onto each tortilla. Fold sides and roll tightly.
  7. Step 7: Serve immediately, optionally with extra salsa roja on the side.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Mission-Style Carnitas Burrito with Cilantro Lime Rice take to make?

Total time is about 140 minutes (20 min prep + 120 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Mission-Style Carnitas Burrito with Cilantro Lime Rice?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep orange juice from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Mission-Style Carnitas Burrito with Cilantro Lime Rice?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Mission-Style Carnitas Burrito with Cilantro Lime Rice for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Mission-Style Carnitas Burrito with Cilantro Lime Rice?

Mexican tacos & burritos like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.