Pollo Tropical Pulled Pork Black Beans and Yellow Rice

sour cream

🥗Healthier: Greek yogurt

💰Cheaper: plain yogurt

Greek yogurt provides creaminess with fewer calories.

pork shoulder

🥗Healthier: chicken thighs

💰Cheaper: pork butt

Chicken thighs are leaner and less expensive.

yellow rice

🥗Healthier: quinoa

💰Cheaper: white rice

Quinoa is a healthier grain alternative.

black beans

🥗Healthier: lentils

💰Cheaper: canned beans

Lentils are nutritious and cheaper when dried.

Spread black beans on a cookie sheet and remove any debris.

Rinse the beans and transfer to a bowl; add approximately 6 cups of water for every pound of black beans.

In a food processor, combine mayonnaise, fresh cilantro, sour cream, fresh garlic, and lime juice; pulse until smooth.

Prepare the pork marinade with salt, black pepper, cumin, garlic powder, oregano, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, and 1 cup of fruit juice (3/4 orange juice and 1/4 lemon juice).

Make small cuts in the pork shoulder to help the marinade permeate the meat.

Rub the marinade on the pork shoulder.

Place the pork in a Dutch oven with a rack on the bottom; roast in a 250°F oven for approximately 4 hours, checking at 3 hours.

Chop yellow onion and red bell pepper, removing seeds and ribs before chopping.

In a large saucepan, heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil; sauté onions, bell pepper, and minced garlic on medium heat until tender and translucent, about 10-12 minutes.

Strain the beans that were left in the refrigerator overnight.

Cook the beans in enough water to cover them by an inch and a half; boil gently without salt or seasoning for about an hour.

After an hour and a half of roasting the pork, brush some marinade on both sides of the pork.

Return the pork to the oven for another hour and a half to 2 hours.

After the beans have cooked for an hour, add the sautéed onion, peppers, garlic, black pepper, oregano, salt, sugar, cumin powder, and white vinegar to the beans.

Check the beans for tenderness after adding the seasonings.

Prepare yellow rice according to package instructions (brand mentioned: Vio).

After cooking the rice, spread it on a cookie sheet to let some heat escape before storing it in a closed container.

Shred the cooked pork using two forks and mix with the drippings for added flavor.

Assemble the dish by filling a bowl with yellow rice, topping it with creamy black beans, juicy pulled pork, and the garlic cilantro sauce.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Allergens