Skillet "Carnitas" Pork Loin Cabbage Boats with Lime-Radish Crunch
A fast, weeknight-friendly carnitas-style pork (no slow cooker needed) tucked into warm cabbage "boats" with crunchy radish and a bright cilantro-onion sprinkle. Big taco energy, lighter feel.
Back to full listIngredients
- Kroger® Fresh Natural Pork Loin Boneless 1 lb $2.99 sale per lb
- Green cabbage 1 medium head (use ~8 large leaves) $1.49 per lb
- Kroger® Radishes (or green-top radishes) 6–8 radishes, thin-sliced $2.49 (16 oz) or $1.89/ct
- Jumbo Yellow Onions 1 small onion, thin-sliced (about 1/2 lb) $1.29 sale per lb
- Organic Cilantro 1/2 bunch, chopped $1.99 per bunch
- Garlic 2 cloves, minced $1.50 each
- Lime (organic limes listed) 1 lime (2 Tbsp juice) $1.29 each
- Spices: cumin, smoked paprika or chili powder, oregano, salt, pepper Cumin 1 tsp; smoked paprika/chili powder 1 tsp; oregano 1/2 tsp; salt/pepper to taste pantry
- Olive oil 1–2 Tbsp pantry
Instructions
- Prep: Slice 6–8 radishes very thin. Thin-slice 1 small onion (about 1/2 lb). Chop 1/2 bunch cilantro. Mince 2 garlic cloves. Juice 1 lime (about 2 Tbsp). Separate ~8 large cabbage leaves and set aside.
- Quick-pickle the radish (optional but great): Toss the sliced radishes with 1 Tbsp lime juice, 1/4 tsp salt, and a pinch of sugar (optional). Let sit while pork cooks.
- Stove (pork): Cut 1 lb pork loin into 1-inch pieces. Season with 1 tsp cumin, 1 tsp smoked paprika (or chili powder), 1/2 tsp oregano, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
- Sear: Heat 1–2 Tbsp olive oil in a wide skillet over medium-high. Add pork in a single layer and sear until browned, 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Braise-fast for tenderness: Reduce heat to medium. Add the sliced onion and 1 minced garlic clove; cook 2 minutes. Add 1/2 cup water (or broth if you have it) and scrape up browned bits. Cover and simmer 12–15 minutes until pork is cooked through and tender.
- Crisp it up: Uncover, raise heat to medium-high, and let liquid cook off. Continue cooking 3–5 minutes, stirring, until edges of pork get crispy and deeply browned. Stir in remaining 1 Tbsp lime juice and the remaining minced garlic clove for 20 seconds; turn off heat.
- Serve: Fill cabbage leaves with the crisped pork. Top with chopped cilantro and the quick-pickled radishes. Add extra lime wedges if you like.
Cook time: 50 minutes
Estimated cost: $12–16
Health notes: Estimated per serving (1/2 recipe): ~550–750 kcal depending on pork fat rendered and any added toppings. Great low-carb option thanks to cabbage. Add extra veg (more radish/cilantro/onion) freely; keep portion of pork ~5–6 oz cooked per person.
Drink pairing: Wine: You want refreshment + a little aromatic lift to handle pork richness and the peppery radish. Pairing notes: If you add hot sauce, lean toward off-dry/fruitier styles.