Magical Instant Pot Carnitas Recipe: Tender Goodness Made Simple

Succulent carnitas have always been a personal favorite that perfectly blends Mexican culinary tradition with mouthwatering flavor.

Mexican kitchens inspire this delectable instant pot carnitas technique that transforms tough pork into tender, crispy perfection.

Slow-cooked meats require patience, but pressure cooking dramatically reduces preparation time without sacrificing taste.

Home cooks appreciate simple recipes that deliver restaurant-quality results with minimal effort.

Fragrant spices and quick techniques make this dish irresistibly delicious and surprisingly straightforward.

Weekend gatherings become extraordinary when you serve these incredibly juicy, crisp-edged pork bites.

Prepare to impress everyone with this foolproof method that turns ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary meal.

What Sets the Instant Pot Carnitas Recipe Apart

• Enjoy multiple serving options from tacos and burritos to salads and nachos, allowing endless customization to suit different tastes and meal preferences.
• Instant Pot method guarantees tender, juicy pork every single time, eliminating guesswork and reducing the risk of dry or tough meat for home cooks of all skill levels.
• Optional broiling or skillet crisping step transforms tender shredded meat into authentic, crispy carnitas with delectable caramelized edges that elevate the entire dish.

Instant Pot Carnitas: Ingredients You’ll Be Using

• Pork Shoulder, Pork Butt: Tender, flavorful cut perfect for slow cooking and shredding, best with some marbling for rich taste.

• Orange Juice, Chicken Broth, Lime Juice: Provide moisture, tenderize meat, and create a tangy flavor base.

• Onion, Garlic: Essential for building deep, savory flavor profile.
• Chili Powder, Cumin, Smoked Paprika, Oregano: Warm spices that create authentic Mexican-style seasoning.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Classic seasonings to enhance overall taste.

• Bay Leaf: Adds subtle herbal complexity to the meat.

• Olive Oil: Used for searing and creating crispy edges.

• Tortillas, Diced Onions, Cilantro, Lime Wedges: Traditional garnishes to complement carnitas.

Step-by-Step Guide for Instant Pot Carnitas

Step 1: Sear the Succulent Pork

Heat olive oil in Instant Pot on Saute mode. Brown pork chunks on all sides until golden, working in batches. Transfer seared meat to a plate.

Step 2: Awaken the Aromatics

Toss chopped onion and garlic into the pot. Cook until fragrant and translucent.

Step 3: Unlock Flavor Foundations

Pour in orange juice and lime juice. Scrape bottom of pot to lift delicious browned bits.

Step 4: Spice Up the Mixture

• Chili powder
• Cumin
• Smoked paprika
• Oregano
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Bay leaf

Pour chicken broth over ingredients.

Step 5: Pressure Cook to Perfection

Seal Instant Pot lid. Cook on High Pressure for 35 minutes. Allow natural pressure release for 15 minutes, then manually release remaining pressure.

Step 6: Tender Pork Transformation

Carefully remove pork from pot. Shred meat using two forks until beautifully pulled.

Step 7: Create Crispy Carnitas

Oven Method:

Spread shredded pork on baking sheet. Drizzle with cooking juices. Broil on high for 5-7 minutes until edges crisp.

Skillet Method:

Saute shredded pork in hot skillet with small amount of oil until edges turn golden and crispy.

Step 8: Serve and Celebrate

Pile carnitas into warm tortillas. Garnish with diced onions, fresh cilantro, and lime wedges.

Tips to Elevate Your Instant Pot Carnitas

• Sear Like a Pro: Ensure the Instant Pot is hot before adding pork to create a beautiful golden-brown crust that locks in maximum flavor.
• Juice Magic: Use fresh orange and lime juice for a bright, zesty taste that tenderizes the meat and adds incredible depth to the carnitas.
• Crispy Perfection: For extra crispy edges, spread the shredded pork in a single layer when broiling or pan-frying to ensure even browning and maximum crunchiness.
• Flavor Boost: Save some cooking liquid to drizzle over the shredded meat when crisping- this adds moisture and intensifies the rich, authentic carnitas taste.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Carnitas freeze beautifully for up to 3 months. Store in airtight containers and reheat in a skillet for a quick and delicious meal anytime.

Storing and Reheating Leftover Carnitas Easily

• Store leftover carnitas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Let the meat cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Transfer carnitas to freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags, removing excess air. Freeze for up to 3 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.
• Spread carnitas on a baking sheet, splash with reserved cooking liquid, cover with foil, and warm at 350°F for 10-15 minutes until heated through.
• Warm carnitas in a hot skillet with a splash of broth over medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and restore crispy texture.

Best Sides to Pair with Instant Pot Carnitas

• Craft a classic margarita with fresh lime juice, tequila, and a salted rim to complement the rich, spicy carnitas flavors.
• Prepare elote with grilled corn, cotija cheese, chili powder, and lime for a perfect side dish that matches the carnitas' bold seasoning.
• Toss cucumber slices with red onion, cilantro, lime juice, and a touch of salt to provide a cool, crisp contrast to the tender, crispy pork.
• Blend tomatillos, jalapeños, cilantro, and onion into a bright, acidic salsa that cuts through the carnitas' richness and adds a vibrant layer of flavor.

Tasty Variations for Instant Pot Carnitas Fans

• Keto Carnitas: Replace orange juice with chicken broth, use coconut aminos instead of citrus, and serve in lettuce wraps for a low-carb version.
• Slow Cooker Alternative: Cook the same ingredients in a slow cooker on low for 8 hours instead of using an Instant Pot, maintaining the same flavor profile.
• Vegetarian Jackfruit Carnitas: Swap pork with young green jackfruit, using the same spice blend and cooking method to create a plant-based alternative.
• Whole30 Compliant: Eliminate added sugars, use compliant chicken broth, and serve with roasted vegetables instead of tortillas to meet Whole30 guidelines.

Everything You Want to Know About Instant Pot Carnitas

• What cut of pork works best for carnitas?

Pork shoulder or pork butt are ideal because they have enough fat content to keep the meat tender and flavorful during slow cooking, which helps create that signature succulent texture.

• Can I make carnitas without an Instant Pot?

Yes, you can prepare carnitas in a slow cooker or traditional oven. The slow cooker will take 6-8 hours on low, while the oven method requires braising at a low temperature around 300°F for 3-4 hours.

• How can I prevent the meat from drying out?

Always use a cut with some fat marbling, cook on low pressure or low heat, and avoid overcooking. Keeping some cooking liquid when shredding helps maintain moisture and prevents the meat from becoming tough.

• Is carnitas considered healthy?

Carnitas can be moderately healthy when consumed in moderation. Pork provides protein, and you can control the fat content by trimming excess fat before cooking and using lean cuts. Balance your meal with fresh vegetables and whole grain tortillas.

The Best Instant Pot Carnitas Recipe

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4.8 from 13 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Mexican carnitas shine with juicy, tender pork that melts in your mouth, creating an irresistible feast of flavor. Crispy edges and rich, slow-cooked goodness promise to elevate any meal with authentic Mexican charm for hungry diners.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 4 lbs (1.8 kg) boneless pork shoulder (or pork butt), cut into large chunks

Spices and Seasonings:

• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 2 teaspoons cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon salt (or more, to taste)

Liquid and Aromatics:

• 1 cup (240 ml) chicken broth (or orange juice for a sweeter twist)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, roughly chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• Juice of 2 oranges (about ½ cup)
• Juice of 2 limes (about ¼ cup)

Garnishes:

• Fresh cilantro, chopped
• Diced red onions
• Lime wedges
• Crumbled queso fresco or cotija cheese
• Warm tortillas

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Instructions

1. Initiate the flavor-building process by heating the Instant Pot to sauté mode and introducing olive oil. Meticulously brown pork chunks on all surfaces, ensuring a rich caramelized exterior. Complete this in multiple batches if the pot becomes crowded.
2. Transform the pot’s foundation by adding aromatic onions and garlic, allowing them to release their intense fragrances for approximately two minutes.
3. Create a flavor-packed liquid base by deglazing with orange and lime juices, carefully lifting the caramelized remnants from the pot’s bottom to preserve every nuanced taste.
4. Layer complex seasonings by returning the seared pork and generously coating with chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Nestle a bay leaf into the mixture and pour chicken broth to ensure moisture.
5. Secure the lid, position the valve to sealing, and execute a high-pressure cooking cycle lasting 35 minutes. After completion, allow natural pressure reduction for 15 minutes, followed by a manual release to finalize the cooking process.
6. Extract the tender meat and transform it into delicate strands using two forks, creating a rustic, pulled texture.
7. Elevate the carnitas with a crispy transformation: either spread the shredded meat on a baking sheet and broil until edges turn golden and crisp, or sizzle in a hot skillet with minimal oil to achieve tantalizingly crunchy edges.
8. Present the carnitas in warm tortillas, accompanied by vibrant garnishes like fresh cilantro, diced onions, and zesty lime wedges to complete the culinary experience.

Notes

• Maximize flavor by thoroughly browning pork chunks during searing, creating a rich caramelized exterior that locks in deep, complex tastes.
• Choose fatty pork shoulder or pork butt for authentic carnitas texture, ensuring tender, succulent meat that shreds effortlessly and maintains moisture.
• Customize spice levels by adjusting chili powder quantity or incorporating additional heat with jalapeños or red pepper flakes for bolder palates.
• Convert recipe to gluten-free by verifying chicken broth ingredients and using certified gluten-free seasonings, making it accessible for restricted diets.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 6 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 35 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg