Instant Pot Pork Carnitas Recipe: How To Make The Perfect Carnitas In Just Minutes!

Craving delicious, tender pork carnitas but don’t have hours to spare in the kitchen? Look no further than your trusty Instant Pot! This kitchen marvel makes it incredibly easy to whip up a batch of juicy, flavorful carnitas in a fraction of the time. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through every step of the process, ensuring you have the most succulent and satisfying pork carnitas right at your fingertips.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 3 pounds boneless pork shoulder (trimmed of excess fat)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion (diced)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 tablespoon ground cumin
• 1 tablespoon oregano
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup orange juice
• 1/4 cup lime juice

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Pork

• Cut the pork shoulder into 2-inch chunks.
• Season the pork with salt and pepper, ensuring each piece is evenly coated.

2. Sauté the Aromatics

• Turn on the Instant Pot to the “Sauté” function.
• Add the olive oil and sauté the onion and garlic until softened, about 3 minutes.

3. Season and Brown the Pork

• Add the seasoned pork chunks to the pot and cook for 5 minutes per side, or until browned.

4. Create the Sauce

• Sprinkle the cumin and oregano over the pork.
• Pour in the chicken broth, orange juice, and lime juice.

5. Cook Under Pressure

• Secure the lid on the Instant Pot and set the valve to “Sealing.”
• Cook on high pressure for 60 minutes.

6. Shred the Pork

• Once the cooking time is complete, let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes.
• Open the lid and use two forks to shred the pork into bite-sized pieces.

7. Crisp the Carnitas (Optional)

• If desired, remove the shredded pork from the Instant Pot and spread it on a baking sheet.
• Broil for 5-10 minutes, or until the carnitas are crispy and golden brown.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve the pork carnitas on warm tortillas with your favorite toppings, such as shredded cabbage, diced onions, cilantro, and salsa.
• Pair with Mexican rice and beans for a complete meal.
• Use the carnitas as a filling for tacos, burritos, or enchiladas.

Tips for Success

• For juicier carnitas, use a pork shoulder with at least 15% fat content.
• Don’t overcook the pork in the Instant Pot. The recommended cooking time is sufficient to ensure tenderness.
• If you don’t have an Instant Pot, you can cook the carnitas in a slow cooker on low for 8-10 hours.
• Leftover carnitas can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Variations

• Add a dash of chili powder to the seasoning for a spicier flavor.
• Substitute orange juice with pineapple juice for a sweeter twist.
• Replace lime juice with lemon juice for a tangier taste.

Basics You Wanted To Know

1. Can I use frozen pork shoulder for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen pork shoulder, but increase the cooking time by 10-15 minutes.

2. How do I make the carnitas ahead of time?
Cook the carnitas according to the instructions and let them cool completely. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to serve, reheat them in the microwave or oven.

3. What is the best way to shred the pork?
Use two forks to pull the pork apart into bite-sized pieces. Avoid using a knife, as it can make the meat tough.