Discover the secret to mouthwatering Instant Pot Pork Carnitas. Perfect for busy weeknights or festive gatherings, these carnitas are a crowd-pleaser!
Are you on the hunt for a dish that’s not only mouthwateringly delicious but also incredibly easy to make? Our Instant Pot Pork Carnitas recipe is here to save your dinner plans.
Whether you’re gearing up for a casual family dinner or planning a big weekend fiesta, these pork carnitas are perfect for any occasion.
Pork carnitas in the instant pot are a mouthwatering Mexican dish featuring tender, succulent pork that’s been seasoned with a blend of spices and slow-cooked to perfection. The result is meat that’s juicy, flavorful, and incredibly tender, with a perfect balance of savory and citrusy notes.
Instant pot carnitas offer a versatile addition to any meal, perfect for a range of dishes. Whether you’re stuffing them into warm tortillas for mouthwatering pork tacos or rolling them up in burritos with all your favorite fixings, these carnitas make every bite taste amazing. You can also get creative by layering them in quesadillas, piling them on top of nachos, or tossing them in salads for a fresh twist.
Learn how you can transform a simple pork shoulder into a flavorful masterpiece with the magic of an Instant Pot.
What Are Carnitas?
Traditional Carnitas are a Mexican dish consisting of tender and flavorful slow-cooked pork, think Mexican pulled pork.
To make carnitas, pork is typically seasoned with a blend of aromatic spices, then slow-cooked until it becomes tender and succulent, with a perfect balance of crispy and caramelized edges.
Carnitas are incredibly versatile and are commonly used as a filling for carnitas tacos, burritos, or enchiladas and more.
How to Make Instant Pot Pork Carnitas
Ingredient List:
- 3 lbs pork shoulder, cut into smaller pieces
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp ground cumin
- 1 tbsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
- 1 orange, juice and zest
- 2 limes, juiced
- 1 cup chicken broth
Instructions:
Season the pork chunks with salt, pepper, cumin, oregano, and chili powder. Ensure each piece is well-coated.
Place pork in the Instant Pot. Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, fresh orange juice and orange zest, lime juice, and chicken broth.
Secure the lid and set the Instant Pot to “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” high for a cook time of 90 minutes. Once finished, allow for a natural release.
Remove the pork from the Instant Pot and shred it using two forks.
For crispy carnitas, spread the shredded pork on a baking sheet and broil for a few minutes until the edges are golden and crispy.
Serve your tender pork carnitas on warm tortillas with your favorite toppings like diced onions, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime.
Relevant Recipes
- Mexican Chopped Salad
- Instant Pot Recipes
- Recipes for the Best Mexican Food
Serving Suggestions:
When serving this instant pot pork carnita recipe, there are plenty of delicious accompaniments to complement their rich flavor. Here are some ideas:
- Serve your Instant Pot pork carnitas with warm and soft flour or corn tortillas. Allow your guests to assemble their own tacos with the carnitas and a variety of toppings.
- Bright and zesty fresh salsa or pico de gallo complements the rich flavors of the carnitas perfectly.
- Creamy and avocado-packed guacamole adds a cool and refreshing element to balance the savory and bold flavors of the carnitas.
- Squeeze some fresh lime juice over the carnitas to add a tangy and citrusy kick that enhances the overall taste.
- Finely chopped onions and fresh cilantro make excellent toppings that add a burst of freshness and texture to each bite.
- Serve fluffy and flavorful Mexican rice as a side dish to round out the meal.
- Creamy and delicious refried beans or a side of black beans provide a comforting and savory element that complements the carnitas.
- Crumble some queso fresco on top of the carnitas for a mild and crumbly cheese that complements the flavors.
- Elote, or Mexican street corn, is a delicious side dish featuring grilled corn slathered with mayonnaise, cotija cheese, chili powder, and lime juice.
Slow Cooker Pork Carnita Instructions
While the Instant Pot is one of myfavorite thingsbecause it cooks in a fraction of the time, I understand not everyone is able to make the instant pot version! After seasoning your meat with the dry rub, add it to your slow cooker. Add the remaining ingredients. Cook low and slow for 8-10 hours and then shred. At this point, you can follow the broiler instructions if you’d like.
Instant Pot Carnitas FAQ’s
What’s the difference between pork carnitas and pulled pork?
Pork carnitas and pulled pork are both slow-cooked pork dishes, but they have notable differences. Carnitas are a traditional Mexican dish, seasoned with spices like cumin and citrus, resulting in tender, crispy edges. On the other hand, pulled pork is a popular Southern U.S. barbecue dish, slow-cooked with a dry rub seasoning, shredded for a tender texture and slathered in bbq sauce.
Why is my instant pot pulled pork not tender?
If your Instant Pot pulled pork is not tender, there could be a few possible reasons for this issue:
- If you didn’t cook it long enough, the meat may still be tough. Check the recommended cooking time in your recipe and make sure to follow it closely.
- The size of the pork pieces can affect the cooking time and tenderness. Larger chunks of meat may take longer to cook and become tender. Ensure that the pork pieces are cut into smaller, manageable sizes for even cooking.
- The Instant Pot relies on steam to create pressure and cook the meat. If there isn’t enough liquid (water, broth, or other cooking liquid) in the pot, the pressure won’t build up properly, and the pork may not cook as effectively. Always ensure there is enough liquid to generate steam and pressure during cooking.
- If you’re using frozen pork, it may take longer to cook and become tender compared to thawed meat. For best results, defrost the pork before cooking.
- After cooking, make sure to release the pressure from the Instant Pot properly. Natural pressure release allows the meat to continue cooking and become more tender, while a quick release may result in tougher meat.
- Overcrowding the Instant Pot with too much pork can lead to uneven cooking and less tender results. Ensure there is enough space between the pork pieces for proper heat distribution.
How long does it take to cook pork in instant pot?
The cooking time for pork in the Instant Pot can vary depending on the cut of pork and size of the meat, as well as the specific recipe and cooking method being used. When using a Boneless Pork Shoulder or Pork Butt carnitas, for tender and easily shreddable pulled pork, a cooking time of approximately 60 to 90 minutes on high pressure is often recommended. Larger cuts may require longer cooking times.
Can you overcook pork carnitas?
Yes, it is possible to overcook pork carnitas. Leaving the pork in the Instant Pot for too long can lead to overcooked and dry meat.
Overcooking can cause the pork to become mushy and lose its desired texture. The meat may also become stringy or fall apart excessively, making it challenging to serve or enjoy.
To avoid overcooking pork carnitas, it’s essential to follow the recommended cooking times in your recipe closely.
Can I make thisinstant pot carnitasrecipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! These carnitas taste even better when the flavors have time to meld together. Just reheat before serving.
Can I use a different cut of pork?
Yes, while pork shoulder is ideal for its fat content and tenderness, you can use another cut of meat like pork butt.
Is it necessary to broil the pork after cooking?
Broiling is optional but the extra step is highly recommended for adding that irresistible crispness to the carnitas.
Yield: 6-8
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 55 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
This Instant Pot Pork Carnitas Recipe is fall-apart tender, versatile, and a breeze to make. With so many different ways to serve them, you'll love these pork carnitas.
Ingredients
- 3 lbs pork shoulder, cut into smaller pieces
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp ground cumin
- 1 tbsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
- 1 orange, juice and zest
- 2 limes, juiced
- 1 cup chicken broth
Instructions
Season the pork chunks with salt, pepper, cumin, oregano, and chili powder. Ensure each piece is well-coated.
Place pork in the Instant Pot. Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, fresh orange juice and orange zest, lime juice, and chicken broth.
Secure the lid and set the Instant Pot to "Manual" or "Pressure Cook" high for a cook time of 90 minutes. Once finished, allow for a natural release.
Remove the pork from the Instant Pot and shred it using two forks.
For crispy carnitas, spread the shredded pork on a baking sheet and broil for a few minutes until the edges are golden and crispy.
Serve your tender pork carnitas on warm tortillas with your favorite toppings like diced onions, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime.
Notes
Slow Cooker Instructions: After seasoning your meat with the dry rub, add it to your slow cooker. Add the remaining ingredients. Cook low and slow for 8-10 hours and then shred. At this point, you can follow the broiler instructions if you'd like.
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