If you are on the hunt for a crowd-pleasing, flavorful meal that comes together with ease but tastes like you’ve been slow-cooking all day, look no further. The BEST Instant Pot Carnitas Recipe takes tender, juicy pork shoulder and infuses it with a vibrant blend of spices, citrus, and aromatics, all cooked quickly in the Instant Pot to perfection. This dish offers that authentic Mexican street food experience, bursting with smoky, tangy, and savory notes that make every bite unforgettable.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe keeps things straightforward with simple, accessible ingredients that each play a key role in building layers of flavor, texture, and color. From the succulent pork shoulder to the zesty orange and lime juices, every component adds something special.
- 3.5 lbs boneless pork shoulder: The rich marbling in pork shoulder makes for tender, juicy carnitas perfect for shredding.
- 1 medium white onion, chopped: Adds savory sweetness and depth to the base of the dish.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses a fragrant aroma that complements the spices beautifully.
- 1 cup fresh orange juice: Provides a subtle citrus sweetness that balances the smoky spices.
- Juice of 2 limes: Brings brightness and acidity to cut through the richness of the pork.
- ¼ cup chicken broth: Keeps the meat moist and adds a subtle savory foundation.
- 2 tablespoons chili powder: Delivers a gentle warmth and complexity to the flavor profile.
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin: Offers an earthy, aromatic note essential to traditional carnitas.
- 1 tablespoon ground oregano: Adds a slightly minty, herbaceous touch.
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika: Imparts a deep smoky flavor that makes the dish irresistible.
- 1 tablespoon salt: Enhances and balances all the flavors in every bite.
- 1 teaspoon black pepper: Provides a mild heat and sharpness.
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper: Adds just the right amount of kick without overpowering.
How to Make The BEST Instant Pot Carnitas Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Pork
Start by setting your Instant Pot to sauté mode and heating a small amount of oil. Brown the pork chunks in batches, cooking them for about 2 to 3 minutes on each side. This browning step creates a beautifully caramelized crust that seals in the flavors and juices, laying the foundation for tender, flavorful carnitas.
Step 2: Sauté Onion and Garlic
Once your pork is browned and set aside, add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot. Sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until fragrant and softened. This step brings out the natural sweetness of the onion and the aromatic richness of garlic, building a savory base for the sauce.
Step 3: Add Liquids and Pork Back In
Return those browned pork chunks to the Instant Pot. Pour in the fresh orange juice, lime juice, and chicken broth. The citrus juices add a bright, tangy contrast to the pork, while the broth keeps everything moist during cooking.
Step 4: Season It Well
Now sprinkle over the chili powder, ground cumin, oregano, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Stir gently just to combine, ensuring every piece of pork is lovingly coated with this gorgeous Mexican spice blend. These seasonings infuse the meat with smoky, earthy, and slightly spicy notes that make carnitas so addictive.
Step 5: Pressure Cook
Seal the lid and set your Instant Pot to manual or high pressure for 30 minutes. This is where all the flavors meld together as the pork becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender in record time. The pressure cooking locks in moisture for juicy carnitas every time.
Step 6: Release Pressure
When the cooking cycle finishes, allow the Instant Pot to naturally release pressure for 10 minutes. Then carefully do a quick release to let out the remaining steam. This gentle natural release helps the pork fibers relax, resulting in perfect shredding texture.
Step 7: Shred and Crisp Up
Remove the pork chunks and shred them with two forks. For the ultimate finishing touch, spread your shredded carnitas out on a baking sheet and broil for about 5 minutes. This step crisps up the edges gloriously, giving you the irresistible contrast of tender meat with crunchy bits.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy
Serve your carnitas warm with your favorite tortillas, salsa, and toppings. Every bite will transport you straight to the heart of Mexico, showcasing why this is The BEST Instant Pot Carnitas Recipe you’ll ever make.
How to Serve The BEST Instant Pot Carnitas Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishes really elevate your carnitas experience. Consider fresh cilantro for a burst of herbal brightness, diced white onion for crunch, and thinly sliced radishes to add a peppery snap. A squeeze of fresh lime juice right before eating amplifies the dish’s zesty kick.
Side Dishes
This carnitas recipe pairs beautifully with classic sides like warm corn tortillas, Mexican rice, and refried beans. A crisp cabbage slaw adds texture and freshness, while guacamole or creamy avocado slices bring delightful richness that balances the savory meat.
Creative Ways to Present
Get playful! Use your carnitas as a filling for tacos, burritos, or enchiladas. Top nachos with shredded carnitas for an irresistible snack or layer it in a tortilla bowl salad. Leftover carnitas make fantastic breakfast tacos with eggs and salsa verde too.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let your carnitas cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for up to 4 days, making it easy to enjoy this delicious meal throughout the week.
Freezing
If you want to save some carnitas for even longer, freeze in portioned airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Frozen carnitas maintain their great flavor and texture for up to 3 months—perfect for busy days when a quick meal is needed.
Reheating
Reheat your carnitas gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave until warmed through. To revive some of that crispy goodness, spread the shredded meat on a baking sheet and broil for a few minutes before serving again.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of pork?
Boneless pork shoulder is ideal because of its fat content and tenderness after pressure cooking. Using leaner cuts might result in drier carnitas, but you can experiment with pork butt or even pork leg if needed.
Do I need to brown the pork before cooking?
Browning the meat adds extra flavor through caramelization and improves texture. It’s worth the extra step for the deepest, most delicious carnitas possible.
Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker instead?
Absolutely! Cook the pork on low for about 8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours with the same ingredients. Then shred and broil to crisp the edges the same way.
How spicy is this recipe?
The seasoning blend has a gentle warmth with just a touch of cayenne heat, making it approachable for most palates. You can adjust the cayenne amount to suit your spice preference.
What toppings go best with carnitas?
Classic toppings include chopped onions, cilantro, avocado or guacamole, fresh salsa, pickled jalapeños, queso fresco, and a squeeze of lime. These add brightness, creaminess, and crunch to every bite.
Final Thoughts
Once you try The BEST Instant Pot Carnitas Recipe, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it. The perfect balance of bold flavors, tender meat, and simple prep makes it one of those dishes you’ll want to keep in your recipe rotation forever. So grab your Instant Pot and get ready to make some truly unforgettable carnitas that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Print
The BEST Instant Pot Carnitas Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Instant Pot
- Cuisine: Mexican
Description
This Instant Pot Carnitas recipe delivers tender, flavorful Mexican-style shredded pork made quickly and easily using your pressure cooker. With a perfect blend of spices and citrus juices, these carnitas are juicy and savory with optional crispy edges. Serve them in tacos, burritos, or bowls for a delicious homemade meal.
Ingredients
Meat
- 3.5 lbs boneless pork shoulder, cut into 2-inch chunks
Produce
- 1 medium white onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup fresh orange juice (from 2–3 oranges)
- Juice of 2 limes
Liquids
- ¼ cup chicken broth (or any broth or water)
Spices
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon ground oregano
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
Instructions
- Brown the pork: Set the Instant Pot to sauté mode and add a small amount of oil. Brown the pork chunks in batches, cooking them for 2-3 minutes on each side until nicely seared. Remove the browned pork and set aside.
- Sauté aromatics: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot and sauté for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until fragrant and softened.
- Add pork and liquids: Return the browned pork to the Instant Pot. Pour in the fresh orange juice, lime juice, and chicken broth.
- Add spices: Sprinkle chili powder, ground cumin, oregano, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne evenly over the pork. Stir gently to combine all the ingredients.
- Pressure cook: Close the lid securely and set the valve to sealing. Select manual or high pressure and set the timer for 30 minutes.
- Release pressure: When cooking is complete, allow the Instant Pot to naturally release pressure for 10 minutes, then carefully quick release any remaining pressure to open the lid.
- Shred pork: Remove the pork from the pot and shred it using two forks. For crispy edges, spread the shredded pork on a baking sheet and broil it in the oven for 5 minutes.
- Serve: Serve the carnitas warm with tortillas, salsa, and your favorite toppings such as chopped onions, cilantro, or avocado.
Notes
- For best flavor, use fresh squeezed orange and lime juice.
- You can substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth or water if preferred.
- Broiling the shredded pork is optional but adds a delightful crisp texture.
- Leftover carnitas keep well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and freeze well for up to 3 months.
- Adjust cayenne pepper amount according to your heat preference.
