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
Scale
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.