instant pot carnitas recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
instant pot carnitas recipe
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The Best instant pot carnitas recipe

I’m so excited to share this Instant Pot Carnitas recipe with you. I’ve been making it for my family for years, and it’s always a hit. The dish originated in Mexico, where it’s known as ‘carnitas,’ which means ‘little meats.’

It’s a traditional Mexican dish that’s made by slow-cooking pork in lard or oil until it’s tender and crispy on the outside. The key to making great carnitas is to use a combination of spices and herbs that give it a deep, rich flavor. I like to use a blend of cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, and oregano to give it that authentic Mexican flavor.

One of the things I love about this recipe is how easy it is to make. Simply place the pork shoulder in the Instant Pot, add some lard or oil, and let it cook until it’s tender. Then, shred the pork with two forks and serve it with your favorite toppings.

My kids love helping me make this recipe because they get to help with the shredding part. It’s such a fun and interactive process for them. Plus, they love the end result – crispy, flavorful carnitas that are perfect for tacos, burritos, or just snacking on their own.

This recipe is perfect for any occasion – whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a special treat for the weekend. And the best part? It’s so easy to customize with your favorite toppings or sides.

I like to serve mine with some fresh salsa, sliced avocado, and a sprinkle of queso fresco. My family loves when I make this recipe because they know they’ll be getting something delicious and satisfying. And let’s be real – who doesn’t love a good taco Tuesday?

Instant Pot Carnitas

Instant Pot Carnitas

4.6 from 1937 votes

Tender and flavorful pork carnitas made quickly in the Instant Pot. Perfect for tacos, burritos, or as a main dish.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time45 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Instant Pot

2 lbs boneless pork shoulder
1 large onion, quartered
4 cloves garlic, smashed
1 tbsp ground cumin
1 tbsp smoked paprika
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 cup orange juice
1/4 cup lime juice

For Serving

8 small corn tortillas
1 avocado, sliced
1/2 cup chopped cilantro
1 lime, cut into wedges

👨‍🍳Directions

1Turn on the Instant Pot to the sauté function.
2Add the pork shoulder and sear on all sides until browned, about 5 minutes.
3Remove the pork from the Instant Pot and set it aside.
4In the same Instant Pot, add the onion and garlic.
5Sauté until softened and lightly browned, about 3-4 minutes.
6Add the cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and black pepper.
7Stir to combine and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
8Return the pork to the Instant Pot.
9Add the orange juice and lime juice.
10Stir to combine.
11Secure the lid on the Instant Pot and set it to manual high pressure for 20 minutes.
12Once cooking is complete, allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes.
13Then, perform a quick release to remove any remaining pressure.
14Open the lid and use tongs to shred the pork directly in the Instant Pot.
15Stir to combine with the juices.
16Set the Instant Pot to the sauté function again.
17Cook the shredded pork, stirring occasionally, until it begins to crisp and brown, about 5-7 minutes.
18Warm the corn tortillas in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 30 seconds on each side, until softened and pliable.
19Serve the carnitas on the warmed tortillas, topped with avocado slices, chopped cilantro, and lime wedges.

🔧Equipment

Instant Pot
Mixing bowl
Tongs

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 18g💛Saturated Fat: 6g❤️Cholesterol: 105mg🧂Sodium: 850mg🌾Total Carbs: 10g🥦Dietary Fiber: 3g🍬Sugars: 2g🥩Protein: 34g

📝Notes

Tips: For extra crispy carnitas, spread the shredded pork on a baking sheet and broil in the oven for an additional 5-7 minutes. Serve with your favorite taco toppings.

Watch Video Of How Instant Pot Carnitas Works

I always have leftover carnitas on hand because they’re so versatile – you can use them in tacos, burritos, salads, or just as a snack on their own. To reheat them, simply place them in the microwave or oven until they’re warmed through.

You can also reheat them on the stovetop over low heat until they’re crispy again. One of my favorite ways to serve leftover carnitas is on top of nachos – simply shred them up and layer them on top of tortilla chips along with some cheese, salsa, and sour cream.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Instant Pot Carnitas

What type of pork should I use for this recipe?

For this recipe, you’ll want to use a pork shoulder or pork butt. This cut of meat is perfect for slow-cooking because it’s tender and has a lot of marbling (fat) throughout, which makes it juicy and flavorful.

Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?

While you can make this recipe in a slow cooker, I highly recommend using an Instant Pot or other pressure cooker because it allows you to cook the pork more quickly and evenly.

How long does it take to cook the carnitas?

The cooking time will depend on the size of your pork shoulder and the level of doneness you prefer. Generally speaking, you can expect to cook the carnitas for 30-40 minutes in an Instant Pot or other pressure cooker.

Can I make this recipe without lard or oil?

While lard or oil gives the carnitas a rich and authentic flavor, you can substitute them with other fats like coconut oil or avocado oil if you prefer.

How do I store leftover carnitas?

You can store leftover carnitas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze them for up to 2 months.

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