carnitas instant pot recipe

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

I love cooking carnitas, a traditional Mexican dish that’s become a staple in our household. The rich flavors and tender texture of slow-cooked pork make it a perfect fit for any occasion.

My family can’t get enough of the crispy, golden-brown tortillas served alongside. We often enjoy carnitas as a weeknight dinner or on special occasions like holidays and family gatherings.

This Instant Pot recipe has become my go-to method for preparing this delicious dish, allowing me to cook the pork to perfection in just a few minutes. The best part?

It’s incredibly easy to make and requires minimal effort on my part. I can simply toss all the ingredients into the Instant Pot and let it do the work for me.

The result is always tender, juicy pork that’s infused with the right balance of spices and flavor. We often serve it with fresh cilantro, lime wedges, and warm tortillas on the side.

It’s a simple yet satisfying meal that never fails to impress.

Instant Pot Carnitas

Instant Pot Carnitas

4.9 from 632 votes

These Instant Pot carnitas are juicy, tender, and perfectly seasoned. They are ready in a fraction of the time of traditional carnitas but still deliver deep, rich flavor.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time45 mins
Servings: 8Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Pork

3 lbs pork shoulder, cut into 2-inch chunks
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp dried oregano
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup orange juice
1/4 cup lime juice
1/2 cup chicken broth
1 bay leaf

For Serving

8 small corn or flour tortillas
1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
1/2 cup diced white onion
Lime wedges
Salsa or hot sauce

👨‍🍳Directions

1Set the Instant Pot to saute mode on high.
2Add olive oil and heat until shimmering.
3Season the pork chunks with salt, pepper, cumin, oregano, and smoked paprika, then add them to the pot in a single layer.
4Sear for 3-4 minutes per side until deeply browned, working in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding.
5Cancel saute mode and add the minced garlic, orange juice, lime juice, chicken broth, and bay leaf to the pot.
6Stir to combine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom.
7Secure the lid and set the valve to sealing.
8Cook on high pressure for 30 minutes.
9When the timer ends, allow the pressure to release naturally for 15 minutes, then carefully turn the valve to quick release any remaining steam.
10Remove the lid and discard the bay leaf.
11Use two forks to shred the pork directly in the pot.
12For extra crispy carnitas, spread the shredded meat on a baking sheet and broil on high for 3-5 minutes until the edges are browned and crisp.
13Serve immediately on warm tortillas with cilantro, onion, lime wedges, and salsa.

🔧Equipment

Instant Pot or electric pressure cooker
Cutting board and knife
Measuring cups and spoons
Fork for shredding
Large bowl
Baking sheet (optional for crisping)

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 18g💛Saturated Fat: 6g❤️Cholesterol: 95mg🧂Sodium: 520mg🌾Total Carbs: 12g🥦Dietary Fiber: 2g🍬Sugars: 4g🥩Protein: 32g

📝Notes

For best results, use pork shoulder with good marbling. The natural release step is important for tenderness. Leftover carnitas can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days or frozen for 3 months.

Watch Video Of How Instant Pot Carnitas Works

This Instant Pot recipe has become a staple in our household, and I highly recommend giving it a try.

Not only is it quick and easy to prepare, but it also yields incredibly tender and flavorful results.

We love serving carnitas with fresh cilantro, lime wedges, and warm tortillas on the side – it’s a simple yet satisfying meal that never fails to impress.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Instant Pot Carnitas

Q1: What is carnitas?

Carnitas is a traditional Mexican dish made from slow-cooked pork that’s been shredded or chopped into bite-sized pieces.

Q2: What type of meat is used in carnitas?

The most common type of meat used for carnitas is pork shoulder or pork butt.

Q3: Can I use boneless pork chops for carnitas?

No, it’s best to use boneless pork shoulder or butt for carnitas, as they have more fat and connective tissue that breaks down during cooking.

Q4: How long does it take to cook carnitas in an Instant Pot?

Cooking time for carnitas in an Instant Pot typically takes around 30-40 minutes, depending on the size of your pork pieces.

Q5: Can I store leftover carnitas in the refrigerator?

Yes, you can store leftover carnitas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop until hot and steaming.

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