carnitas pressure cooker recipe

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The Best carnitas pressure cooker recipe

I’m so excited to share with you my favorite carnitas pressure cooker recipe! As a busy mom, I’m always on the lookout for quick and delicious meals that my family will love.

Carnitas is a traditional Mexican dish that’s perfect for weeknights or special occasions. The key to making great carnitas is to use high-quality pork shoulder, which is slow-cooked in a mixture of lard and spices until it’s tender and flavorful.

I love serving this dish with warm tortillas, fresh cilantro, and a squeeze of lime juice. My kids devour it, and I appreciate how easy it is to make in the pressure cooker.

Plus, carnitas is a great way to get some extra protein and healthy fats into our diets without feeling like we’re sacrificing flavor or texture. The pressure cooker makes the meat incredibly tender, and the flavors are all absorbed into the meat as it cooks.

It’s truly a game-changer for busy families like mine. I could eat this every day of the week, and I know my family feels the same way.

We’ve even started making it for potlucks and family gatherings because everyone loves it so much. Whether you’re in the mood for something comforting or just looking for a new recipe to try, this carnitas pressure cooker recipe is sure to become a staple in your household too.

4.7 from 1649 votes

This carnitas recipe uses a pressure cooker to achieve tender, flavorful pork with crispy edges. The meat is seasoned with citrus and spices, then cooked quickly under pressure before being broiled for a perfect finish.

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Prep Time15 mins

Cook Time30 mins

Resting Time0 mins

Total Time45 mins

Servings: 6Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Carnitas

3 lbs pork shoulder, cut into 2-inch chunks

1 tbsp kosher salt

1 tsp black pepper

1 tsp ground cumin

1 tsp dried oregano

1/2 tsp chili powder

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 medium onion, quartered

1 orange, juiced and halves reserved

1 lime, juiced

1/2 cup chicken broth

2 bay leaves

For Serving

12 corn tortillas, warmed

1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro

1/2 cup diced white onion

Lime wedges

Salsa verde or your favorite salsa

👨‍🍳Directions

1Season the pork chunks with salt, pepper, cumin, oregano, and chili powder, tossing to coat evenly.

2Place the seasoned pork into the pressure cooker along with the minced garlic, quartered onion, orange juice and the squeezed orange halves, lime juice, chicken broth, and bay leaves.

3Lock the lid on the pressure cooker and set it to high pressure for 30 minutes.

4Once the cooking time is complete, allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes, then carefully release any remaining steam.

5Preheat the broiler to high.

6Using tongs, transfer the pork chunks to a baking sheet, discarding the orange halves, onion, and bay leaves.

7Shred the pork with two forks, then spread it in an even layer on the baking sheet.

8Broil the shredded pork for 3 to 5 minutes until the edges are crispy and browned, watching carefully to avoid burning.

9Remove from the oven and serve immediately on warm tortillas with cilantro, diced onion, lime wedges, and salsa.

🔧Equipment

Pressure cooker (6-quart or larger)

Cutting board

Chef’s knife

Measuring spoons

Tongs

Baking sheet

Fork

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 18g💛Saturated Fat: 6g❤️Cholesterol: 110mg🧂Sodium: 800mg🌾Total Carbs: 12g🥦Dietary Fiber: 2g🍬Sugars: 3g🥩Protein: 32g

📝Notes

For extra flavor, you can add a chipotle pepper in adobo sauce to the pressure cooker. The leftover cooking liquid can be strained and used as a sauce or for cooking rice.

Watch Video Of How Carnitas Pressure Cooker Recipe Works

This carnitas pressure cooker recipe is always a good idea for any occasion – whether you’re hosting a family gathering or just need a quick and delicious meal for your family. The best part is that you can easily customize it to fit your tastes by adding different spices or toppings.

For storage ideas, simply refrigerate or freeze the cooked carnitas and reheat them when you’re ready to serve. You can also reheat them in a skillet with some oil or broth if you want to add more moisture back into the meat.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Carnitas Pressure Cooker

Q: What is carnitas?

Carnitas is a traditional Mexican dish that consists of slow-cooked pork shoulder that’s been shredded or chopped into bite-sized pieces. It’s typically served with fresh cilantro, lime juice, and warm tortillas.

Q: Can I use any type of pork for this recipe?

No, you should use high-quality pork shoulder for this recipe. It has the right amount of fat and connective tissue to make it tender and flavorful when slow-cooked.

Q: How long does it take to cook carnitas in the pressure cooker?

This recipe can be cooked in under 30 minutes in the pressure cooker. Simply brown the pork shoulder in batches until it’s browned on all sides, then add the remaining ingredients and cook on high pressure for 20-25 minutes.

Q: Can I make carnitas ahead of time?

Q: What are some good ways to serve carnitas?

You can serve carnitas with warm tortillas, fresh cilantro, lime juice, diced onions, or even on top of rice or beans.

carnitas pressure cooker recipe

The Best carnitas pressure cooker recipe