The BEST Instant Pot Carnitas Recipe
If you’ve ever dreamed of perfect, tender, and flavor-packed pork that melts in your mouth and can be whipped up in no time, then look no further. This is The BEST Instant Pot Carnitas Recipe you’ll ever try, combining juicy pork shoulder, zesty citrus, and a blend of perfectly balanced spices all cooked to perfection using the magic of your Instant Pot. It’s an absolute game-changer for taco nights, meal prep, or any time you want authentic Mexican flavors with less fuss and mess.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple but essential ingredients is the first step toward crafting these irresistible carnitas. Each element is thoughtfully chosen to build layers of flavor, tender texture, and vibrant color that make this recipe shine.
- 3.5 lbs boneless pork shoulder: This cut’s marbling creates juicy, tender carnitas with superb flavor.
- 1 medium white onion, chopped: Adds mild sweetness and depth as it softens in the pot.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Brings aromatic punch and warmth that complement the spices.
- 1 cup fresh orange juice (from 2-3 oranges): The citrus brightens the meat and tenderizes it slightly while adding a subtle sweetness.
- Juice of 2 limes: Offers vibrant tang that balances the richness of the pork.
- ¼ cup chicken broth (or any broth or water): Supplies moisture needed for pressure cooking and layers of savory flavor.
- 2 tablespoons chili powder: Provides a smoky, mildly spicy backbone.
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin: Adds earthiness and a hint of warmth that’s classic in Mexican cooking.
- 1 tablespoon ground oregano: Infuses herbal freshness that lifts the dish.
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika: Delivers a subtle smoky, sweet depth with gorgeous color.
- 1 tablespoon salt: Essential for enhancing every flavor and seasoning the pork perfectly.
- 1 teaspoon black pepper: Contributes a mild heat and sharpness.
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper: Adds just enough spice to awaken your taste buds without overpowering.
How to Make The BEST Instant Pot Carnitas Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Pork
First, set your Instant Pot to sauté mode and add a small amount of oil. Working in batches, brown the pork chunks for about 2-3 minutes on each side. This step creates a beautiful caramelized crust that locks in juices and flavors, giving your carnitas richer depth and texture. Once browned, remove and set the meat aside.
Step 2: Sauté Onion and Garlic
Next, toss in the chopped onion and minced garlic into the hot pot. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and softened. This step releases the sweet and aromatic base that will mingle with the pork’s savory notes perfectly.
Step 3: Combine Liquids and Spices
Return the browned pork to the pot, and pour in the fresh orange juice, lime juice, and chicken broth. Then sprinkle in chili powder, cumin, oregano, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne. Gently stir everything to evenly coat the meat with these flavorful ingredients, setting the stage for a mouthwatering infusion.
Step 4: Pressure Cook to Perfection
Seal the Instant Pot lid securely, ensuring the valve is set to seal. Program your pot to manual or high pressure for 30 minutes. This pressure cooking method breaks down the pork’s connective tissue quickly, resulting in irresistibly tender and juicy carnitas.
Step 5: Release and Shred
After cooking, let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes before performing a quick release for any remaining pressure. Remove the pork and shred it with two forks — this part is so satisfying, watching the meat pull apart effortlessly.
Step 6: Crisp and Serve
For that quintessential crispy edge beloved in carnitas, spread the shredded pork across a baking sheet and broil in the oven for about 5 minutes. These crunchy bits add a delightful textural contrast that makes this The BEST Instant Pot Carnitas Recipe truly stand out. Serve warm, piled high in tortillas with your favorite toppings!
How to Serve The BEST Instant Pot Carnitas Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance your carnitas experience with fresh garnishes that add color, texture, and bursts of flavor. Chopped fresh cilantro brings a fresh herbaceous hint, diced white onion adds crunch and sharpness, and a squeeze of extra lime juice brightens the final bite. Don’t forget some creamy avocado slices or a dollop of sour cream to balance the spices!
Side Dishes
These carnitas pair beautifully with classic Mexican sides like warm corn tortillas, refried beans, Mexican rice, or a vibrant street corn salad. The tangy pico de gallo or a fresh tomato salsa also complements the richness and smokiness of the pork, making your meal an absolute fiesta of flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to mix things up? Use the carnitas as a filling for burritos, quesadillas, or even loaded nachos. They’re perfect atop crunchy tostadas or wrapped in lettuce leaves for a lighter, low-carb option. The versatility of The BEST Instant Pot Carnitas Recipe means you can customize every meal to suit your craving or occasion.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store any leftover carnitas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors deepen over time, making the leftovers even more delicious. Just ensure the pork is reheated evenly before serving.
Freezing
If you want to keep carnitas on hand for longer, they freeze beautifully. Place portions in freezer-safe bags or containers, pressing out any excess air to prevent freezer burn. Frozen carnitas will maintain their flavor and texture for up to 3 months, perfect for quick meals on busy days.
Reheating
Reheat carnitas gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth or water to restore moisture, or microwave them covered to avoid drying out. For that fresh-out-of-the-oven crispiness, spread reheated carnitas on a baking sheet and broil for a few minutes to rekindle those irresistible crispy edges.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of pork for this carnitas recipe?
Absolutely! While pork shoulder is ideal due to its fat content and tenderness, you can substitute it with pork butt, which yields similar results. Just avoid lean cuts as they won’t be as juicy or flavorful.
Do I need an Instant Pot to make this recipe?
The Instant Pot is key to speeding up the cooking process while tenderizing the meat perfectly. You could slow cook the carnitas but it will require several hours instead of 45 minutes.
How spicy is this recipe?
This version has a balanced mild heat thanks to the chili powder and cayenne pepper, but you can adjust the cayenne to taste or add extra if you prefer a spicier kick.
Can I skip broiling the carnitas at the end?
Yes! The pork will still be delicious without broiling, but that final step adds delightful crispy bits that really elevate The BEST Instant Pot Carnitas Recipe to another level.
What toppings do you recommend?
Classic toppings include diced onions, fresh cilantro, lime wedges, salsa, avocado, and a sprinkle of queso fresco. Feel free to get creative with pickled jalapeños or a drizzle of crema!
Final Thoughts
You absolutely have to give The BEST Instant Pot Carnitas Recipe a try. It’s simple enough for a weeknight meal but impressive enough to serve guests. The layers of flavor, tender meat, and that crispy finish are downright irresistible. Once you make this, taco night will never be the same again—and honestly, that’s a delicious promise!
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The BEST Instant Pot Carnitas Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This Instant Pot Carnitas recipe features tender, flavorful shredded pork shoulder cooked quickly under pressure and seasoned with a delightful blend of spices, citrus juices, and herbs. The carnitas can be crisped under the broiler for a satisfying texture, perfect for tacos, burritos, or bowls.
Ingredients
Meat
- 3.5 lbs boneless pork shoulder, cut into 2-inch chunks
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 1 medium white onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
Liquids
- 1 cup fresh orange juice (from 2–3 oranges)
- Juice of 2 limes
- ¼ cup chicken broth (or any broth or water)
Spices & Seasonings
- 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. Add a small amount of oil and brown the pork chunks in batches for 2-3 minutes per side, ensuring all sides develop a golden crust. 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 until fragrant and softened, stirring to prevent burning.
- Add liquids and pork: Return the browned pork chunks to the Instant Pot. Pour in the fresh orange juice, lime juice, and chicken broth to add moisture and flavor during cooking.
- Season the meat: Sprinkle chili powder, ground cumin, oregano, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper over the pork. Stir gently with the liquids to evenly coat the meat with the spice mixture.
- Pressure cook the pork: Close the Instant Pot lid and seal the steam release valve. Set the pot to manual/high pressure mode and cook for 30 minutes to tenderize the pork.
- Release pressure: After cooking, allow the Instant Pot to naturally release pressure for 10 minutes to retain moisture. Then carefully perform a quick release to release any remaining steam.
- Shred and crisp carnitas: Remove the pork from the pot and shred it finely with two forks. Optionally, spread the shredded pork on a baking sheet and broil in the oven for 5 minutes to achieve crispy, caramelized edges.
- Serve: Serve the carnitas warm with tortillas, salsa, and your favorite toppings such as cilantro, diced onions, or guacamole for a delicious meal.
Notes
- To enhance crispiness, broiling the shredded pork is optional but recommended.
- Use fresh orange and lime juice for the best citrus flavor in the carnitas.
- Adjust cayenne pepper amount according to desired heat level.
- Leftover carnitas can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
- Use chicken broth or water if you prefer a milder flavor from the cooking liquid.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Instant Pot
- Cuisine: Mexican
