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
Scale
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
