Instant Pot Carnitas That Will Wow Your Guests

Carnitas, translating to "little meats," is a classic Mexican dish featuring tender, flavorful pork, typically used as a filling for tacos, and burritos, or simply served with a side of rice and beans. Traditionally, carnitas are slow-cooked for hours until the meat is juicy and falling apart. However, with modern kitchen gadgets like the Instant Pot, you can achieve the same mouth-watering results in a fraction of the time.

Ready to bring a taste of Mexico to your kitchen? Let's start with this simple, yet delicious Instant Pot Carnitas recipe!

Ingredients Needed

Here's what you'll need to create this delectable dish:

• Pork:
• 4 lbs pork shoulder (also known as pork butt), cut into large chunks
• Spices & Seasonings:
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• Aromatics:
• 1 large onion, quartered
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 jalapeño, seeded and chopped (optional, for extra heat)
• Liquids:
• 1 cup orange juice
• 1/2 cup lime juice
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• Toppings & Garnishes:
• Fresh cilantro, chopped
• Diced onions
• Lime wedges
• Tortillas (corn or flour)

!Instant Pot Carnitas Ingredients

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Pork

1. Trim and Cut:

• Trim any excess fat from the pork shoulder.
• Cut the pork into large chunks (about 2-3 inches).

Step 2: Season the Meat

1. Mix Spices:

• Combine salt, black pepper, cumin, oregano, smoked paprika, and cinnamon in a small bowl.

2. Coat Pork:

• Rub the spice mixture all over the pork chunks, ensuring they are evenly coated.

Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics

1. Set Instant Pot:

• Set your Instant Pot to the "Sauté" setting.

2. Cook Aromatics:

• Once hot, add a drizzle of oil and sauté the onion, garlic, and jalapeño (if using) until fragrant and slightly softened.

Step 4: Pressure Cook the Pork

1. Add Liquids:

• Pour in the orange juice, lime juice, and chicken broth.

2. Add Pork:

• Place the seasoned pork chunks into the Instant Pot, ensuring they are submerged in the liquid.

3. Pressure Cook:

• Secure the lid, set the valve to "Sealing," and cook on high pressure for 30 minutes.

Step 5: Natural Release and Shred

1. Natural Release:

• Allow the pressure to release naturally for 15 minutes, then manually release any remaining pressure.

2. Shred Pork:

• Remove the pork from the Instant Pot and shred it using two forks.

Step 6: Crisp the Carnitas

1. Optional but Recommended:

• For crispy edges, spread the shredded pork on a baking sheet and broil in the oven for 5-10 minutes until desired crispiness is achieved.

Tips and Variations

• For Extra Flavor:
• Add a bay leaf to the Instant Pot before cooking.
• Customize Heat:
• Adjust the amount of jalapeño or add a dash of cayenne pepper to control the spice level.
• Citrus Twist:
• Substitute lime juice with lemon juice for a different citrus flavor.
• Serving Suggestions:
• Serve carnitas on warm tortillas with fresh cilantro, diced onions, and a squeeze of lime.

Conclusion

Now that you’ve mastered the art of making Instant Pot Carnitas, it's time to gather your friends and family for a fiesta! This versatile dish is sure to be a hit, whether you serve it in tacos, burritos, or on its own with some classic sides.