Carnitas

User Reviews

4.6

24 reviews
Excellent
  • Prep Time

    15 mins

  • Cook Time

    1 hr

  • Total Time

    1 hr 15 mins

  • Servings

    10

  • Calories

    330 kcal

  • Course

    Main Course

  • Cuisine

    Mexican

Carnitas

Carnitas-juicy, tender, and crispy carnitas made in the pressure cooker. Use this easy carnitas recipe to make tacos, burritos, salads, quesadillas, and more!

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Ingredients

Servings

For the Carnitas:

  • 5 lbs. boneless pork shoulder or butt, cut into 2-inch pieces, excess fat removed
  • kosher salt and black pepper
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup pineapple juice
  • 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon oregano
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

For Serving:

  • Tortillas, pineapple salsa, avocado, lime wedges

Instructions

  1. Season the pork pieces with salt and pepper. Set aside.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together broth, pineapple juice, lime juice, brown sugar, garlic, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, and cinnamon. Set aside.
  3. Set the Instant Pot to the Sauté setting. When hot, add the olive oil and sear the pork pieces in batches, using tongs to turn the pieces every few seconds until browned on all sides. Place browned pork on a clean plate and repeat until all pork pieces are browned.
  4. Cancel the Sauté setting and pour the liquid mixture to the Instant Pot. Add the browned pork pieces. Make sure your sealing ring is in place on the Instant Pot lid. Lock the lid and set the steam release knob to the "sealing" position. Select manual setting; adjust pressure to high and set time for 35 minutes. When finished cooking, natural release for 20 minutes, then release any remaining pressure. Remove the lid.
  5. Preheat the oven to broil. Remove pork from the Instant Pot and place on a large baking sheet. Use two forks to shred the pork. Drizzle a little bit of the juices evenly over the pork, about ½ cup.
  6. Broil the pork until the tips are crispy, about 4 to 5 minutes. Watch closely so the pork doesn’t burn. Remove from oven.
  7. To serve, place carnitas in tortillas and top with avocado, pineapple salsa, or your desired toppings. Serve warm.

Notes

  • Store in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 4 days. You can also freeze carnitas for up to 3 months. 

Nutrition Information

Show Details
Calories 330kcal (17%) Carbohydrates 4g (1%) Protein 51g (102%) Fat 11g (17%) Saturated Fat 3g (15%) Cholesterol 136mg (45%) Sodium 213mg (9%) Potassium 914mg (26%) Fiber 1g (4%) Sugar 2g (4%) Vitamin A 158IU (3%) Vitamin C 5mg (6%) Calcium 24mg (2%) Iron 2mg (11%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 10Serving

Amount Per Serving

Calories 330 kcal

% Daily Value*

Calories 330kcal 17%
Carbohydrates 4g 1%
Protein 51g 102%
Fat 11g 17%
Saturated Fat 3g 15%
Cholesterol 136mg 45%
Sodium 213mg 9%
Potassium 914mg 19%
Fiber 1g 4%
Sugar 2g 4%
Vitamin A 158IU 3%
Vitamin C 5mg 6%
Calcium 24mg 2%
Iron 2mg 11%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

Genuine Reviews

User Reviews

Overall Rating

4.6

24 reviews
Excellent

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