Instant Pot Carnitas
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
15 mins
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Cook Time
35 mins
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Total Time
50 mins
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Servings
8
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Calories
240 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
Mexican
Instant Pot Carnitas
Description
The Instant Pot Carnitas recipe starts by browning seasoned pork shoulder pieces to build a caramelized exterior. Pressure cooking the pork with onion, jalapeño, chicken broth, minced garlic, orange juice, lime juice, and a spice blend infuses bold savory and citrus notes while quickly tenderizing the meat into shreds.
After cooking, the pork is shredded and combined with some of the cooking liquid, then placed on a sheet pan under the broiler to crisp the edges. This step recreates the texture contrast essential to carnitas — tender meat with some caramelized, slightly crunchy bits.
Cilantro and lime wedges as garnish add fresh herbal brightness and acidity to balance the rich, spiced pork. This dish can be served in tacos, rice bowls, or as a main protein.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 4 pounds pork shoulder cut into 1 1/2 inch pieces
- salt to taste
- black pepper to taste
- 1 onion peeled and quartered
- 1 jalapeño stem removed, halved, seeds and ribs removed
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 1/2 tablespoons garlic minced
- 1/2 cup orange juice freshly squeezed
- 1/4 cup lime juice freshly squeezed
- 1 teaspoon oregano dried
- 1 teaspoon cumin ground
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- cilantro optional, chopped cilantro and lime wedges for garnish
- lime optional, chopped cilantro and lime wedges for garnish
- cooking spray
Instructions
- Turn the Instant Pot to Saute mode. Pour the oil into the pot.
- Season the pork generously with salt and pepper to taste.
- Place the pork in the pot in a single layer - you may need to work in batches.
- Cook the pork for 3-4 minutes per side or until golden brown. Press cancel when you're done browning the pork to turn off the Saute mode.
- Place all the pork in the pot along with the onion, jalapeno, chicken broth, garlic, orange juice, lime juice, oregano, cumin, chili powder and more salt and pepper to taste.
- Place the lid on the pot and make sure that the vent is set to sealing. Cook on high pressure for 30 minutes, then let the pressure release naturally.
- Carefully unseal the pot. Preheat the oven broiler and coat a sheet pan with cooking spray.
- Remove the meat from the Instant Pot and place on the sheet pan. Roughly shred the meat with two forks.
- Spoon 3/4 cup of the liquid from the pot over the meat.
- Broil the meat for 5-7minutes or until the edges are golden brown and crispy. Drizzle more liquid from the pot over the meat if desired. Serve, garnished with cilantro and lime wedges if desired.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 8Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 240 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 240kcal | 12% |
| Carbohydrates | 5g | 2% |
| Protein | 28g | 56% |
| Fat | 12g | 18% |
| Saturated Fat | 5g | 25% |
| Cholesterol | 93mg | 31% |
| Sodium | 218mg | 9% |
| Potassium | 571mg | 12% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 2g | 4% |
| Vitamin A | 132IU | 3% |
| Vitamin C | 17mg | 19% |
| Calcium | 31mg | 3% |
| Iron | 2mg | 11% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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