Instant Pot Carnitas - Small Batch Recipe
User Reviews
5
-
Prep Time
10 mins
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Cook Time
40 mins
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Additional Time:
15 mins
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Total Time
1 hr 5 mins
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Servings
4 Servings
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Calories
281 kcal
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Cuisine
American
Instant Pot Carnitas - Small Batch Recipe
Description
The recipe uses 1 pound of pork cut into 1-inch pieces rubbed thoroughly with a spice mix featuring salt, paprika, chili powder, brown sugar, garlic powder, coriander, cumin, oregano, and basil. After allowing the pork to marinate briefly with the spices and fresh lime juice, it cooks in an Instant Pot with water under high manual pressure for 40 minutes, followed by natural pressure release. This method softens the pork for easy shredding.
Once cooked, the pork is shredded and spread on a baking sheet lined with parchment or a silicone mat, then broiled at 500°F for about 5 minutes to develop crispy edges. The combination of tender meat and crisped bits creates a contrast in texture typical of carnitas.
This carnitas preparation is practical for small batches, making it manageable for home cooks needing a flavorful pork dish without excess leftovers. It pairs well with tortillas, avocado, salsa, and other Mexican-style accompaniments.
Ingredients
- 1 lb pork
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/4 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp brown sugar
- 1/2 tsp garlic ground
- 1/4 tsp Coriander
- 1/4 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp oregano
- 1/2 tsp basil
- 1 lime cut in half
- 1/2 cup water
Instructions
- Whisk the spices together in a small bowl and place in a dish with a rim.
- Cut the pork into 1-inch sized pieces. Then, rub the spices into the pork ensuring each side of the pork is seasoned.
- Put the pork pieces in the instant pot before you turn it on. Let sit for 5 minutes to allow the pork to marinate before cooking.
- Slice the lime in half lengthwise and squeeze the lime over the pork.
- Put the squeezed lime into the instant pot with the pork. Then, add the water to the instant pot.
- Close the lid to the instant pot and close the valve so that it is in the sealing position.
- Set the Instant Pot to Manual on high for 40 minutes.
- Let the Instant Pot vent naturally for 15 minutes.
- Preheat the oven broiler at 500°F.
- Then, using a slotted spoon take the pork out of the instant pot.
- Place onto a silicone mat or parchment paper lined baking sheet.
- Using a fork shred the pork using two forks.
- Let the pork crisp up in the oven for about 5 minutes, but keep an eye on it so it does not burn.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4Servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 281 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1g | |
| Calories | 281kcal | 14% |
| Carbohydrates | 3g | 1% |
| Protein | 30g | 60% |
| Fat | 16g | 25% |
| Saturated Fat | 6g | 30% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 9g | 53% |
| Cholesterol | 100mg | 33% |
| Sodium | 363mg | 15% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 1g | 2% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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