Instant Pot Pork Carnitas
User Reviews
4.9
-
Prep Time
20 mins
-
Cook Time
45 mins
-
Total Time
1 hr 5 mins
-
Servings
8 servings
-
Course
Main Course
Instant Pot Pork Carnitas
Description
This recipe begins by browning trimmed pork shoulder chunks in vegetable oil inside the Instant Pot using the sauté function. It then cooks the pork under high pressure in a mixture of Pilsner beer, fresh orange and lime juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, chili powder, ground cumin, kosher salt, and black pepper. The pressure cooking tenderizes the pork thoroughly in about 30 minutes. After releasing the pressure, the pork is shredded and seasoned further if needed.
To add texture, the shredded pork is broiled in the oven for 2-3 minutes until the edges develop a crisp, browned crust typical of carnitas. This contrast between soft interior and crispy exterior is characteristic of the dish.
These pork carnitas work well in tacos, burritos, or served with rice and beans. Their seasoning and slight citrus brightness balance well with typical Mexican sides.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 4 pound pork shoulder excess fat trimmed and cut into 3-inch chunks, boneless
- 12 ounces Pilsner beer or lager beer
- ½ cup orange juice freshly squeezed
- ¼ cup lime juice freshly squeezed
- 6 cloves garlic minced
- 2 teaspoons oregano dried
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons cumin ground
- 1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper freshly ground
Instructions
- Set 6-qt Instant Pot® to the high saute setting.
- Heat vegetable oil; working in two batches, add pork and cook until evenly browned, about 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in beer, orange juice, lime juice, garlic, oregano, chili powder, cumin, salt and pepper. Select manual setting; adjust pressure to high, and set time for 30 minutes. When finished cooking, quick-release pressure according to manufacturer’s directions.
- Remove pork shoulder from the Instant Pot® and shred the meat using two forks; season with salt and pepper, to taste, if needed.
- Preheat oven to broil. Place pork onto a baking sheet and broil until crisp and crusted, about 2-3 minutes.
- Serve immediately.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.9
You'll Also Love
