Pressure Cooker Carnitas

User Reviews

4.8

93 reviews
Excellent
  • Prep Time

    5 mins

  • Cook Time

    1 hr 5 mins

  • Total Time

    1 hr 10 mins

  • Servings

    8 servings

  • Calories

    141 kcal

  • Course

    Dinner

  • Cuisine

    Mexican

Pressure Cooker Carnitas

Crispy pressure cooker carnitas are juicy, fall apart tender, and ready in only 1 hour and 10 minutes! Easy to make in the Instant Pot!

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Ingredients

Servings

For the carnitas

  • 2 1/2 pounds pork shoulder (also known as ‘pork butt’)
  • 2 teaspoons kosher salt
  • 2 teaspoons ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice
  • 1 cup chicken broth

For topping

  • chopped cilantro for garnish
  • 1 lime, juiced
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Instructions

  1. Cut the pork shoulder into large 4-inch chunks and place in a large bowl.
  2. Add salt, cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, dried oregano, onion powder, and black pepper. Toss together until the meat is fully coated.
  3. Add the lime juice and chicken broth to the pressure cooker.
  4. Add the pork, then lock the lid and seal the steam release vent.
  5. Pressure cook on high for 40 minutes, then let the pressure naturally release for 15 minutes.
  6. Manually release the remaining pressure by opening the steam release vent.
  7. Open the lid and shred the meat with two forks. Serve immediately or make the carnitas crispy by following the remaining instructions.
  8. To crisp up the carnitas, transfer the shredded meat to a large baking sheet with about 1/3 cup of the juices. Place under an oven broiler for 5 minutes, stir, and broil for 5 more minutes.
  9. Mix in freshly chopped cilantro and lime juice. Serve in tacos, gorditas, tostadas, burrito bowls and salads.

Notes

  • Do I have to crisp up the carnitas? No, crisping up the carnitas under the broiler is totally optional. You can serve them right out of the pressure cooker after shredding.
  • Looking for a leaner option? You can use a center cut pork loin or a pork sirloin roast instead of pork shoulder. The flavor won’t be exactly the same since it’s not a very fatty cut like pork shoulder is, but you’ll still be able to shred it and use it the same way in tacos and burritos! However, I don’t recommend you crisp it up under the broiler since it will dry it out.
  • Don’t have chicken broth? You can use vegetable or beef broth. If you don’t have either, you can use plain water in a pinch.

Nutrition Information

Show Details
Serving 1serving Calories 141kcal (7%) Carbohydrates 2g (1%) Protein 18g (36%) Fat 7g (11%) Saturated Fat 2g (10%) Cholesterol 58mg (19%) Sodium 662mg (28%) Potassium 347mg (10%) Fiber 1g (4%) Sugar 1g (2%) Vitamin A 80IU (2%) Vitamin C 4mg (4%) Calcium 24mg (2%) Iron 2mg (11%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 8servings

Amount Per Serving

Calories 141 kcal

% Daily Value*

Serving 1serving
Calories 141kcal 7%
Carbohydrates 2g 1%
Protein 18g 36%
Fat 7g 11%
Saturated Fat 2g 10%
Cholesterol 58mg 19%
Sodium 662mg 28%
Potassium 347mg 7%
Fiber 1g 4%
Sugar 1g 2%
Vitamin A 80IU 2%
Vitamin C 4mg 4%
Calcium 24mg 2%
Iron 2mg 11%

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

Genuine Reviews

User Reviews

Overall Rating

4.8

93 reviews
Excellent

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