Pressure Cooker Carnitas
User Reviews
3.7
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Prep Time
5 mins
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Cook Time
45 mins
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Total Time
50 mins
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Servings
8
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Calories
172 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
Mexican
Pressure Cooker Carnitas
Description
This recipe uses boneless pork shoulder cut into cubes and coated with a blend of brown sugar, ground cumin, onion powder, garlic powder, and salt. Cooking under high pressure in orange juice tenderizes the meat while infusing it with citrus sweetness. A natural pressure release ensures the pork remains juicy and soft enough to shred easily with forks.
The shredded pork is spread on a metal cookie sheet, seasoned again with lime juice and salt, then broiled until the edges crisp, creating texture contrast between soft interior and crunchy exterior bits. Finally, chopped cilantro sprinkled over the carnitas adds herbal freshness.
These carnitas serve well in tacos, burritos, or over rice, making them adaptable to various meal formats. The pressure cooking method reduces long braising times while maintaining tenderness and flavor complexity.
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 pounds pork shoulder roast boneless
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon cumin ground
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons salt divided
- 1 1/2 cups orange juice
- 1 lime
- 2 tablespoons cilantro chopped
Instructions
- Cut the pork shoulder into 2 inch cubes and place in the pot of an electric pressure cooker.
- Sprinkle with the brown sugar, cumin, onion powder, garlic powder, and 1 teaspoon of salt. Stir to coat the meat.
- Pour in the orange juice.
- Place the lid on the pressure cook and set vent to sealing.
- Cook on high pressure for 27 minutes. Let pressure release naturally, about 15 minutes.
- Remove the pork from the liquid and shred with two forks.
- Place meat on a metal cookie sheet and squeeze lime juice over the top of the meat. Sprinkle with the remaining salt. Taste and add additional salt, if needed.
- Place under the broiler until meat is crisp on the edges, about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Sprinkle meat with cilantro and serve as a filling for tacos, in a burrito, or over rice.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 8Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 172 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 172kcal | 9% |
| Carbohydrates | 10g | 3% |
| Protein | 18g | 36% |
| Fat | 6g | 9% |
| Saturated Fat | 2g | 10% |
| Cholesterol | 58mg | 19% |
| Sodium | 651mg | 27% |
| Potassium | 435mg | 9% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 7g | 14% |
| Vitamin A | 119IU | 2% |
| Vitamin C | 27mg | 30% |
| Calcium | 34mg | 3% |
| Iron | 2mg | 11% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
3.7
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