Easiest Instant Pot Carnitas

Instant Pot Carnitas is a delicious and easy-to-make Mexican pork dish that can be prepared quickly with the help of a pressure cooker.

Pork carnitas is a popular dish in many parts of Mexico, and it has become a staple in many Mexican restaurants and households around the world. It is a versatile dish that can be used in a variety of ways, from tacos and burritos to salads and bowls.

Growing up my aunt would make this recipe in the slow cooker. It was passed down to her from her Abuela, who would make it on the stovetop. She adapted it for the slow cooker and then I took that and adapted it for the Instant Pot.

I can tell you that this particular recipe is my ultimate weakness – which is why I had to change it up and make it for the pressure cooker so it could be done super quickly. It is something I can’t get enough of and I think you’ll really love it too.

Carnitas Recipe

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Carnitas?

The word “carnitas” literally means “little meats” in Spanish, and it refers to the small chunks of pork that are cooked until tender and crispy.

What cut of pork is best for carnitas?

Pork shoulder or pork butt is the best cut of meat for making carnitas. It has enough fat to keep the meat moist and tender during cooking.

How do I get crispy carnitas?

To get crispy carnitas, you can either broil the shredded pork in the oven or fry it in a pan until it’s golden brown and crispy.

Pork Carnitas Ingredients

• boneless pork shoulder – cut into 2-inch pieces
• orange juice – opt.
• beef broth
• garlic – minced or garlic powder
• dried oregano
• ground coriander
• ground cumin
• liquid smoke

Can I make carnitas ahead of time?

Yes, you can make carnitas ahead of time and store them in the fridge for up to 3 days. When ready to eat, simply reheat them in the oven or microwave.

What to Serve With Pork Carnitas

Pork carnitas can be served with a variety of sides and toppings to make a complete and satisfying meal. Here are some ideas:

• Tortillas
• Rice
• Beans
• Guacamole
• Salsa
• Cheese
• Sour cream
• Cilantro
• Lime wedges
• Roasted vegetables

How to Make Pork Carnitas in the Instant Pot

1. Season and seer the pork in the Instant Pot by placing it along with the salt and pepper in the insert and then turning on the sautee function.
2. Then add the orange juice, broth, garlic, oregano, coriander, cumin, and liquid smoke. Turn off the sautee function.
3. Cover, set the valve to sealing, and cook on manual high pressure for 40 minutes.
4. Once done, allow for a natural release.
5. Carefully transfer the pork to a casserole dish or baking pan using a slotted spoon. Shred the pork with two forks.
6. To keep the meat from drying out, pour about ½ cup of the cooking liquid over the meat.
7. Preheat the oven to broil. When the oven is ready, place the baking pan in the oven and broil for 4 to 6 minutes or until the edges of the pork are crispy.
8. Serve the pork with tortillas and your choice of toppings. The pork carnitas can also be used in quesadillas, tacos, nachos, and burritos.

What toppings go well with carnitas?

Some popular toppings for carnitas include diced onions, cilantro, avocado, lime wedges, and salsa. You can also serve them with tortillas, rice, and beans.

Try serving with:

Tortillas

Pico de gallo

Shredded cheese

Guacamole

Sour cream

slow cooker carnitas

How to Make Carnitas in the Slow Cooker

1. Combine the pork, juice, broth, garlic, oregano, coriander, cumin, liquid smoke, salt, and pepper in a slow cooker.
2. Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or until the pork is tender and falling apart.
3. Carefully transfer the pork to a casserole dish or baking pan using a slotted spoon. Shred the pork with two forks.
4. To keep the meat from drying out, pour about ½ cup of the cooking liquid over the meat.
5. Preheat the oven to broil. When the oven is ready, place the baking pan in the oven and broil for 4 to 6 minutes or until the edges of the pork are crispy.
6. Serve the pork with tortillas and your choice of toppings. The pork carnitas can also be used in quesadillas, tacos, nachos, and burritos.

Can I freeze carnitas?

Yes, you can freeze carnitas for up to 3 months. Store them in an airtight container or freezer bag and thaw them in the fridge before reheating.

Kitchen Supplies You’ll Need

• Instant Pot or Slow Cooker
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Mixing bowl
• Tongs
• Wooden Spoon
• Spatula
• Measuring Cups
• Measuring Spoons
• Citrus Juicer
• Serving Dish
• Optional: Broiler or frying pan

It’s also a good idea to have some paper towels and a container or bag for storing any leftover carnitas.

slow cooker pork carnitas

Variations

There are many variations of carnitas depending on the region or personal preference. Here are a few variations:

• Beef: Instead of using pork, beef can be used to make this recipe. The beef is cooked in the same way as pork, but it can be seasoned with different spices.
• Chicken: Chicken can also be used. The chicken is cooked in the same way as pork or beef, and it can be seasoned with different spices.
• Vegetarian: For a vegetarian version of carnitas, jackfruit or mushrooms can be used instead of meat. The jackfruit or mushrooms are cooked with the same spices as the meat, and they can be shredded to mimic the texture of the meat.
• Sweet: Some people like to add a bit of sweetness to their pork by adding sugar, orange juice, or pineapple juice to the cooking liquid.
• Spicy: For those who like their food spicy, extra chili powder or hot sauce can be added to the seasoning blend.

tips for making the best pork carnitas

• Use the right cut of meat: Pork shoulder or pork butt are the best cuts of meat to use for making carnitas. These cuts have enough fat to keep the meat moist and tender during cooking.
• Season well: Season the pork well with a blend of spices, including cumin, oregano, chili powder, garlic powder, and salt. The seasoning is important to give the meat a depth of flavor.
• Use citrus: Adding citrus to the cooking liquid, such as lime or orange juice, helps to tenderize the meat and adds a bright, fresh flavor.
• Shred the meat: Once the meat is cooked, use two forks to shred it into small pieces. This helps to create the texture of traditional carnitas.
• Broil or fry for crispiness: For extra crispy pork, broil it in the oven or fry it in a pan until it’s golden brown and crispy.
• Use fresh toppings: Fresh toppings like diced onions, cilantro, avocado, and lime wedges add flavor and texture to the meat.
• Don’t skip the fat: This recipe should be slightly fatty to keep the meat moist and tender. Don’t trim off all the fat, and consider adding extra fat if necessary.

Try adding lime juice, chicken broth, olive oil, cinnamon sticks, dry rub, bay leaves, brown sugar, fresh orange juice, garlic cloves, or yellow onion when making this pork recipe.

You can serve this instant pot carnitas recipe with burrito bowls, carnitas tacos, corn tortillas, sliced red onion, cilantro lime rice, or instant pot pinto beans.

pork carnitas recipe

Why You Should Make This Recipe

Here are several reasons why you should make this pork carnitas recipe:

• Flavorful: This recipe uses a blend of spices and citrus to give the pork carnitas a rich, deep flavor that is both savory and tangy.
• Tender and juicy: Cooking the pork low and slow in the Instant Pot or slow cooker ensures that the meat stays tender and juicy.
• Easy to make: This recipe is simple and straightforward, with only a few steps required to make delicious carnitas.
• Versatile: Pork carnitas can be served in many different ways, from tacos and burritos to bowls and salads, making this recipe a versatile addition to your recipe repertoire.
• Feeds a crowd: This recipe makes a large batch of carnitas, making it perfect for feeding a crowd or for meal prepping for the week ahead.
• Budget-friendly: Pork shoulder or pork butt are relatively inexpensive cuts of meat, making this recipe an affordable option for a delicious and satisfying meal.

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If you love this easy pork carnitas recipe, you’re going to love these other pork recipes too. Please click each link below to find the easy, printable recipe!

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