why make this recipe

Making Easy Instant Pot Carnitas is a fantastic way to enjoy tender, flavorful pork in a short amount of time. The Instant Pot speeds up the cooking process while still delivering rich flavors. These carnitas are perfect for tacos, burritos, or simply served over rice. Plus, they’re easy to prepare and require minimal cleanup.

how to make Easy Instant Pot Carnitas

Ingredients:

3 pounds pork shoulder
1 tablespoon olive oil (for sautéing)
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 onion, diced
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup orange juice
1 tablespoon ground cumin
1 tablespoon oregano

Directions:

Prepare the Pork: Cut the pork shoulder into large chunks for easier handling and cooking.
Sauté: Turn the Instant Pot to the sauté mode. Add the olive oil and let it heat up. Then, add the pork chunks and brown them for about 5 minutes on each side.
Add Flavors: Remove the pork and set it aside. In the same pot, add the diced onion and minced garlic, stirring until they are fragrant and the onions are soft. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
Combine Ingredients: Return the pork to the pot. Pour in the orange juice and add the salt, black pepper, cumin, and oregano. Stir everything together to mix well.
Pressure Cook: Close the lid of the Instant Pot and set it to cook on high pressure for 30 minutes. After the cooking time is up, let the pressure release naturally for about 10-15 minutes before opening the lid.
Shred the Meat: Remove the pork from the pot and shred it using two forks.
Optional Crisping: If desired, spread the shredded pork on a baking sheet and broil it for a few minutes to get crispy edges.

how to serve Easy Instant Pot Carnitas

You can serve carnitas in many ways! They are delicious in soft tortillas with your choice of toppings like diced onions, cilantro, avocado, or salsa. You can also use them for burrito bowls with rice, beans, and your favorite veggies.

how to store Easy Instant Pot Carnitas

To store any leftovers, let the carnitas cool completely before placing them in an airtight container. They can be kept in the refrigerator for about 3-4 days. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months. Make sure to label the container with the date!

tips to make Easy Instant Pot Carnitas

For extra flavor, you can marinate the pork shoulder in orange juice, cumin, and oregano for a few hours or overnight before cooking.
Make sure to brown the pork well, as this adds depth to the flavor.
Don’t skip the natural pressure release. It helps to keep the meat tender and juicy.

variation

If you prefer a different flavor profile, you can add chipotle peppers in adobo sauce or a splash of lime juice for a smoky or tangy twist. You can also replace pork shoulder with pork loin for a leaner option, though it may be less tender.

FAQs

1. Can I use other types of meat?
Yes, beef or chicken can be used, but cooking times may vary. Chicken will require less cooking time, around 15-20 minutes.

2. What if I don’t have an Instant Pot?
You can cook carnitas in a slow cooker. Just combine the ingredients and cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours.

3. How can I make carnitas spicier?
You can add jalapeños or hot sauce to the recipe. Adjust the amount to suit your taste.