Sizzling Authentic Instant Pot Carnitas Recipe for Taco Lovers

Mexican street-style carnitas have a magical way of bringing bold flavors right to your dinner table.

These tender, crispy instant pot carnitas pack an incredible punch of traditional Mexican spices and technique.

Slow-cooked pork shoulder becomes melt-in-your-mouth delicious with minimal effort.

The secret lies in perfectly seasoned meat that falls apart at the slightest touch.

Crisp edges and juicy interior create a texture that makes every bite irresistible.

You’ll want to serve these carnitas in warm tortillas with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime.

Prepare to transport your taste buds straight to the streets of Mexico with this simple yet extraordinary recipe.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour

Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes

Calories: 350 kcal

Servings: 6

Tools to Prep Instant Pot Carnitas with Ease

• Instant Pot: Essential for pressure cooking and sautéing the pork and aromatics.
• Large baking sheet: Needed for broiling the shredded pork to create crispy edges.
• Skillet: Alternative method for crisping carnitas if not using the oven.
• Two forks: Perfect for shredding the cooked pork into tender pieces.
• Cutting board: Use for chopping onions and preparing ingredients.
• Chef's knife: Sharp knife for precise ingredient preparation.
• Measuring spoons: Accurate for measuring spices like chili powder and cumin.
• Tongs: Helpful for handling and turning meat during searing.

Pressure Cook the BEST Carnitas Step-by-Step

• Sizzle the Meat

Brown pork chunks in Instant Pot using olive oil, creating a delicious golden crust on all sides. Work quickly in batches to ensure even cooking.

• Wake Up the Flavors

Toss chopped onion and garlic into the pot, letting them dance and release their aromatic magic for a couple of minutes.

• Build the Liquid Foundation

Pour orange and lime juices into the pot, scraping up those tasty browned bits that stick to the bottom.

• Season and Layer Flavors

Return pork to the pot and sprinkle generously with spices. Add chicken broth to create a rich cooking environment.

• Pressure Transform

Lock the lid and let the Instant Pot work its magic. Cook on high pressure, allowing the meat to become incredibly tender and infused with complex flavors.

• Tender Breakdown

Gently pull the pork apart using two forks, creating juicy, succulent shreds that melt in your mouth.

• Create Crispy Edges

Choose your adventure: Either broil in the oven or sizzle in a skillet to give the carnitas those irresistible crispy exterior bits.

• Bring to the Table

Serve immediately in warm tortillas, topped with fresh onions, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime for a feast that’ll make taste buds dance.

Tips to Get Crisp and Juicy Instant Pot Carnitas

• Cooking Mastery Tips for Carnitas
• Meat Selection Magic: Choose a well-marbled pork shoulder (Boston butt) with some fat for maximum flavor and tenderness. Fat equals incredible juiciness and rich taste in carnitas.
• Crispy Perfection Technique: Pat meat dry before searing to achieve golden-brown exterior and develop deep caramelized flavors. Moisture prevents proper browning.
• Liquid Gold Trick: Reserve some cooking liquid after shredding to keep meat moist when crisping. Drizzling liquid prevents dryness and enhances overall taste.
• Low-Carb Low-Fuss Swap: Replace tortillas with lettuce wraps for a keto-friendly version. Pile shredded carnitas into crisp romaine or butter lettuce leaves for a lighter meal.
• Make-Ahead Meal Prep: Carnitas freeze wonderfully for up to 3 months. Store in airtight containers and reheat in skillet for quick weeknight dinners. Portion before freezing for easy defrosting.

Serve Instant Pot Carnitas Tacos or Bowls

• Flavor Fiesta Taco Night: Create a vibrant DIY taco bar with warm tortillas, crispy carnitas, and an array of fresh toppings like pickled jalapeños, diced onions, fresh cilantro, and zesty lime wedges.
• Carnitas Nacho Extravaganza: Layer crispy tortilla chips with shredded carnitas, melted cheese, sliced avocados, sour cream, and a drizzle of salsa verde for a crowd-pleasing appetizer or game day snack.
• Mexican-Inspired Rice Bowl: Build a hearty rice bowl with fluffy cilantro-lime rice, tender carnitas, black beans, roasted corn, and a sprinkle of queso fresco for a complete and satisfying meal.
• Weekend Brunch Bonus: Transform carnitas into a breakfast delight by stuffing them into breakfast burritos or topping crispy hash browns with shredded meat, fried eggs, and a spicy salsa roja.

Save and Reheat the BEST Instant Pot Carnitas

• Meal Planning & Storage Advice
• Weekly Meal Prep Champion: Shred carnitas and portion into meal-prep containers for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week. These tender meat portions stay delicious for 4-5 days in the refrigerator.
• Freezer-Friendly Protein Stash: Freeze shredded carnitas in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to 3 months. Divide into smaller portions for easy thawing and quick meal assembly.
• Smart Leftover Transformation: Repurpose cold carnitas into salads, nachos, breakfast scrambles, or loaded quesadillas for versatile meal options that prevent food waste and keep meals exciting.
• Reheating Magic Technique: Warm refrigerated or thawed carnitas in a skillet with a splash of chicken broth to restore moisture and recreate those crispy edges. Low and slow heating maintains the meat's tender texture and prevents drying out.

The BEST Instant Pot Carnitas Recipe Ingredients

• Pork Shoulder: Rich, marbled cut perfect for slow cooking, choose a well-marbled piece for maximum tenderness and flavor, seek out fresh, high-quality meat from a trusted butcher.

• Onion, Garlic: Foundational base that builds deep savory notes, select firm onions without soft spots and garlic bulbs with tight, unbroken skin.
• Orange Juice, Lime Juice: Citrus elements that tenderize meat and add bright, zesty undertones, use freshly squeezed for superior taste.
• Chicken Broth: Adds moisture and depth, opt for low-sodium versions to control overall saltiness.

• Chili Powder, Cumin, Smoked Paprika, Oregano: Robust spice blend creating authentic Mexican flavor profile, choose freshly ground spices for maximum potency.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasoning agents that amplify overall taste, use kosher or sea salt for better texture and flavor distribution.
• Bay Leaf: Provides subtle herbal complexity, remove after cooking to prevent overpowering taste.
• Olive Oil: Used for searing meat, select extra virgin for richer flavor and higher quality.

Authentic Instant Pot Carnitas

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4.8 from 37 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Mexican carnitas delight home cooks with tender, crispy pork perfection from a simple Instant Pot method. Succulent meat promises authentic flavor that connects family and friends around a memorable meal.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 lbs (1.8 kg) boneless pork shoulder
• 1 cup (240 ml) chicken broth or orange juice
• ½ cup juice of 2 oranges
• ¼ cup juice of 2 limes
• 1 onion, roughly chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp ground black pepper
• 1 tsp salt
• Fresh cilantro, chopped
• Diced red onions
• Lime wedges
• Crumbled queso fresco or cotija cheese
• Warm tortillas

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Instructions

1. Sear Pork: Heat Instant Pot in sauté mode with olive oil. Brown pork chunks systematically, creating a caramelized exterior across multiple batches if necessary.
2. Aromatics Activation: Incorporate onions and garlic, allowing them to release intense fragrances for two minutes, developing a robust flavor foundation.
3. Liquid Enhancement: Deglaze the pot with orange and lime juices, carefully scraping the caramelized remnants to capture every subtle taste profile.
4. Seasoning Integration: Return seared pork and thoroughly coat with chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Nestle a bay leaf into the mixture and pour chicken broth to maintain moisture.
5. Pressure Cooking: Seal the lid, position valve to sealing, and execute a 35-minute high-pressure cooking cycle. After completion, permit a 15-minute natural pressure release, followed by manual valve release.
6. Meat Preparation and Crisping: Shred the tender meat using two forks, then either broil on a baking sheet until edges turn golden or quickly sizzle in a hot skillet to create crispy, caramelized edges.
7. Serving Composition: Arrange carnitas in warm tortillas, garnishing with fresh cilantro, diced onions, and lime wedges to elevate the final presentation.

Notes

• Manage Meat Quality: Select pork shoulder or butt with good marbling for maximum tenderness and rich flavor, ensuring the meat remains juicy after pressure cooking.
• Prevent Burning: Deglaze the pot thoroughly after sautéing meat to remove browned bits, preventing scorching and maintaining a clean, rich flavor foundation.
• Crisp Technique Mastery: For ultimate texture contrast, spread shredded meat in a single layer during broiling or skillet crisping, allowing edges to caramelize without becoming dry or burnt.
• Dietary Adaptations: Easily transform recipe for low-carb diets by serving carnitas over cauliflower rice or in lettuce wraps instead of traditional tortillas, maintaining authentic flavor profile while reducing carbohydrate content.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 420
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 6 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 48 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg