The BEST Instant Pot Carnitas

Tender, juicy, and bursting with flavor, these Instant Pot Carnitas are a game-changer for anyone who loves Mexican-inspired meals but doesn’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. Traditionally, carnitas require slow braising to achieve that signature melt-in-your-mouth texture with crispy edges—but thanks to the Instant Pot, you can enjoy the same rich flavor and tenderness in a fraction of the time. Perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or feeding a crowd, this recipe delivers big on taste with minimal effort.

What sets these carnitas apart is their depth of flavor, created by a balance of citrus, spices, and pressure-cooked pork shoulder that practically falls apart with a fork. Once cooked, a quick broil crisps up the edges, giving you the traditional texture without deep frying or hours of oven time. Whether you’re stuffing tacos, topping salads, or making burrito bowls, this carnitas recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. It’s incredibly versatile, budget-friendly, and guaranteed to impress even the pickiest eaters. Let’s dive into what makes this the best Instant Pot carnitas recipe you’ll ever try.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Quick & Easy: Pressure cooking cuts down the traditional slow cook time dramatically—ready in under 1.5 hours.
2. Incredible Flavor: A combination of orange juice, lime, garlic, and spices infuses the pork with bold, zesty flavor.
3. Crispy and Juicy: A quick broil after pressure cooking gives you the perfect combination of tender meat and crispy edges.
4. Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a large batch and enjoy leftovers in tacos, burritos, salads, or bowls throughout the week.
5. Authentic Taste, Minimal Effort: All the flavor of traditional carnitas without the hours-long cooking process.

Ingredients

• Pork shoulder (also called pork butt)
• Orange juice
• Lime juice
• Onion
• Garlic cloves
• Jalapeño or other chili (optional for heat)
• Cumin
• Oregano
• Chili powder
• Smoked paprika
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Bay leaves
• Olive oil (for broiling/crisping)

Variations

• Spicy Carnitas: Add chipotle peppers in adobo or extra jalapeños for a smoky, spicy kick.
• Citrus Swap: Use grapefruit or lemon juice in place of orange or lime for a different citrus flavor profile.
• Low-Carb/Keto: Serve over cauliflower rice or in lettuce wraps instead of tortillas.
• Beer-Braised Flavor: Replace some of the citrus juice with a light Mexican lager for a deeper, earthy taste.
• Taco Bar Style: Offer a variety of toppings like pickled onions, avocado, cotija cheese, and salsas for a build-your-own experience.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Pork

Cut the pork shoulder into large chunks, trimming excess fat if desired. Season generously with salt, pepper, and spices.

Step 2: Sauté (Optional but Recommended)

Use the sauté function on the Instant Pot to brown the pork in batches for extra flavor. Remove and set aside.

Step 3: Add Aromatics

Add chopped onions, garlic, and optional chili to the pot. Sauté briefly to release aroma, then deglaze with a splash of juice or water, scraping up any browned bits.

Step 4: Pressure Cook

Return the pork to the pot and add orange juice, lime juice, bay leaves, and remaining seasonings. Seal the lid and pressure cook on high for about 45 minutes, then natural release for 15 minutes.

Step 5: Shred the Pork

Remove pork pieces and shred with two forks. Discard bay leaves and excess fat.

Step 6: Broil to Crisp

Transfer shredded pork to a baking sheet. Drizzle with a bit of cooking liquid or olive oil and broil for 5–10 minutes until crispy edges form. Flip halfway through for even crisping.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Browning the meat adds depth of flavor—don’t skip this step if you have time.
• Use freshly squeezed citrus juice for the best taste.
• Let the Instant Pot naturally release pressure for at least 15 minutes to ensure maximum tenderness.
• Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet during broiling; use two pans if necessary.
• Save the cooking liquid—it’s perfect for reheating or flavoring rice and beans.

How to Serve

Serve Instant Pot Carnitas in warm tortillas topped with chopped onions, cilantro, avocado, and a squeeze of lime. They’re also fantastic in burrito bowls, nachos, enchiladas, quesadillas, or even breakfast burritos. For a lighter meal, try serving them over a salad or in lettuce cups with a tangy dressing.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cool completely and store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4–5 days.

Freezing

Freeze cooled carnitas in freezer-safe bags for up to 3 months. Portion into individual servings for easy defrosting.

Reheating

Reheat in a skillet with a splash of cooking liquid for best texture, or microwave in short bursts. You can also broil briefly to restore crispiness.

FAQs

1. What cut of pork is best for carnitas?

Pork shoulder or pork butt is ideal due to its fat content and marbling, which keeps the meat moist and tender.

2. Can I make this without an Instant Pot?

Yes, you can slow cook it in a Crock-Pot for 8 hours on low or braise it in the oven at 300°F for 3–4 hours.

3. Do I need to broil the carnitas?

While optional, broiling adds irresistible crispy bits that make carnitas truly special.

4. Can I use pork loin instead?

You can, but it’s leaner and may turn out drier. Add extra liquid and don’t overcook.

5. Is this recipe spicy?

Not inherently, but you can adjust the heat level with more chili or jalapeño.

6. Can I add vegetables to the pot?

You can, but they may become overly soft under pressure. It’s best to serve veggies on the side or add them after.

7. Can I use bottled citrus juice?

Fresh juice is best for flavor, but bottled will work in a pinch.

8. How can I make this recipe Whole30 or Paleo compliant?

Omit any added sugar, and make sure all ingredients (especially store-bought ones) are Whole30/Paleo approved.

9. What can I do with the leftover cooking liquid?

Use it to moisten leftovers, flavor rice, or simmer beans for an extra savory touch.

10. Can I double this recipe?

Yes! Just don’t exceed the Instant Pot’s max fill line. You may need to brown meat in batches and increase pressure cooking time slightly.

Conclusion

These Instant Pot Carnitas are everything you want in a quick, flavorful, and satisfying meal. With tender, juicy pork infused with citrus and spices, and perfectly crispy edges after broiling, this dish hits all the right notes. Whether you’re feeding a crowd, prepping for the week, or simply craving something delicious, this recipe delivers every time. Easy to make, versatile to serve, and impossible to resist—it’s no wonder these are called The BEST Instant Pot Carnitas.

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