Imagine tender, juicy pork that falls apart with the gentlest touch, then transforms into crispy, golden perfection that will have your entire family fighting for seconds. These Instant Pot Carnitas are not just a meal - they're a culinary adventure that brings the vibrant flavors of Mexico straight to your dinner table in under 90 minutes! Whether you're hosting a weekend fiesta or craving a weeknight dinner that's both impressive and incredibly easy, this recipe is about to become your new go-to Mexican feast.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 60 mins
Total Time: 75 mins
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 3 lbs pork shoulder, cut into chunks
- 1 onion, quartered
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon cumin
- 1 tablespoon oregano
- 1 cup orange juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Tortillas for serving
Instructions
- Begin by preparing your ingredients. Cut the pork shoulder into large chunks, about 2-3 inches in size, to ensure even cooking. Quarter the onion and mince the garlic cloves.
- In your Instant Pot, add the pork shoulder chunks, quartered onion, and minced garlic. Sprinkle the cumin and oregano evenly over the meat, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Pour in the cup of orange juice, ensuring that the pork is well-coated with the marinade. The acidity of the orange juice will help tenderize the meat and add flavor.
- Close the lid of the Instant Pot securely and ensure the steam release valve is set to the sealing position. Select the 'Pressure Cook' or 'Manual' setting and set the timer for 60 minutes.
- While the pork is cooking, prepare your serving tortillas. You can warm them on a skillet or in the microwave, as desired.
- Once the cooking time is complete, allow the Instant Pot to naturally release pressure for about 10-15 minutes. After this, carefully switch the steam release valve to the venting position to release any remaining pressure.
- Open the lid of the Instant Pot and use tongs to remove the pork chunks. Place them on a large plate or cutting board and shred the meat using two forks.
- To achieve crispy carnitas, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Spread the shredded pork in an even layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Place the baking sheet in the oven and roast the pork for about 10-15 minutes, or until the edges are crispy and golden brown. Keep an eye on it to prevent burning.
- Once crispy, remove the carnitas from the oven. Serve them warm with the tortillas, and add your favorite toppings such as diced onions, cilantro, lime wedges, or salsa.
- Enjoy your delicious, crispy Instant Pot carnitas!
Tips
- Choose the Right Cut: Always use pork shoulder (also called pork butt) for the most tender and flavorful carnitas. The marbling ensures juicy meat that shreds beautifully.
- Don't Skip the Crispy Step: The oven-crisping is crucial! It transforms your tender meat into those irresistible crispy edges that make carnitas legendary.
- Marinade Magic: The orange juice isn't just for flavor - its acidity helps tenderize the meat, making it incredibly soft.
- Pressure Cooking Precision: Ensure your Instant Pot seals properly for the most even cooking and most tender results.
- Serving Suggestions: Warm your tortillas just before serving and have plenty of fresh toppings like diced onions, cilantro, and lime wedges to customize each bite. Pro tip: Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and reheated in a skillet for that fresh, crispy texture!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 5g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Cholesterol: 125mg
