If you’re craving a fiesta of bold, mouthwatering flavors with minimal fuss, look no further than The BEST Instant Pot Carnitas Recipe. This succulent, tender pork dish combines zesty citrus, smoky spices, and a hint of heat to deliver authentic Mexican-inspired carnitas that come together in a fraction of the traditional cooking time. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or trying to impress friends with a weeknight meal, this dish promises juicy, crispy pork morsels that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple yet essential ingredients is key to the magic behind The BEST Instant Pot Carnitas Recipe. Each component, from the juicy pork shoulder to the fragrant spices, plays an important role in creating that mouthwatering balance of savory, citrusy, and smoky notes you’ll love.
- 3.5 lbs boneless pork shoulder: The star of the dish, perfect for shredding and soaking up the flavorful spices.
- 1 medium white onion, chopped: Adds sweetness and moisture to enhance the savory depth.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Brings aromatic warmth and complexity.
- 1 cup fresh orange juice: Provides bright citrus notes to tenderize the meat and balance spices.
- Juice of 2 limes: Adds tangy freshness and a subtle zing.
- ¼ cup chicken broth: Keeps the pork juicy and flavorful during cooking.
- 2 tablespoons chili powder: Delivers smoky, earthy heat.
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin: Offers warm, nutty undertones.
- 1 tablespoon ground oregano: Adds a herbaceous depth familiar in Mexican cuisine.
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika: Brings a rich smoky flavor essential for authentic carnitas.
- 1 tablespoon salt: Enhances all flavors and seasons the meat evenly.
- 1 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a subtle kick of spice.
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper: Provides just the right amount of heat without overpowering.
How to Make The BEST Instant Pot Carnitas Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Pork
Start by setting your Instant Pot to sauté mode and adding a splash of oil. Brown the pork chunks in batches to ensure each piece develops a beautifully caramelized surface. This browning step is crucial as it locks in flavor and gives your carnitas that irresistible depth.
Step 2: Sauté Onion and Garlic
After removing the browned pork, toss in the chopped onion and minced garlic into the pot. Sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until soft and fragrant. This creates the aromatic base for your carnitas, layering in sweetness and savoriness that will carry through the whole dish.
Step 3: Add Pork and Liquids
Return the browned pork to the pot, then pour in the fresh orange juice, lime juice, and chicken broth. These liquids not only tenderize the pork but also infuse it with bright citrus notes that make these carnitas so vibrant and refreshing.
Step 4: Season Generously
Sprinkle the chili powder, ground cumin, oregano, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne evenly over the pork. Give everything a gentle stir to ensure the spices coat all the meat pieces, setting up that complex, smoky, and slightly spicy carnitas flavor profile.
Step 5: Pressure Cook the Pork
Seal the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to sealing. Select manual or high pressure and cook for 30 minutes. This hands-off cooking method breaks down the pork until it’s fall-apart tender and bursting with flavor in record time.
Step 6: Release Pressure Safely
Once cooking is complete, let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes, allowing the juices to redistribute. Then carefully quick release any remaining pressure. This step ensures perfectly tender carnitas without drying out the meat.
Step 7: Shred and Crisp the Carnitas
Transfer the pork to a large dish and shred it using two forks. For that signature crispy carnitas texture, spread the shredded meat on a baking sheet and broil for about 5 minutes until the edges turn golden and crunchy. This broiling step elevates the dish from great to unforgettable.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy
Serve your carnitas warm, piled high in fresh tortillas with all your favorite toppings. This final step is where all the love and flavor shine through, making The BEST Instant Pot Carnitas Recipe truly a celebration on your plate.
How to Serve The BEST Instant Pot Carnitas Recipe
Garnishes
The right garnishes add brightness, texture, and an extra layer of flavor. Fresh cilantro, diced onions, sliced radishes, and a squeeze of lime are classic choices that complement the rich pork perfectly. Don’t forget some crumbled queso fresco or a drizzle of tangy crema for a delicious creamy touch.
Side Dishes
Carnitas are wonderfully versatile and pair beautifully with traditional sides like Mexican rice, refried beans, or a zesty corn salad. Each side helps balance the richness of the pork and brings added color and freshness to your meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Beyond tacos, try stuffing carnitas into crunchy tostadas, layering them into enchiladas, or serving alongside roasted veggies for a hearty bowl. The BEST Instant Pot Carnitas Recipe is so flavorful that it shines in many forms, making your mealtime exciting and varied.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your carnitas feast, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They stay delicious for up to 4 days, allowing you to savor the flavors without any loss in quality.
Freezing
To keep your carnitas for longer, freeze them in portioned containers or freezer bags. They freeze beautifully and can be kept for up to 3 months, making meal prep a breeze for busy weeks.
Reheating
Reheat your carnitas gently on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of broth or water to keep them juicy. If you have time, crisp them up again under the broiler to revive that irresistible crunchy texture.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of pork for this recipe?
While pork shoulder is ideal due to its fat content and tenderness, you can use pork butt or even pork loin, but expect leaner, less moist carnitas if you go with loin.
Do I have to brown the pork first?
Browning is optional but highly recommended because it adds a rich, caramelized flavor layer that pressure cooking alone can’t achieve.
How spicy is this recipe?
This recipe has a mild to moderate heat level from the cayenne and chili powder. You can easily adjust the spice by reducing or omitting the cayenne pepper.
Can I make this recipe without the Instant Pot?
Yes! You can slow-cook the pork on low for 6-8 hours on the stovetop or in a crockpot, but the Instant Pot significantly reduces the cooking time while keeping the meat tender.
What are the best tortillas to use with these carnitas?
Corn tortillas are traditional and provide an authentic experience, but soft flour tortillas work just as well and add a slightly different texture that some prefer.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend enough giving The BEST Instant Pot Carnitas Recipe a try—you’re in for an explosion of flavor, tenderness, and versatility that’s perfect any day of the week. Whether it’s a casual taco night or a celebratory feast, these carnitas will quickly become a household favorite you reach for again and again.
Print
The BEST Instant Pot Carnitas Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes (plus 5 minutes broiling, optional)
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Instant Pot
- Cuisine: Mexican
Description
This recipe for the BEST Instant Pot Carnitas offers a flavorful and tender Mexican pork dish cooked quickly under high pressure. Using a combination of fresh citrus juices and a vibrant blend of spices, the pork shoulder becomes succulent and perfect for shredding. The final optional broil step provides irresistibly crispy edges, making it ideal for tacos, burritos, or as a savory main course.
Ingredients
Meat
- 3.5 lbs boneless pork shoulder, cut into 2-inch chunks
Produce
- 1 medium white onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup fresh orange juice (from 2–3 oranges)
- Juice of 2 limes
Liquids
- ¼ cup chicken broth (or any broth or water)
Spices
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon ground oregano
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
Instructions
- Brown the pork: Set the Instant Pot to sauté mode. Add a small amount of oil and brown the pork chunks in batches for 2-3 minutes per side until nicely seared. Remove the browned pork and set aside.
- Sauté aromatics: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot and sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and softened, enhancing the flavor base of the dish.
- Add liquids: Return the pork chunks to the pot. Pour in the fresh orange juice, lime juice, and chicken broth to provide moisture and acidity that tenderizes the meat.
- Season the pork: Sprinkle the chili powder, ground cumin, ground oregano, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper evenly over the meat. Stir gently to combine all the ingredients.
- Pressure cook: Close the Instant Pot lid and seal the valve. Set to manual/high pressure for 30 minutes to cook the pork until tender and easily shreddable.
- Release pressure: When the cooking cycle ends, allow natural pressure release for 10 minutes to preserve juices, then carefully quick release any remaining pressure.
- Shred and crisp pork: Remove the pork from the pot and shred it with two forks. For crispy edges, spread the shredded pork in a single layer on a baking sheet and broil it for 5 minutes, watching closely to avoid burning.
- Serve: Serve the carnitas warm with tortillas, salsa, and your favorite toppings like fresh cilantro, lime wedges, diced onions, and avocado slices.
Notes
- Broiling the shredded pork is optional but highly recommended for added texture and flavor.
- Use fresh citrus juice for the best flavor; bottled juice can alter the taste.
- You can substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth or water if preferred.
- For a spicier version, increase the cayenne pepper or add chopped jalapeños during the sauté step.
- Leftover carnitas are excellent in soups, quesadillas, or as a topping for nachos.
