Instant Pot Carnitas (Mexican Pulled Pork)

Instant Pot Carnitas! An easy dump and start pressure cooker recipe for this juicy, tender and flavorful Mexican pulled pork. Crisped before serving along with instant onion pickle, this shredded pork goes great on tacos, burritos, nachos, salad bowls and with Mexican rice & Beans.

What is Carnitas

Carnitas, is Mexican spiced pulled pork that is cooked with citrus and spices till it is fall-apart tender. It is then shredded and broiled in the oven, or in a skillet, so the sugars caramelize and give it an amazing crust. Each bite of this shredded pork is a perfect balance of juicy-tender and golden-crisp!

What Goes with Pork Carnitas

Some popular ways to enjoy Carnitas is in tacos and burritos. Salad bowls and lettuce cups work great for a low-carb option.

Another way I like to serve Carnitas is with a side of Mexican Rice and Beans along with an assortment of condiments like salsa, guacamole, sour cream and pickled onions (recipe included ????).

Instant Pickled Onions

Pickled onions are the most commonly served condiment with Carnitas. Here is a real simple way to make instant pickled onions.

I sliced white onions, or shallots and marinate them in red wine vinegar, sugar and seasoning, and refrigerate it for 15-20 minutes.

In the time that it takes for the meat to be done, the pickled onions are ready and absolutely delicious! They absorb all the sweet and tangy flavors and still retain a nice bite! Here is how I make them:

What Cut of Meat do you use for Carnitas

Pork Shoulder, also called Pork Butt, is the ideal cut of meat for Carnitas. It has just the right amount of fat that melts and keeps the meat most while it cooks.

I cut it in about 2-2.5 inch pieces, which allows the meat to soak in all the flavors, and also reduces the pressure cooking time considerably. As for whether to buy bone-in or boneless, both work. I buy whichever one is available.

How to Make Instant Pot Carnitas

Traditionally, carnitas is slow cooked with aromatics and spices to get that fabulous intense taste. By cooking it in an Instant Pot I reduce the cooking time considerably, plus the meat absorbs all the aroma and flavors and tastes like it has been slow cooking for hours .

This recipe will work with any electrical pressure cooker. Here is how I make Carnitas in the Instant Pot:

Step 1: Gather the ingredients for this easy dump and start recipe - meat, spices, orange, lime, crushed garlic and 7up.

Step 2: Cut pork in to 2- 2.5 inch pieces. This allows the meat to absorb all the flavors and reduces the pressure cooking time considerably.

Step 3: Add spices over the meat. You can also use your favorite taco seasoning blend here.

Step 4: Crushed or grated garlic goes in next.

Step 5: Pour in fresh orange juice along with the rinds. The rind releases oils while cooking, which add a delicious taste and aroma to the pork.

Step 6: Fresh lime juice goes in next along with rinds.

Step 7: Add a small can (7.5oz) of 7up or any Lemon-lime soda. Soda adds a great combination of sweet and tang to the meat. If you don't drink soda, simply double up the orange and lime juice.

Step 8: Stir everything and gently push down the meat so it is submerged in the seasoned liquid.

Step 9: Pressure cook 45 mins on Meat mode or Pressure cook mode and wait for a natural pressure release after that (NPR). Open the lid after the pin drops.

Step 10: Remove the meat and shred it using two forks. The meat should be fall-apart tender at this point. You can eat it as-is, or go to the next step and crisp it up (highly recommended).

Final Step: Heat a skillet on medium-high heat. Add a layer of shredded pork along with a few tablespoons of the cooking liquid. Let it caramelize for 3-4 minutes, till it forms a crips crust. Repeat in batches and you're done!

Pro-Tip for the Tastiest Pork Carnitas Ever!

• The one tip that I always recommend for this recipe is DON'T SKIP THE LAST STEP of crisping the meat! That allows the sugars from the citrus and lemon soda to caramelize and gives the meat a nice golden crisp exterior.
• Lemon-lime soda adds a great combination of sweet and tang to the meat in this dish. But, if you don't drink soda, simply double up the orange and lime juice.
• If making this for a bigger crowd, you can crisp the meat in the oven. Spread the meat evenly on a lined baking sheet. Add a few tablespoons of the cooking liquid over it. Pop it under the broiler for 2-4 minutes, till the top caramelizes.
• Sometimes, I skip the individual spices and use Trader Joe's Taco Seasoning blend to flavor the meat. For 4 lbs. of pork, I use 1 packet, which is about 4 tbsps.

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• BBQ Pork Ribs
• Salsa Chicken Tacos
• Pulled Fajita Tacos

📖 Recipe