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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📖 Recipe
Instant Pot Carnitas
Equipment
Ingredients
Spices (see notes for using Taco Seasoning instead)
- 2 tablespoon Mexican chili powder
- 1 tablespoon ground coriander
- 2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 2 teaspoon paprika
- 2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 2.5 teaspoon salt adjust to taste
Pickled Onions
Garnishes that Pair Well with Carnitas
- Guacamole
- Salsa
- Sour Cream
- Cotija Cheese
- Cilantro
Instructions
Pressure Cook Pork
- Whether you are using boneless or bone-in pork butt / pork shoulder, cut it roughly in to 2-2.5 inch pieces and add it to the cooking pot.
- Spread the spices over the meat. Add crushed garlic, orange juice, orange rinds, lime juice, lime rinds and 7-up. Stir everything and gently push the meat down in the liquid.
- Close the lid. Pressure cook on Meat mode or Manual/Pressure cook mode for 45 minutes at high pressure. Set the vent to sealing position if using the DUO model. After cooking, let the pressure release naturally.
- Open the lid after the pressure has been released. Remove the rinds and discard. Remove the pork pieces and shred them using two forks. The meat should be super tender at this point.
Pickled onions
- While the pork is cooking, add thinly sliced onions to a mixing bowl. Add salt, sugar, cayenne, vinegar and lime juice and toss the onions well. Adjust the seasoning to your taste. Cover and refrigerate till you are ready to serve! Done!
Crisp the Carnitas
- Heat a skillet on medium-high heat. Layer the shredded pork and pour a couple of tablespoons of the cooking liquid over the meat. Heat till the sugars starts caramelizing and form a crisp crust on one side of the meat. This should take about 3-5 minutes. Remove the meat and it's ready!
- Alternatively, you can do this step under the broiler in the oven. Spread the meat on a lined baking sheet , pour a few tablespoon of the cooking liquid, and broil for 3-5 mins, till the top looks crisp. Remove and serve!
How to Assemble Carnitas tacos
- Heat a corn tortilla in a skillet, oven, or over direct flame using tongs. Put about ½ cup of Carnitas on top. Add pickled onions, cilantro leaves and crumble Cotija cheese on top. Ready to eat!
- Low-Carb Tacos: For a low-carb option, instead of corn tortillas, use iceberg lettuce leaves, or any lettuce of your choice. Load them with carnitas, add toppings, and enjoy!
Video
Notes
- 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.
- Estimated Time includes pressure build-up time. Cook time = Time to set for pressure cooking.
- This recipe has been tested in a 6qt Instant Pot. If making this in an 8Qt size, adjust the liquid quantity to meet the minimum requirement. Add a large can of lemon soda instead of a cup.
- These nutrition values are for carnitas only, they do not include rice, tacos or any condiment.
Ashlyn says
This recipe was perfect! We didn’t have any leftovers because my family of 5 could not get enough! The pork was perfectly seasoned and was so tender! We will for sure be making these again!
Aneesha says
Hi Ashlyn, that's the best compliment ever, thank you! I'm so glad you enjoyed it. Hope you try other taco recipes from the blog too! Thanks again!
Savitri says
Hi Aneesha,
In a few days I want to make this recipe with jackfruit instead of pork (because we eat vegan).
But I don't know if Mexican chili is the same as Ancho chili because I have that in stock?
A product called "Mexican chili" is not for sale here in The Netherlands.
Or do you mean "spice mix for chili con carne", because you can buy it here?
If not, do you recommend Ancho chili or taco seasoning blend?
Greetings,
Savitri
Aneesha says
Hi Savitri, Ancho chili powder will work instead of Mexican chili powder. Taco seasoning will work too, just don't add other spices in that case. Adjust the salt based on the blend's contents. I'm so curious to hear how it turns out, I've never had jackfruit.. Enjoy!
Savitri says
It was great with Jackfruit and ancho chili!!
We served it in taco shells with guacamole (your "easy guacamole" recipe 😋) and cilantro.
Thank you Aneesha😘
Love from
Savitri & my twin daughters
Aneesha says
Wow- you are very creative! Glad you enjoyed it!
damaris gracie says
made this last night and was a instant family hit. Very simple and so delicious, would highly recommend 5 stars!!!
Aneesha says
Yay, so happy to hear that. It's my hubby's favorite 🙂 Thanks so much for sharing your feedback!