Introduction
Transform humble pork shoulder into incredibly tender, flavorful carnitas in a fraction of the time with this Instant Pot recipe! Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality results without the restaurant-level effort. Get ready for tacos, burritos, or bowls of pure deliciousness—fast!
Why This Works
This recipe leverages the Instant Pot’s magic to deliver unbelievably tender carnitas with minimal hands-on time. The high-pressure cooking breaks down the pork perfectly, resulting in juicy, melt-in-your-mouth meat that’s bursting with flavor. Plus, the simple ingredient list means you probably already have everything you need in your pantry!
Key Ingredients
- 🐷 3 lbs boneless pork shoulder
- 🧅 1 large onion, chopped
- 🧄 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 🍊 1 cup orange juice
- 🌶️ 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and minced (optional)
- 🌿 1 tbsp dried oregano
- 🌿 1 tbsp ground cumin
- 🧂 1 tsp salt
- 🌶️ ½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
- 🍃 1 bay leaf
Instructions
1️⃣ Sear the pork: Brown the pork shoulder in batches in the Instant Pot using the sauté function. This adds a delicious depth of flavor. Set aside.
2️⃣ Sauté aromatics: Add the onion and garlic to the Instant Pot and sauté until softened, about 3-5 minutes. If using jalapeño, add it now.
3️⃣ Combine ingredients: Return the seared pork to the Instant Pot. Pour in the orange juice, and stir in the oregano, cumin, salt, cayenne pepper (if using), and bay leaf.
4️⃣ Pressure cook: Secure the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to sealing. Cook on high pressure for 60 minutes. Allow a natural pressure release for 20 minutes, then manually release any remaining pressure.
5️⃣ Shred the pork: Carefully remove the pork from the Instant Pot and shred it using two forks.
6️⃣ Reduce sauce (optional): If you prefer a thicker sauce, return the shredded pork to the Instant Pot and cook on the sauté function for a few minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has reduced to your desired consistency.
Handy Tips
- For extra flavor, marinate the pork overnight in the orange juice and spices before cooking.
- Don’t overcrowd the Instant Pot when searing the pork. Work in batches to ensure proper browning.
- Feel free to adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to your spice preference.
Heat Control
The Instant Pot’s pressure cooking maintains a consistent, high heat, ensuring the pork cooks evenly and becomes incredibly tender. The sauté function allows for controlled browning and sauce reduction.
Crunch Factor
While the carnitas themselves are tender and juicy, you can add a satisfying crunch by serving them in tacos with crispy tortilla chips or adding a crunchy slaw to your carnitas bowls.
Pro Kitchen Tricks
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature of the pork reaches 190°F (88°C) for maximum tenderness.
- For a smoky flavor, add a chipotle pepper in adobo sauce to the cooking liquid.
- Freeze leftover carnitas in individual portions for quick and easy meals later.
Storage Tips
Store leftover carnitas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. They also freeze well for up to 3 months.
Gift Packaging Ideas
Package shredded carnitas in attractive containers with your favorite taco toppings for a thoughtful and delicious gift.
Flavor Variations
🌟 Pineapple Carnitas: Add ½ cup of chopped pineapple to the Instant Pot during the last 15 minutes of cooking.
🌟 Spicy Chipotle Carnitas: Add 1-2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce along with the other spices.
🌟 Citrusy Carnitas: Incorporate lime juice and zest along with the orange juice for a brighter flavor profile.
🌟 Garlic Lover’s Carnitas: Add an extra 4-6 cloves of garlic for a more intense garlic flavor.
Troubleshooting
- Dry Carnitas: If your carnitas are dry, you may have overcooked them. Try reducing the cooking time next time. Adding a bit more liquid during cooking can also help.
- Tough Carnitas: Ensure the pork shoulder is cooked to an internal temperature of 190°F (88°C) for optimal tenderness.
FAQ
- Can I use a different type of pork? While pork shoulder is ideal for its marbling and tenderness, you can experiment with other cuts, but cooking time may need adjustment.
- Can I make this in a slow cooker? Yes, you can adapt this recipe for a slow cooker. Sear the pork as directed, then transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-6 hours.
- What can I serve with carnitas? Tacos, burritos, bowls with rice and beans, salads, and nachos are all excellent options.
Conclusion
This Instant Pot Carnitas recipe is a game-changer for busy cooks! Enjoy the incredible flavor and unbelievable tenderness of this easy weeknight meal. Share your creations and tag us—we can’t wait to see your delicious carnitas masterpieces!
30-Minute Instant Pot Carnitas: Weeknight Dinner Winner
Flavorful and tender carnitas cooked in an Instant Pot, perfect for quick weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds pork shoulder, cut into large chunks
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- 1/4 cup lime juice
- 1 bay leaf
Instructions
- Set the Instant Pot to 'Sautu00e9' mode. Add olive oil and allow it to heat.
- Add diced onion and sautu00e9 for about 3-4 minutes until translucent.
- Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the pork shoulder chunks to the pot, followed by cumin, oregano, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Stir to coat the meat evenly.
- Pour in the orange juice and lime juice, then add the bay leaf.
- Close the lid, seal the vent, and set the Instant Pot to 'Manual' mode for 60 minutes.
- Once cooking is complete, allow for a natural release for 10 minutes, then switch to a quick release to release any remaining pressure.
- Remove the pork and shred with two forks. Optional: for crispy carnitas, spread shredded pork on a baking sheet and broil in the oven for 5-7 minutes.
- Serve carnitas in tacos, burritos, or over rice with your favorite toppings.
Tips
- For extra flavor, marinate the pork in the spices and citrus juices for a few hours before cooking.
- Serve with fresh cilantro, diced onions, and avocado for added freshness.