5-Star Rated Instant Pot Carnitas

I’ve been making Instant Pot Carnitas for over forty years, from busy school nights to cozy weekends, and Instant Pot Carnitas never fail me; I serve Instant Pot Carnitas with rice, tortillas, salad, roasted veggies, beans, and even Easy Chocolate Cupcakes, and every time Instant Pot Carnitas tastes comforting, joyful, and perfectly familiar.

INGREDIENTS

• Pork shoulder or pork butt
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Garlic cloves
• Onion
• Orange juice
• Lime juice
• Chicken broth
• Bay leaves
• Ground cumin
• Dried oregano
• Olive oil

INGREDIENTS NOTES

• Pork shoulder or pork butt: This is a cut of pork with enough fat to stay juicy and soft after cooking, making the meat easy to shred.
• Salt: Helps bring out all the natural flavors in the meat and balances the other ingredients.
• Black pepper: Adds a gentle warmth and mild spice without being too strong.
• Garlic cloves: Give a deep, cozy flavor that makes the carnitas taste rich and savory.
• Onion: Adds sweetness and moisture while cooking, helping the meat stay tender.
• Orange juice: Brings a light sweetness and gentle acidity that helps soften the pork as it cooks.
• Lime juice: Adds brightness and a fresh taste that keeps the dish from feeling heavy.
• Chicken broth: Keeps everything moist in the Instant Pot and adds extra savory flavor.
• Bay leaves: Slowly release a mild herbal flavor during cooking, making the meat taste more complete.
• Ground cumin: Adds a warm, earthy taste that is common in classic carnitas.
• Dried oregano: Brings a soft herbal note that works well with pork and citrus.
• Olive oil: Helps brown the meat slightly and adds a smooth finish to the flavors.

How to make Instant Pot Carnitas?

Step 1: Prepare the pork

Start by cutting the pork shoulder into large chunks. This helps the meat cook evenly and fit nicely inside the Instant Pot. Sprinkle the pork with salt and black pepper, making sure each piece is lightly coated. This first step builds the base flavor and makes the meat taste good all the way through.

Step 2: Add aromatics

Place the seasoned pork into the Instant Pot. Add the garlic cloves and onion on top of the meat. As the Instant Pot heats up, these ingredients slowly release their flavors, making the kitchen smell warm and comforting.

Step 3: Pour in the liquids

Pour the orange juice, lime juice, and chicken broth over the pork. The liquid should reach partway up the meat but not fully cover it. This mix helps soften the pork fibers so the meat becomes very tender and easy to shred later.

Step 4: Add spices and bay leaves

Sprinkle the ground cumin and dried oregano over everything, then tuck the bay leaves into the liquid. These spices slowly blend as the pork cooks, creating the classic carnitas taste that feels rich but not heavy.

Step 5: Pressure cook

Close the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to sealing. Cook on high pressure for about 45 minutes. During this time, the pork gently cooks under pressure, absorbing all the flavors and becoming incredibly tender.

Step 6: Natural release

When the cooking time is done, let the pressure release naturally for about 15 minutes. This step helps keep the pork juicy and prevents it from drying out.

Step 7: Shred the pork

Open the lid and carefully remove the pork pieces. Place them on a plate and shred them using two forks. The meat should fall apart easily, indicating it is cooked just right.

Step 8: Optional crisping

If you like crispy edges, drizzle the shredded pork with a little olive oil and spread it on a baking sheet. Broil for a few minutes until the edges turn golden. This step adds a light crunch while keeping the inside soft.

KITCHEN EQUIPMENT NEEDED

• Instant Pot or electric pressure cooker
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Measuring cups
• Measuring spoons
• Two forks
• Baking sheet, optional for crisping

STORAGE OPTIONS

5-Star Rated Instant Pot Carnitas store very well, which makes them perfect for busy days. Once the carnitas have cooled down, place them in an airtight container. In the refrigerator, they stay fresh for up to four days. The flavors often taste even better the next day because everything has more time to blend.

VARIATIONS FOR 5-STAR RATED INSTANT POT CARNITAS

You can change this recipe in small ways to make it feel new while keeping the same comforting taste. One easy variation is to add a little smoked paprika for a deeper, smoky flavor. Another option is to include a splash of apple cider vinegar for extra brightness.

FAQ

1: What is 5-Star Rated Instant Pot Carnitas made of?

5-Star Rated Instant Pot Carnitas are made mainly from pork shoulder, citrus juices, simple spices, and broth. These ingredients work together to create tender, flavorful meat.

2: What does 5-Star Rated Instant Pot Carnitas taste like?

The taste is rich and savory with a gentle citrus freshness. The pork is soft, juicy, and full of warm, comforting flavors.

3: Is this recipe spicy?

This recipe is not spicy. It has mild spices that add flavor without heat, making it enjoyable for many people.

4: Can this recipe be made ahead of time?

Yes, 5-Star Rated Instant Pot Carnitas can be made ahead and stored in the fridge or freezer without losing quality.

5: Why use an Instant Pot for carnitas?

An Instant Pot cooks the pork quickly while keeping it tender and juicy, giving slow-cooked results in much less time.