Description
Enjoy your flavorful, tender Instant Pot Pork Carnitas!
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 3 pounds pork shoulder or pork butt, cut into large chunks
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup orange juice
- 1/2 cup lime juice
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 bay leaves
- Optional toppings: chopped cilantro, diced onions, sliced avocado, lime wedges
Instructions
- Sauté Pork: Set the Instant Pot to sauté mode and add olive oil. When hot, add the pork chunks, searing them on all sides until browned. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté Onions and Garlic: In the same pot, add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent. Add minced garlic and sauté for another minute.
- Add Ingredients: Return the pork to the pot. Pour in the orange juice and lime juice. Stir in the cumin, oregano, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Add the bay leaves.
- Pressure Cook: Close the lid and set the Instant Pot to high pressure for 30 minutes. Ensure the valve is set to sealing.
- Natural Pressure Release: Allow the pressure to release naturally for about 15 minutes, then perform a quick release for any remaining pressure.
- Shred the Pork: Open the lid, remove the bay leaves, and shred the pork with two forks directly in the pot, mixing it with the juices.
- Optional Crisping: For crispy carnitas, spread the shredded pork on a baking sheet and broil in the oven for a few minutes until the edges are crispy.
- Serve: Serve the carnitas in tacos, burritos, or bowls, garnished with your favorite toppings like cilantro, diced onions, sliced avocado, and lime wedges.