Ready to savor the tender, flavorful goodness of Instant Pot Pork Carnitas?
Imagine perfectly seasoned pork that practically melts in your mouth, all cooked to perfection in a fraction of the time!
Don’t forget to check out all of our other Instant Pot Recipes for more delicious and easy meal ideas.
Whether you’re making tacos, burritos, or a hearty carnitas bowl, this recipe will be a hit.
It features perfectly seasoned pork, aromatic onions and garlic, a zest of citrus, and a hint of cocoa for depth of flavor. With just a few simple steps, you’ll have delicious carnitas ready to enjoy in a variety of dishes.
How to Make Instant Pot Pork Carnitas
Season the pork with salt, black pepper, ground cumin, cocoa powder, dried oregano, and chili powder. Make sure the pork is evenly coated with the spices.
Add the citrus juice, garlic, onions and broth.
Secure the lid on the Instant Pot and set it to the high pressure cooking mode for 40 minutes. Make sure the steam release valve is set to the sealing position.
Once the cooking time is up, allow the pressure to release naturally for about 10 minutes, then use the quick release method to release any remaining pressure.
Carefully remove the pork pieces from the Instant Pot and use two forks to shred the meat.
For extra crispy carnitas, spread the shredded pork on a baking sheet and broil in the oven for a few minutes until the edges become crispy.
Yes, while pork shoulder is preferred for its marbling and flavor, you can use pork butt or even pork loin (though it may be a bit leaner and less tender).
Yes. Simply season the pork, add all ingredients to the slow cooker, and cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4-5 hours. Once tender, shred the pork and broil for a few minutes if you want it crispy.
Carnitas are made by simmering pork pork until it’s tender, then often browned to give it a crispy texture. Pork tacos, on the other hand, can feature pork prepared in various ways, including grilled, roasted, or braised, and then served in tacos with a variety of toppings.
It may be due to insufficient cooking time or not enough liquid. Instant Pots work best with enough moisture to create steam, which helps in tenderizing the meat. Also, tough cuts of meat need to cook longer to break it down.
Chicken broth, apple juice, or even a flavorful marinade can be great liquids for cooking pulled pork. These not only add moisture but also enhance the flavor of the pork.
Yes, it is possible to overcook pork in an Instant Pot, especially if you use the pressure cooking function for too long. Overcooking can make the meat dry and chewy. Always follow recommended cooking times and check the meat’s tenderness before adding more time.
What’s the best way to eat carnitas?
Carnitas are incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in various delicious ways. Here are some popular options:
- Tacos – Fill soft corn tortillas with carnitas, then top with chopped onions, fresh cilantro, a squeeze of lime, and a splash of your favorite salsa.
- Burritos – Roll carnitas with rice, beans, cheese, and your preferred toppings in a large flour tortilla. Add guacamole and sour cream for extra flavor.
- Tostadas – Spread refried beans on a crispy tostada shell, top with carnitas, shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, avocado slices, and a drizzle of crema.
- Bowl – Create a carnitas bowl with rice, beans, lettuce, pico de gallo, cheese, and a dollop of sour cream. It’s like a burrito without the tortilla.
- Nachos – Pile carnitas on a bed of tortilla chips, sprinkle with cheese, and bake until melty. Add jalapeños, sour cream, and guacamole on top.
Enhance your meal with our Authentic Mexican Recipes, or try our fresh and vibrant Mexican Chopped Salad for a delightful twist!
Instant Pot Pork Carnitas
Quick and delicious Instant Pot Pork Carnitas—perfect for any meal!
Ingredients
- 3 lbs pork shoulder, cut into smaller pieces
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tbsp cocoa powder
- 1 tbsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
- 1 orange, juice and zest
- 2 limes, juiced
- 1 cup chicken broth
Instructions
- Season the pork chunks with salt, pepper, cumin, oregano, and chili powder.
- Ensure each piece is well-coated.
- Place pork in the Instant Pot. Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, fresh orange juice and orange zest, lime juice, and chicken broth.
- Secure the lid and set the Instant Pot to "Manual" or "Pressure Cook" high for a cook time of 90 minutes.
- Once finished, allow for a natural release.
- Remove the pork from the Instant Pot and shred it using two forks.
- For crispy carnitas, spread the shredded pork on a baking sheet and broil for a few minutes until the edges are golden and crispy.
- Serve your tender pork carnitas on warm tortillas with your favorite toppings like diced onions, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime.
Notes
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a bit of broth if needed to keep it moist.
misty g
Friday 12th of July 2024
Did the recipe change? Didn’t it used to call for cocoa powder. Thank you.
momma lew
Saturday 13th of July 2024
Hello, it's 1/2 tbsp cocoa powder.
Kirsten Liranzo
Saturday 15th of June 2024
Ok read all the comments and understand that you re-wrote the recipe to make it easier to follow- I’m obsessed with this recipe! I’ve made it so many times; but prefer the method where you sear the pork first, and it was a much shorter cook time in the instant pot before the edit. How long is the time to cook if you sear it first like in your previous recipe? Thanks so much!
momma lew
Monday 17th of June 2024
Hi, you sear it for approximately 2-3 minutes per side. Set the steam vent to “Sealing.” Press the “Manual” button and adjust to the High Pressure setting, if necessary. Adjust cook time to 30 minutes. (Select 40 minutes for 4+ pound roasts). When the Instant Pot® cook time is complete, do a natural release for 20 minutes before doing a quick release of any remaining pressure and remaining steam.
Melanie
Friday 12th of April 2024
Why did you omit the cocoa powder from the original recipe? How much do I use? 1TBSP?
momma lew
Friday 12th of April 2024
It’s 1/2 tbsp
Emme Gee
Monday 18th of March 2024
Did the recipe change? I thought it used to include cocoa powder in the rub. Any way to get the previous recipe which I loved so much.
Melanie
Friday 12th of April 2024
@momma lew, yes please can you tell me how much cocoa powder was in original recipe!!!
momma lew
Monday 18th of March 2024
Yes, I apologize I redid the recipe because I found a lot of my readers found it difficult to follow.
Sylvie
Tuesday 20th of September 2022
This recipe is THE BEST! I have made it countless times and everyone loves it