Melt-in-Your-Mouth Instant Pot Carnitas

Introduction

🎉 Get ready to ditch the slow cooker and say hello to the speediest, most flavorful carnitas you’ve ever tasted! This Instant Pot recipe transforms humble pork shoulder into melt-in-your-mouth perfection. It’s the perfect crowd-pleaser for family dinners or game day gatherings, and it’s surprisingly simple to make – even for beginners! Forget hours of simmering; this recipe takes just a fraction of the time, leaving you with more time to enjoy the delicious results.

Why This Works

This recipe works because the Instant Pot does all the heavy lifting! The pressure cooking method breaks down the tough pork shoulder, resulting in incredibly tender and juicy carnitas. The simple combination of spices creates a deeply flavorful profile that’s both authentic and easy to achieve. Plus, cleanup is a breeze – just one pot to wash!

Key Ingredients

• 🐷 3 lbs boneless pork shoulder
• 🧅 1 large onion, chopped
• 🧄 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 🍊 1 cup orange juice
• 🌶️ 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 🌿 1 teaspoon cumin
• 🌿 1 teaspoon oregano
• 🧂 1 teaspoon salt
• 胡椒 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 🍃 1 bay leaf
• 🌮Optional: Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1️⃣ Prep the Pork: Pat the pork shoulder dry with paper towels. Trim away any excess fat.

2️⃣ Sauté the Aromatics: Set your Instant Pot to the “Sauté” function. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

3️⃣ Season the Pork: Sprinkle the chili powder, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper over the pork shoulder. Rub it in well to ensure even seasoning.

4️⃣ Add Remaining Ingredients: Add the orange juice and bay leaf to the Instant Pot. Place the seasoned pork shoulder on top of the onions and garlic.

5️⃣ Pressure Cook: Secure the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to “Sealing.” Cook on high pressure for 60 minutes. Allow for a natural pressure release for 20 minutes, then carefully quick-release any remaining pressure.

6️⃣ Shred the Pork: Carefully remove the pork shoulder from the Instant Pot and shred it with two forks. Discard the bay leaf.

7️⃣ Reduce the Sauce (Optional): If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can transfer the cooking liquid to a saucepan and simmer it over medium heat until it reduces to your desired consistency.

8️⃣ Combine & Serve: Add the shredded pork back to the Instant Pot (or saucepan if you reduced the sauce) and toss to combine. Garnish with fresh cilantro, if desired. Serve in tacos, burritos, bowls, or on its own!

Handy Tips

• For even more flavor, marinate the pork shoulder in the orange juice and spices for a few hours (or overnight) before cooking.
• If you don’t have orange juice, you can substitute with chicken broth or apple juice.
• Feel free to adjust the amount of chili powder to your preferred spice level.

Heat Control

The Instant Pot maintains consistent heat throughout the cooking process, ensuring the pork cooks evenly and becomes incredibly tender. The pressure cooking method prevents the meat from drying out, resulting in juicy and flavorful carnitas.

Crunch Factor

While the carnitas themselves are incredibly tender, you can add a satisfying crunch by serving them with your favorite toppings like crispy tortilla chips, crunchy slaw, or even some toasted pepitas.

Pro Kitchen Tricks

• Use a meat thermometer to ensure the pork reaches an internal temperature of 190°F (88°C) for optimal tenderness.
• For extra richness, add a tablespoon of lard or bacon grease to the Instant Pot before sautéing the onions.
• To speed up the shredding process, use two forks or a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment.

Storage Tips

Store leftover carnitas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months.

Gift Packaging Ideas

These carnitas make a fantastic gift! Package them in attractive reusable containers with a side of your favorite taco toppings or a jar of homemade salsa.

Flavor Variations

🌟 Spicy Carnitas: Add a diced jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the spice rub.

🌟 Citrusy Carnitas: Add the zest of one lime or orange to the spice rub.

🌟 Apple Cider Carnitas: Substitute apple cider for the orange juice.

🌟 Pineapple Carnitas: Add 1 cup of chopped pineapple to the Instant Pot during the last 15 minutes of cooking.

Troubleshooting

• Dry Carnitas: If your carnitas are dry, you may have overcooked them. Next time, reduce the cooking time slightly.
• Tough Carnitas: If your carnitas are tough, ensure you’ve cooked them long enough to reach an internal temperature of 190°F (88°C).

FAQ

• Can I use a different cut of pork? While pork shoulder is ideal, you can try using a pork loin, but you may need to adjust the cooking time.

• Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker? Yes, but it will take significantly longer – around 6-8 hours on low.

• What are the best toppings for these carnitas? Your favorite taco toppings are a great choice! Try pico de gallo, shredded cheese, sour cream, guacamole, salsa, and chopped cilantro.

• Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Yes! The carnitas are even better the next day, making them perfect for meal prepping.

Conclusion

These Instant Pot carnitas are a game-changer! They’re incredibly tender, bursting with flavor, and ready in a fraction of the time compared to traditional methods. Give this recipe a try, and don’t forget to share your delicious creations on RateMyRecipes! We can’t wait to see your photos!