Name: The BEST Instant Pot Carnitas Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 3-4 pounds pork shoulder; 1 medium yellow onion; 4 cloves garlic; 1 tablespoon cumin; 1 tablespoon oregano; 2 limes; 1-2 cups low-sodium chicken broth; Salt and pepper

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The BEST Instant Pot Carnitas Recipe transports you straight to a fiesta of flavors! Imagine tender, juicy pork, infused with the zesty essence of lime and the warm embrace of spices, all wrapped in a taco shell or piled high on a plate. This dish is not just food; it’s an experience that sets your taste buds dancing!

Every time I whip up this recipe, I’m reminded of that time I tried to make carnitas for my family reunion. Let’s just say, my kitchen looked like a scene from a culinary crime drama. But the reward? Oh, it was worth every messy moment! Get ready to impress your friends and family with this delightful dish at your next gathering.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

The BEST Instant Pot Carnitas Recipe is not just delicious; it’s also quick and easy to prepare.
The vibrant flavors will have everyone coming back for seconds.
Visually stunning, these carnitas can be served in tacos or over rice for a feast fit for a king.
Perfect for meal prep or feeding a crowd with minimal effort!

Ingredients for The BEST Instant Pot Carnitas Recipe

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

3-4 pounds Pork Shoulder: Choose a well-marbled piece for the juiciest results; it’s the star of the show!
1 Onion: A medium yellow onion works best; it provides sweetness and depth.
4 cloves Garlic: Fresh garlic adds that aromatic punch that will linger in the air.
1 tablespoon Cumin: This spice lends an earthy, warm flavor that complements pork perfectly.
1 tablespoon Oregano: Dried oregano adds a subtle herbaceous note that balances out the richness.
2 Limes: Fresh lime juice brightens up everything and cuts through the fat beautifully.
1-2 cups Chicken Broth: Use low-sodium broth to control salt levels while enhancing flavor.
Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings – don’t skip them! They elevate every bite.

For finishing touches:

Taco Shells or Rice: Serve your carnitas in soft tortillas or over fluffy rice for a heartwarming meal.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make The BEST Instant Pot Carnitas Recipe

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:

Step 1: Prepare the Pork

Start by cutting your pork shoulder into large chunks. This will help it cook evenly and soak up all those lovely spices.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics

Set your Instant Pot to “Sauté.” Add some oil and toss in chopped onions. Stir until they’re soft and fragrant, then add minced garlic for about one minute.

Step 3: Season It Up

Sprinkle cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper over the sautéed onions and garlic. Stir well to combine before adding the pork chunks.

Step 4: Add Lime Juice and Broth

Squeeze those zesty limes directly over everything, then pour in enough chicken broth to cover about two-thirds of the meat. This will create that flavorful steam!

Step 5: Pressure Cook

Seal your Instant Pot lid tightly and set it to “Manual” mode for about sixty minutes. Let it work its magic! Once done, allow natural pressure release for about fifteen minutes before venting any remaining pressure.

Step 6: Shred and Crisp

Remove the pork from the pot and shred it using two forks. For extra texture, spread shredded meat on a baking sheet and broil in your oven for about five minutes until crispy edges form.

Transfer to plates and serve with taco shells or over rice for the perfect finishing touch! Enjoy those tender bites bursting with flavor!

With each step executed flawlessly, you’ll have a plateful of The BEST Instant Pot Carnitas ready to devour! So gather around friends—it’s time to dig into this fiesta-worthy dish!

You Must Know

This Best Instant Pot Carnitas Recipe is not just about the flavor explosion; it’s also a lifesaver for busy weeknights.
You can switch up your toppings and serve it in countless ways, making dinner exciting every time.
Perfect for tacos, burritos, or simply on its own with a side of guac!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

To achieve mouthwatering carnitas, start by searing the pork shoulder in the Instant Pot. After that, cook it under pressure with spices and citrus until it’s tender and juicy. The sequence is key to maximizing flavor and texture.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to customize this recipe by swapping out spices or adding extras like jalapeños for a kick. You can even experiment with different citrus juices—orange, lime, or grapefruit—all add a unique twist to this dish!

Storing & Reheating

Store your leftover carnitas in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. To reheat, simply warm them in the microwave or sauté in a pan for that crispy edge we all love.

Chef's Helpful Tips

Always use a good quality pork shoulder; it makes all the difference!
Don’t rush the searing process; allow those caramelized bits to develop flavor.
Lastly, let your carnitas rest after cooking—they’ll be juicier!

Sometimes I whip up this recipe for my friends’ taco nights, and they rave about how good it tastes. It’s become a staple at gatherings, often leading to friendly debates over who makes the best carnitas!

FAQs :

What makes The BEST Instant Pot Carnitas Recipe unique?

The BEST Instant Pot Carnitas Recipe stands out due to its blend of spices and the cooking method. Using an Instant Pot allows for tender, juicy meat that’s packed with flavor. The pressure cooking method reduces the usual slow-cooking time while ensuring the pork absorbs all the delicious spices, including cumin, oregano, and garlic. Additionally, this recipe emphasizes browning the carnitas after cooking for extra texture and taste. These factors combine to create a unique dish that delivers authentic Mexican flavors in a fraction of the time.

How do I serve The BEST Instant Pot Carnitas?

You can serve The BEST Instant Pot Carnitas in many ways. They shine as a filling for tacos, burritos, or enchiladas. Simply shred the cooked pork and add it to warm tortillas along with toppings like cilantro, diced onions, and avocado. For a heartier meal, serve the carnitas over rice or in a salad bowl with your favorite toppings. You can also enjoy them with sides like refried beans or corn salsa for a complete meal experience that everyone will love.

Can I customize The BEST Instant Pot Carnitas Recipe?

Absolutely! Customizing The BEST Instant Pot Carnitas Recipe is easy and fun. You can adjust the spice levels by adding more chili powder for heat or omitting certain spices if you prefer milder flavors. For a different twist, consider adding orange juice or lime juice to enhance the citrus notes in the dish. You can also experiment with various garnishes such as jalapeños, queso fresco, or different salsas to personalize your carnitas experience according to your taste preferences.

How long does it take to make The BEST Instant Pot Carnitas?

The total time to prepare The BEST Instant Pot Carnitas is approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes. This includes around 10 minutes for prepping ingredients and about 60 minutes of cooking time under pressure. After cooking, you’ll need an additional 15-20 minutes to crisp up the carnitas in a skillet if you choose that step for added texture. Overall, this quick timeline makes it feasible to whip up delicious carnitas even on busy weeknights without sacrificing flavor or quality.

Conclusion for The BEST Instant Pot Carnitas Recipe :

In conclusion, The BEST Instant Pot Carnitas Recipe proves that you can achieve authentic Mexican flavors quickly and efficiently using modern kitchen technology. By harnessing the power of the Instant Pot, you’ll enjoy tender pork infused with a delightful blend of spices in just over an hour. Serving options are versatile—whether in tacos or on rice—allowing you to cater to various tastes and preferences. Plus, customization options let you adjust spice levels and garnishes to suit your palate perfectly. This recipe not only saves time but also delivers mouthwatering results that will impress family and friends alike!