You can’t go wrong with the BEST Instant Pot Pork Carnitas. They’re easy to make at home for a dish with a restaurant flavor!
8
Prep Time 10 minutesminutes
Cook Time 30 minutesminutes
Additional Time 20 minutesminutes
Total Time 1 hourhour
Ingredients
Seasoning Ingredients
1teaspoondried oregano
½tablespoonchili powder
½tablespoonunsweetened cocoa powder
1teaspoongarlic powder
½teaspoonchipotle powder
1teaspoonground cumin
½teaspoonsmoked paprika
1teaspoonsalt
½teaspoonground black pepper
Carnitas
3tablespoonextra virgin olive oildivided
3.5 - 4.5lbs.pork shoulder roasttrimmed and cut into chunks
1medium red oniondiced
1medium jalapenodiced
¾cupchicken broth
¾cuporange juice
3tablespoonlime juice
Instructions
Combine seasoning ingredients in a small bowl and stir to combine. Rub the mixture onto pork until each piece is thoroughly covered. Don't be shy, press to coat!
Press “Sauté” on your Instant Pot or electric pressure cooker. Add 1 tablespoon olive oil and half the seasoned pork shoulder pieces to the pot. Sear until pork is browned on all sides, approximately 2-3 minutes per side.
Note: Be sure to keep the lid OFF OF the Instant Pow while using the “Sauté” function 3. Once browned, transfer your seared pork to a plate and repeat this process with another tablespoon of olive oil and the remaining pork. Remove browned pork from the Instant Pot and set aside.
Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the pot, along with red onion and jalapeño. Sauté, stirring occasionally, until they are soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
Add your browned pork back to the pot and pour the chicken broth, orange juice, and lime juice on top. Add your lid and lock it into place (make sure you have the silicone ring inserted in your lid). Set the steam vent to “Seal.” Press the “Manual” or Pressure Cook button. Set the cook time to 30 minutes. (Select 40 minutes for 4+ pound roasts).
When the Instant Pot® cook time is done, let the pressure release for 20 minutes before doing a quick release.
Transfer pork to a dish or baking sheet and gently shred with two forks. Drizzle with ¼ cup juices from the pot and toss to combine.
Tip: If you'd like crispier pork carnitas, you can spread your pork into a single layer and broil for 4-5 minutes in the oven. I highly recommend it!