These Instant Pot Pork Carnitas are one of our favorite meals to make. The meat is so juicy and tender with crispy bites on the outside. We enjoy it in tacos, burrito bowls or even with fried eggs for breakfast. This recipe is Paleo, Keto, and Whole30 compliant too!
*originally posted 03/2019
The Instant Pot makes this recipe quick and easy, but there is so much flavor. You can also make it in the slow cooker (instructions in the notes of the recipe card). The citrus juice helps keep the meat fall-apart tender.
Making Pork Carnitas:
- Choosing the right cut of meat - pork shoulder (or pork butt) is the best cut of meat to use for this recipe. I get my pork from ButcherBox, it is the best and most flavorful meat!
- Seasoning mixture - salt, pepper, Mexican oregano, coriander and cumin make this dish so delicious
- Flavor add-ins - onion, garlic, jalapeno and citrus boost the flavor while the meat is cooking
- Crisp the pork - my preferred way of doing this is in a cast iron skillet, but you can also broil it in the oven
How to Serve:
- Tacos - my favorite is in corn tortillas
- Burritos or Burrito Bowl - serve as a burrito bowl over cauliflower rice to keep this Whole30 compliant
- With Fried Eggs on top and fresh Pico de Gallo (this is my favorite way to enjoy leftovers)
- Quesadillas
- Over rice with fresh toppings
You Might Also Like:
- Instant Pot Mexican Shredded Beef
- Baked Salsa Verde Chicken Tacos
- Keto + Whole30 Taco Bake
- Instant Pot Steak Fajita Bowls
- Chipotle Shrimp Burrito Bowls
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*photography by Loren Runion of SweetRusticBakes.com
Instant Pot Pork Carnitas
These Instant Pot Pork Carnitas are one of our favorite meals to make. The meat is so juicy and tender with crispy bites on the outside.
WW SmartPoints 10
Ingredients
- 4 lb Pork Shoulder (pork butt)
- 1 White Onion diced
- 4-6 cloves Garlic minced
- 1 Jalapeno sliced
- ¾ cup Orange Juice about 2 oranges
- ¼ cup Lime Juice about 3-4 limes
- 3 tsp Salt
- 1 tsp Pepper
- 1.5 Tbls Mexican Oregano
- 2 tsp Cumin
- 1 tsp Dried Coriander
- 1 Bay Leaf
Instructions
- Mix the spices together (salt, pepper, cumin, oregano, coriander) and rub the pork all over with the mixture Place the pork in the Instant Pot and top with the onion, garlic, jalapeño, and the orange and lime juiceClose the lid and move steam valve to 'seal'. Set to high pressure for 90 minutes
- When timer goes off, turn pot off and let it naturually release steam (takes about 30 minutes)Remove pork from the pot and shred it with two forks (reserving the cooking liquid)
- To caramelize and crisp up the shredded pork, heat a cast iron skillet over medium/high heat with some avocado oilAdd a layer of pork and some of the juices from the pot. Leave it alone for 3-5 minutes (be carefeul not to burn) and then flip and crisp up the other sideDo this in batches to ensure even browning of the meatYou can also spread the shredded pork and pour over about ½ to 1 cup of cooking liquid on a baking sheet and crisp under the broiler for 3-5 minutes
Video
Notes
For the slow cooker, rub the pork with the spice mixture and add all of the ingredients to the slow cooker and set on low for 10 hours or high for 6 hours. See step two in recipe card for instructions on how to crisp the pork
Nutrition facts are auto-calculated and can vary based on products or brands used
WW SmartPoints are based on the blue plan and are calculated in the app
Nutrition
Calories: 184kcalCarbohydrates: 5gProtein: 22gFat: 8gSaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 74mgSodium: 784mgPotassium: 459mgFiber: 1gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 77IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 38mgIron: 2mg
Tried this recipe?Mention @thebetteredblondie
Could I use a pork loin?