Looking for a quick and delicious way to enjoy tender, flavorful carnitas at home? This Instant Pot Carnitas recipe is just what you need! With a blend of simple spices and just a few steps, you can transform a pork roast into melt-in-your-mouth carnitas that are perfect for tacos, burritos, or even on their own.
Why Use the Instant Pot for Carnitas?
The Instant Pot is a game-changer when it comes to making carnitas. Traditional carnitas require slow cooking to break down the meat and achieve that tender, pull-apart texture. With the Instant Pot, you can achieve the same results in just under an hour. The pressure cooking process locks in all the flavors, and you can even finish them off in the oven for a crispy exterior if desired.
Choosing the Right Pork
When making carnitas, it’s important to choose a cut of pork that has some fat on it. The fat not only adds flavor but also helps keep the meat moist during cooking. A pork shoulder or pork butt roast is perfect for this recipe. Make sure to trim most of the fat, leaving a small layer to render in the Instant Pot, which will enhance the flavor and keep the carnitas juicy.
Tips for Perfect Instant Pot Carnitas
- Sear for Extra Flavor: Start by searing the pork pieces fat-side down in the Instant Pot on Sauté mode. This step helps render the fat and adds a deeper flavor to the meat.
- Use the Right Spices: A combination of paprika, cumin, oregano, and chili pepper gives these carnitas their signature flavor. Be sure to coat the pork pieces evenly with the seasoning mix.
- Add Fresh Ingredients: Sliced onions, Anaheim peppers, and fresh lime juice infuse the meat with additional layers of flavor. Don’t forget to leave the lime rinds in the pot while cooking for extra citrusy notes.
Finishing Touches: How to Crisp Up Your Carnitas
If you like your carnitas with crispy edges, there’s an easy way to achieve that perfect texture. After pressure cooking, transfer the shredded meat to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake in the oven at 425°F for about 10 minutes until the edges are golden and crispy. This step is optional, but it adds a great contrast to the tender meat and enhances the overall experience.
Serving Ideas
Instant Pot Carnitas are incredibly versatile and can be served in many delicious ways:
- Tacos: Serve the shredded carnitas in warm tortillas with your favorite toppings like avocado, cilantro, and diced onions.
- Burrito Bowls: Layer carnitas over a bed of rice or cauliflower rice, and top with black beans, salsa, and guacamole.
- Salad: Use the carnitas as a protein topping for a fresh salad with lettuce, tomatoes, and a zesty lime vinaigrette.
Storing and Reheating
Store any leftover carnitas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm in a skillet over medium heat until heated through. You can also place them under the broiler for a few minutes to restore some crispiness.
With its juicy, tender texture and bold flavor, this Instant Pot Carnitas recipe is sure to become a go-to meal for busy weeknights or weekend gatherings. Whether you serve it up in tacos or use it to top off a burrito bowl, these carnitas are a crowd-pleaser that’s as easy to make as it is delicious!
Instant Pot Canitas
Ingredients
- 4-5 lb pork roast
- 1 medium white onion sliced
- 1 Anaheim pepper sliced
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 2 teaspoons cumin
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon chili pepper
- 6 cloves garlic pressed
- ½ cup salsa
- ½ cup water
- 4 key limes or 2 regular
Instructions
- Trim most of the fat off the pork (but leave a layer!)
- Cut roast into 2-3” slices
- Mix dry seasonings and set aside
- Mix salsa, water, and garlic
- Turn instant pot to Saute mode
- Put pork in fat side down, to render the fat – use tongs to move meat around to prevent sticking
- Add onions and pepper
- Sprinkle seasoning over meat being sure to fully cover meat
- Pour salsa mixture over and squeeze the limes leave rind in the instant pot for added flavor
- Switch Instant pot to meat setting, cook for 55 minutes.
- Once steam is released, shred the carnitas with forks. It should be tender. You can serve it this way.
- Or, Line a baking sheet with parchment, top with a portion of carnitas
- bake at *425 for 10 minutes to crisp them up.
Nutrition
Trina Krug is a Holistic Nutritionist, Integrative Health Coach and host of the Carbless Conversations Podcast. With a Master’s Degree in Complementary and Alternative Medicine, her single mission in life is to facilitate self-healing in herself and those around her through awareness, lifestyle shifts and low-carb eating. As a current Doctor of Science student, she continues her studies in functional nutrition.