If you’re searching for a fuss-free way to get restaurant-worthy, melt-in-your-mouth pork carnitas, this Easy Instant Pot Carnitas (So Juicy!) Recipe will blow you away! Using just a handful of bright ingredients and one trusty Instant Pot, you can create unbelievably tender, flavorful shredded pork perfect for tacos, bowls, or your favorite Mexican-inspired feast. The magic comes together quickly, and the result is juicy, citrusy carnitas with irresistible crispy edges – it’s truly one of those “how is this so easy?!” weeknight wins you’ll love sharing.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Easy Instant Pot Carnitas (So Juicy!) Recipe keeps things simple, but every ingredient matters. Each one brings something special to the table, whether it’s bold flavor, comforting richness, or that signature citrusy pop that makes carnitas so memorable.
- Pork Shoulder: The classic cut for carnitas, with just the right amount of fat to become succulent and juicy after pressure cooking.
- Olive Oil: Adds a hint of richness and helps the pork get that golden, flavorful sear at the start.
- Chili Powder: Delivers gentle heat and a touch of smokiness, setting the flavor base for the meat.
- Cumin: Lends warm, earthy undertones that pair beautifully with pork and citrus.
- Oregano: Brightens up the seasoning blend, infusing a classic herbal note.
- Smoked Paprika: Adds subtle smokiness that makes every bite feel like it’s been slow-cooked over a wood fire.
- Salt & Black Pepper: The essentials for bringing out all the big flavors and balancing the spices.
- Garlic: Four minced cloves infuse rich, aromatic depth into every bite.
- Onion: Adds sweetness and savoriness as it cooks down into the juices.
- Jalapeño (optional): For a touch of heat and brightness, but easily left out if you prefer things mild.
- Orange Juice: A squeeze of fresh orange brings signature acidity and a little sweetness – totally key for authentic carnitas.
- Lime Juice: Brings zesty tang and wakes up the whole dish.
- Chicken Broth: Adds savory depth, ensuring the pork stays extra juicy through the pressure cooking process.
How to Make Easy Instant Pot Carnitas (So Juicy!) Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Pork
Kick things off by setting your Instant Pot to Sauté mode and swirling in the olive oil. Season the pork shoulder chunks with chili powder, cumin, oregano, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper – don’t be shy with the spices! Sear the pieces in batches until each side is beautifully golden and caramelized. This step adds a world of flavor, so let the pork develop those tasty browned bits.
Step 2: Add Flavor and Liquid
Turn the Sauté mode off, then scatter in your minced garlic, chopped onion, and optional jalapeño for that bright, peppery kick. Pour in the orange juice, lime juice, and chicken broth. Give it all a good stir so the flavors mix and mingle. This glorious bath is what makes this Easy Instant Pot Carnitas (So Juicy!) Recipe sing with zesty, savory goodness!
Step 3: Pressure Cook to Perfection
Secure the Instant Pot lid and set it to Manual/Pressure Cook for 35 minutes. And now, the magic happens! The pork absorbs every bit of seasoning, citrus, and broth, becoming fall-apart tender. Once the timer beeps, let the pressure release naturally for 15 minutes, then carefully do a quick release for any remaining steam.
Step 4: Shred the Pork
Using tongs, remove the pork chunks from the pot and set them on a plate. Shred them into generous pieces using two forks. You’ll see just how effortlessly the meat comes apart, juicy and infused with flavor.
Step 5: Crisp Under the Broiler
For those signature crispy edges, spread the shredded pork on a rimmed baking sheet. Slide it under the broiler for 5 to 8 minutes, tossing halfway through so every strand crisps up beautifully. This final touch takes your Easy Instant Pot Carnitas (So Juicy!) Recipe from great to absolutely irresistible.
How to Serve Easy Instant Pot Carnitas (So Juicy!) Recipe
Garnishes
Piled high on warm tortillas or in bowls, these carnitas come alive with a shower of fresh garnishes. Think of chopped cilantro, a squeeze of lime, paper-thin sliced radishes, diced onions, crumbled Cotija cheese, or a bright salsa. Each topping brings texture and brightness that compliments the juicy, rich pork beautifully.
Side Dishes
The sides are half the fun! Pair your Easy Instant Pot Carnitas (So Juicy!) Recipe with fluffy Mexican rice, creamy refried beans, or tangy street corn for the ultimate spread. Let a cool guacamole or a zesty corn salad round out the meal and keep everyone coming back for seconds.
Creative Ways to Present
There are tons of ways to make these carnitas the star of your dinner table. Go traditional with tacos, or roll them into burritos or enchiladas. Spoon them over a vibrant salad, pile them onto nachos, or make Cuban-inspired sandwiches. However you serve them, the flavors will truly shine!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any remaining carnitas in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. The flavors deepen even more overnight, so leftovers are a treat – perfect for quick lunches or easy dinners throughout the week.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze your Easy Instant Pot Carnitas (So Juicy!) Recipe in zip-top bags or airtight containers for up to three months. Portioning the meat before freezing makes it easy to defrost just what you need for tacos, bowls, or salads on a busy night.
Reheating
To restore that crave-worthy texture, reheat carnitas in a hot skillet or popped under the broiler for a few minutes to get them sizzling and crisp again. Alternatively, the microwave works for speed, but a quick pan-fry brings back their best flavor and those golden edges.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of pork if I don’t have pork shoulder?
Absolutely! Pork butt works beautifully for this Easy Instant Pot Carnitas (So Juicy!) Recipe, as it has similar marbling and will turn out just as juicy and flavorful. Leaner cuts like pork loin will be less rich, but the recipe still works in a pinch.
Is the jalapeño necessary?
Nope, it’s totally up to you! If you love a little heat, add it in for a touch of spicy depth. For a milder version, feel free to skip the jalapeño – your carnitas will still be delicious.
Can I double the recipe for a bigger group?
Yes, you can double the ingredients as long as your Instant Pot has enough capacity and you don’t go above the max fill line. The cook time stays the same, but you may need to brown the pork in more batches.
How can I get the crispiest carnitas?
Broiling is key! After shredding, spread the pork in a single layer on a baking sheet and broil, tossing once or twice until you see those golden, crispy bits. This step brings out the classic carnitas texture everyone loves.
What’s the best way to use leftover carnitas?
Leftover Easy Instant Pot Carnitas (So Juicy!) Recipe are perfect for tacos, burritos, breakfast hash, quesadillas, or even as a protein-packed topping for rice bowls and salads. They stay moist and flavorful, making them a meal-prep superstar!
Final Thoughts
There’s simply nothing as satisfying as juicy, crisped-up carnitas made with ease in the Instant Pot. If you’ve been searching for a go-to, crowd-pleasing dish, I hope you try this Easy Instant Pot Carnitas (So Juicy!) Recipe and fall in love with every single bite. Your taco nights will never be the same!
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Easy Instant Pot Carnitas (So Juicy!) Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These Easy Instant Pot Carnitas are so juicy and flavorful, making them the perfect filling for tacos, burritos, or bowls. With a blend of spices, citrus juices, and a hint of heat, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients
Pork Carnitas:
- 3 pounds pork shoulder, cut into large chunks
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 2 teaspoons cumin
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Additional Ingredients:
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 jalapeño, seeded and chopped (optional)
- 3/4 cup orange juice (fresh if possible)
- 1/4 cup lime juice
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
Instructions
- Sear the Pork: Season pork with chili powder, cumin, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper. Sear in batches in Instant Pot until browned.
- Add Ingredients: Add garlic, onion, jalapeño, orange juice, lime juice, and chicken broth to the pot.
- Cook: Seal the lid and cook on Manual/Pressure Cook mode for 35 minutes. Allow natural pressure release for 15 minutes, then quick release.
- Shred and Crisp: Remove pork, shred it, then broil on a baking sheet for 5–8 minutes.
- Serve: Enjoy hot in tacos, burritos, or bowls.
Notes
- Skip the jalapeño for a milder flavor.
- Can be made ahead and frozen for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes (plus pressure release time)
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pressure Cooker, Broiling
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/8 of recipe
- Calories: 330
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
