Ah, the zest of a good taco night! There’s something utterly satisfying about biting into a taco brimming with flavorful pork carnitas—juicy, tender, and kissed by spices that dance on your tongue. Using an Instant Pot makes this recipe a breeze, transforming a chaotic weeknight into a fiesta. And who knew the latest season of your favorite show would pair so well with these delightful bites?
Steps
- Prepare the Mojo Sauce: In a medium bowl, mix together beer (or chicken stock), minced garlic, orange juice, lime juice, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper. Set this mixture aside for later use.
- Season and Sear the Pork: Sprinkle salt and pepper evenly over the pork chunks. Using the “Sauté” function on the Instant Pot, heat oil and sear the pork on all sides until browned. This may need to be done in batches.
- Pressure Cooking: Pour the prepared mojo sauce over the seared pork in the Instant Pot. Secure the lid, set the vent to “Sealing,” and cook on high pressure for 30 minutes. Allow for a natural release, which takes about 15 minutes.
- Shred the Pork: Once cooking is complete, remove the lid and shred the pork using two forks. Transfer the shredded pork onto a large baking sheet using a slotted spoon.
- Crisp the Pork: Preheat your oven’s broiler to high. Drizzle about a third of the remaining cooking juices over the pork on the baking sheet. Broil for 4-5 minutes until the edges are crispy, then toss with half of the remaining juices and broil for an additional 5 minutes.
- Finish and Serve: After broiling, pour the last of the juices over the pork for added flavor. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve warm in tacos, burritos, salads, or any dish of your choice. The pork can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
Ingredients
- 1 (4-5 pound) boneless pork shoulder, trimmed of excess fat, cut into 2-inch pieces
- Fine sea salt
- Freshly-cracked black pepper
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil or olive oil
- 1 cup beer or chicken stock
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup fresh orange juice
- 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly-cracked black pepper
- 2 cups finely-diced fresh pineapple
- 1/2 cup finely-chopped fresh cilantro
- 1/2 cup finely-diced red onion
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 jalapeño, seeded and finely-diced
- Fine sea salt and freshly-cracked black pepper, to taste
- Chopped fresh cilantro
- Diced white or red onion
- Fresh salsa of your choice (e.g., pineapple salsa)
FAQ
- What is the best cut of meat for Instant Pot carnitas?
- Boneless pork shoulder is recommended for making carnitas in the Instant Pot. It should be cut into 2-inch chunks with excess fat trimmed off for optimal results.
- How can I make my carnitas extra crispy?
- After pressure cooking, spread the shredded pork on a baking sheet and broil it in the oven for about 4-5 minutes. Toss it with some leftover cooking juices for added flavor, then broil for another 4-5 minutes until the edges are crispy.
- Can I make a spicy version of these carnitas?
- Yes, you can add a diced jalapeño or serrano pepper to the Instant Pot to add some heat. For a smoky flavor, include a diced chipotle pepper in adobo sauce.
- What are some serving suggestions for carnitas?
- Carnitas are versatile and can be served in tacos, burritos, quesadillas, enchiladas, or tostadas. They also work well in salads, soups, or even nachos.
- How do I store leftover carnitas?
- Store the pork in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to 3 months.
Tips
- Sear in Batches: When using the Instant Pot’s “Sauté” function to brown the pork, do it in batches to avoid overcrowding. This ensures each piece gets a nice sear, which enhances the flavor.
- Broil for Extra Crispiness: After shredding the pork, broil it in the oven for a few minutes to achieve that perfect crispy texture. Tossing the pork with some of the leftover cooking juices before broiling enhances the flavor and crispiness.
- Customize the Heat: If you enjoy spicy dishes, consider adding a diced jalapeño or serrano pepper to the Instant Pot. For a smoky twist, include a chipotle pepper in adobo sauce.
- Versatile Serving Options: Experiment with different ways to serve your carnitas, such as in tacos, burritos, or even salads. Pair them with toppings like fresh cilantro, diced onion, or your favorite salsa for added flavor.
Equipment
- Instant Pot: A pressure cooker is essential for this recipe to cook the carnitas quickly and efficiently.
- Large Baking Sheet: Useful for broiling the carnitas to achieve that crispy texture.
- Slotted Spoon: Helpful for transferring the pork from the Instant Pot to the baking sheet without excess liquid.
