Instant Pot Carnitas are a fresh and flavorful take on a classic Mexican dish that will knock your socks off. Bold spices, a fresh, crunchy salsa, and the wonderfully tender pork come together to make the most amazing dish ever. And, because we are using the Instant Pot, you'll have carnitas on the table in no time!
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And, if you're in the mood for more fantastic Instant Pot Recipes, you have come to the right place!
Try my Instant Pot Chicken Thighs, Instant Pot Roast, or my Instant Pot Pinto Beans. They're super simple and it cuts down on your time in the kitchen when you need dinner on the table!
Pull Up A Chair and Let's Chat!
What are carnitas? Literally, the word carnitas means "little meats," and its basically a tender braised pork that is eaten in tortillas and topped with a fresh salsa situation. It's delicious and wonderful and everything that dreams are made of.
My Instant Pot Carnitas are even more wonderful because they come together in no time! They are loaded with bold flavors, bright colors, and amazing textures. The tender pork is piled high onto a warm tortilla, topped with the sweet corn salsa and fresh garnishes. A squeeze of lime to finish and you'll have the best taco you've ever eaten. I have taco(S) because I can eat a pile of them. They're that good.
These carnitas are also great for a spin on the usual Taco Tuesday, for meal prepping, and even for your next party! Whatever you do, don't sleep on my Instant Pot Carnitas Recipe. You need them. Your family needs them. And, everyone will thank you.
What You'll Need
Pork - You can use Pork Shoulder or Pork Butt. Both of these cuts come from the shoulder of the pig. Either one would be perfect for this recipe. Use whatever you like and what your local grocery store has.
Seasonings - It's a basic run-down of pantry staples. Separately, nothing to write home about, but together with these Instant Pot Carnitas. Oh so good! You'll need kosher salt, fresh ground pepper, chili powder, smoked paprika, granulated onion, ground cumin, dried oregano, and ground coriander.
Mexican Beer, Orange and Lime Juice - Use your favorite Mexican beer. It's part of the braising liquid. You can even use a non-alcoholic one if you prefer! Orange juice and lime are the classic citrus components and give the pork tons of flavor!
A Beyond Delicious Sweet Corn Salsa - It's nothing more than a combination of sweet corn, jalapeños, red onion, cilantro, and lime juice. Absolutely incredible and the perfect topping for the Instant Pot Carnitas!
Tortilla Situation and Toppings - Use whatever tortilla you love. Flour or corn will both be wonderful. Top with a little avocado and some cotija cheese and you will be in absolute carnitas heaven!
A Word About An Instant Pot
I have to admit, I rallied again an Instant Pot for years. However, and if you've followed me on any social media in the past few years, I'm a huge proponent of making your own bone broth.
My cooking contraption I was using for the bone broth died and I needed a replacement. My sister told me to try an Instant Pot. I caved and bought the biggest one I could find.
The bone broth made in the Instant Pot is incredible and was way better than what I had been using previously, so I started playing with it. And, well, I'm in love.
I've used my Instant Pot for pork, beef, and chicken recipes. I've made the most wonderful pinto beans with it. It is absolutely incredible and I still kick myself for not getting one sooner. 786/10 recommend.
I'm also not sponsored. I buy all my own stuff with all my own monies. I just really like my Instant Pot.
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A Brief Rundown Of The Festivities
This Instant Pot Carnitas recipe really is quite simple. Here's what you need to do in a few short words.
- Season and sear the pork.
- Deglaze and cook the pork.
- Make the salsa
- Assemble and devour. - This part is the realll fun part. Pile the meat high onto the tortilla, top with the salsa, avocado and cotija and get it in your pie hole!
Make It Your Own
You can absolutely customize this Instant Pot Carnitas recipe! Have fun and make it your own! Here's some ideas.
Make It Spicy - Add jalapeños or some serranos to the Instant Pot bowl. If you're feeling really adventurous, throw in a habenero!
Make It Smokey - Add some canned chipotle in adobo. The flavor is incredible!
Protein Swaps - If you're not feeling pork, you can use a beef chuck roast or even chicken!
Slow Cooker Instructions
For the slow cooker, sear the pork pieces on the stove top in a large skillet. Add the pork into the slow cooker. Deglaze the skillet with the beer and citrus juices. Add the liquid into the slow cooker along with the chicken broth and garlic cloves. Cook on high for 4 hours or on low for 8 hours, until the carnitas are tender. Reduce the cooking liquid on the stovetop. Finish Instant Pot Carnitas recipe as instructed below.
Dutch Oven Instructions
For the dutch oven, sear the meat on medium-high. Remove the meat and set aside. Deglaze the pot with the beer and citrus juices. Place the pork back into the pot, add the chicken broth and garlic cloves. Put into a 300° oven for 4-6 hours or until the pork is fall apart tender. Remove the pork from the dutch oven and reduce the liquid on the stove top. Finish Instant Pot Carnitas recipe as instructed below.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this Instant Pot Carnitas recipe gluten-free?
If gluten is of concern, no worries. There isn't any at all in this recipe. Just be mindful of what kind of tortilla you use.
Is this recipe dairy-free?
The only thing in this recipe that has dairy is the the cotija sprinkle at the end. Feel free to substitute with your favorite non-dairy cheese or just leave the cheese out completely. The carnitas will still be amazing!
Any other serving ideas for the carnitas?
Carnitas are amazing in a tortilla to be sure, but the world is your oyster. Think:
On Nachos
In Burritos
As Enchilada Filling
On Top of Salads
Stirred Into Soups
How do I store and reheat the carnitas?
Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days in an airtight container.
The pork may be frozen in freeze safe containers for up to 3 months.
For the best results, reheat the Instant Pot Carnitas on a sheet pan in an oven and re-crisp under the broiler for just a few minutes.
I've also got a couple more fantastic salsa ideas! Try my Salsa Verde or my Pico De Gallo. Both would be fantastic as a topping for these Instant Pot Carnitas!
Recipe
Instant Pot Carnitas
Ingredients
Carnitas
- 4-5 lb pork shoulder, cut into 2-inch chunks pork butt would also be great
- 2 tablespoon avocado oil
- 1½ tablespoon kosher salt
- 2 teaspoon fresh ground pepper
- 2 chili powder
- 2 smoked paprika
- 2 onion powder
- 2 cumin
- 2 oregano
- 1 teaspoon coriander
- 6-7 cloves garlic
- 1 12 oz Mexican beer of choice I used a Modelo
- ½ cup orange juice
- ¼ cup lime juice
Sweet Corn Salsa
- 4 ears sweet corn, kernels removed about 2 cups of corn
- ½ medium red onion, finely diced
- ½ cup cilantro, chopped
- juice of 2 limes
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ tsp fresh ground pepper
Assembly and Garnishes
- corn tortillas
- diced avocado and Cotija cheese for topping
Instructions
Carnitas
- Mix the spices and salt together. Toss spice mix with the pork .
- Using the high sauté function on the instant pot, sear the sides of each piece of pork in the avocado oil. Work in batches. Remove pork and set aside.
- Deglaze the instant pot with the beer and citrus juices.
- Add the chicken broth and garlic cloves.
- Return pork to the Instant Pot and cook on high pressure for 1 hour. Allow the pressure to release naturally.
- After the pork has cooked, remove from the instant pot and shred the meat.
- Turn the Instant Pot back onto the high sauté function to reduce the cooking liquid. Let this reduce while you crisp up the carnitas and prep the assembly.
- Put the shredded meat onto a baking sheet and broil on high for just a few minutes to crisp up the edges of the pork.
Sweet Corn Salsa
- Toss the corn, onion, cilantro, lime juice, salt, and jalapeño pepper in a bowl.
- Test for salt. Add more if you would like.
- Let the salsa hang out in the fridge while the pork cooks.
Assembly
- Add crisped pork onto warmed corn tortillas. Top with corn salsa. Garnish with the Cotija and avocado. Dip into the reduced cooking liquid. Enjoy!
Nutrition
If you guys make this Instant Pot Carnitas Recipe, be sure to leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating! I absolutely love to hear from you all and always do my best to respond to each and every one of your comments!
Thank you!
I am so incredibly happy that you are here! I hope you try my Instant Pot Carnitas recipe and fall in love with it. If you make this recipe, please share and tag me on Instagram, Facebook, or TikTok! And, please leave a comment or review. I absolutely love seeing each and every one of your kitchen masterpieces. And, as always, if you ever have any questions about any of my recipes, please don't hesitate to contact me!
Happy Cooking!
-Rufus
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