How Long to Cook Carnitas in an Instant Pot?

One of the greatest benefits of using an Instant Pot is its ability to drastically reduce cooking times without compromising flavor or tenderness. To achieve perfect carnitas in your Instant Pot, set the cooking time to approximately 50 minutes on high pressure. This ensures that the pork becomes fork-tender while allowing the spices to infuse the meat with their aromatic goodness.

What to Serve with Carnitas?

Traditional Mexican fare such as warm corn tortillas, freshly diced onions, chopped cilantro, and tangy salsa verde are classic choices that never disappoint. For a hearty feast, consider serving your carnitas alongside rice and beans, guacamole, and grilled vegetables for a truly unforgettable meal.

What to do with leftover Carnitas?

You can always freeze it in a freezer bag or airtight container for up to 4 months but I prefer to make these amazing crispy carnitas quesadillas or carnitas enchiladas with the leftovers.

Instant Pot Carnitas - My Kitchen Escapades

Name: Instant Pot Carnitas
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 3 lbs boneless pork shoulder, cut into chunks; 1 onion, diced; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 orange, juiced; 1 lime, juiced; 1 tsp cumin; 1 tsp oregano; 1 tsp chili powder; 1 tsp Kosher salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

Ingredients

Scale

3 lbs boneless pork shoulder, cut into chunks
1 onion, diced
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 orange, juiced
1 lime, juiced
1 tsp cumin
1 tsp oregano
1 tsp chili powder
1 tsp Kosher salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

Begin by seasoning the pork chunks generously with salt, pepper, cumin, oregano, and chili powder.
Set your Instant Pot to the sauté function and heat a drizzle of oil. Sear the seasoned pork until golden brown on all sides.
Add the diced onion, minced garlic, orange juice, and lime juice to the Instant Pot. Stir to combine, ensuring that the pork is coated in the flavorful liquids.
Secure the lid of the Instant Pot and set the valve to the sealing position. Cook on high pressure for 45 minutes.
Once the cooking cycle is complete, allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes before manually releasing any remaining pressure.
Using two forks, shred the pork into bite-sized pieces directly in the Instant Pot.
Serve the carnitas hot, garnished with fresh cilantro and your choice of accompaniments.

Author: Carole Jones
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Instant Pot
Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1/8
Calories: 274
Sugar: 2 g
Sodium: 244 mg
Fat: 12 g
Saturated Fat: 4 g
Unsaturated Fat: 1 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 5 g
Fiber: 1 g
Protein: 33 g
Cholesterol: 82 mg