Instant Pot Carnitas Recipe

If you have been craving authentic Mexican flavors but want a quick and fuss-free way to enjoy them, this Instant Pot Carnitas Recipe is your new best friend. Juicy, tender pork infused with zesty citrus, warm spices, and a touch of sweet soda creates a perfect harmony that will brighten up any meal. The Instant Pot does all the hard work, turning a traditionally slow-cooked dish into a weeknight hero that tastes like it simmered all day. Once you try this recipe, you’ll wonder why you ever did carnitas any other way.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Instant Pot Carnitas Recipe is in its simplicity; each ingredient is familiar yet essential in building layers of flavor, texture, and color that make the dish so irresistible.

• 5 lbs. pork shoulder: Also known as pork butt, this cut is wonderfully marbled and becomes meltingly tender after cooking.
• 2 tsp Mexican oregano: Adds a fragrant and slightly citrusy herbal note that’s key to authentic carnitas.
• 1 tbsp chili powder: Brings a smoky warmth and subtle heat to the pork.
• 2 tsp ground cumin: Offers earthy undertones that complement the citrus and chili spices beautifully.
• 2 tsp salt: Enhances all the flavors and helps tenderize the meat during cooking.
• 1 tsp pepper: Provides a mild kick that balances the seasoning.
• 1 onion: Cut into large apple-like slices, the onion delivers sweetness and moisture throughout the cooking process.
• 1 head of garlic: With the outer skin removed and the top sliced off, the garlic seeps into the pork, adding depth and richness.
• 3 serrano peppers: Or 2 jalapenos, cut in half and seeded for mild heat and a fresh peppery zing.
• 2 oranges (juiced): Freshly squeezed to infuse the pork with bright citrusy sweetness, balancing out the spices.
• 2 limes (juiced): Adds zesty acidity that elevates the entire dish.
• 1½ cups Coca Cola: Gives a subtle caramel sweetness and helps tenderize the meat during pressure cooking.

How to Make Instant Pot Carnitas Recipe

Step 1: Season the Pork

Start by mixing the Mexican oregano, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Sprinkle this savory blend evenly over all sides of your pork shoulder chunks, massaging in the spices so every bite will be bursting with flavor. Place the seasoned meat directly into your Instant Pot base, letting those robust aromas begin to meld.

Step 2: Add Aromatics

Layer the sliced onion and halved serrano peppers on top of the pork. Then nestle the garlic head, cut side down, right onto the meat. These fresh ingredients will release their sweetness and heat during cooking, enriching every shred of pork.

Step 3: Pour in Juices and Coke

Next, pour your freshly squeezed orange and lime juice over the pork, followed by the Coca Cola. This unique combination not only tenderizes the meat but gives it a gentle citrus caramel flavor that sets these carnitas apart.

Step 4: Pressure Cook the Pork

Seal the Instant Pot lid securely and set it to manual pressure cook on the meat setting for 90 minutes. This slow, steady cooking under pressure breaks down the pork into meltingly tender perfection faster than traditional methods.

Step 5: Allow Natural Release

When the cooking cycle completes, allow the Instant Pot to slowly release pressure naturally without opening the lid. This resting period helps the flavors deepen and the juices redistribute within the meat.

Step 6: Shred the Meat

Carefully open your Instant Pot and transfer the pork chunks to a cutting board or platter. Remove any big pieces of fat, then use two forks to pull the pork apart into delicious, tender shreds that soak up all those lovely juices.

Step 7: Prepare for Crisping

Set your oven broiler to 500°F and line a cookie sheet with foil for easy cleanup. This step adds the signature crispy edges that make carnitas so irresistible.

Step 8: Crisp the Carnitas

Spread the shredded pork evenly across the prepared cookie sheet, spooning some of the cooking broth over the top for extra moisture. Broil for about 5 minutes, then stir the pork and broil again until the edges are golden and crunchy. This finishing touch takes your carnitas from tender to next-level amazing.

Step 9: Serve and Enjoy

Remove the crisped carnitas from the oven and get ready to indulge in one of the most flavorful and satisfying Instant Pot Carnitas Recipe creations. The combination of tender insides and crispy edges will have you reaching for seconds.

How to Serve Instant Pot Carnitas Recipe

Garnishes

Fresh garnishes are a fantastic way to brighten up your carnitas. Chopped cilantro, diced white onions, and a squeeze of lime juice instantly elevate the flavor profile. For a creamy contrast, dollops of guacamole or a drizzle of sour cream bring richness. A sprinkle of crumbled queso fresco adds a salty, crumbly texture that complements every bite.

Side Dishes

Instant Pot Carnitas Recipe shines alongside classic Mexican sides like warm corn tortillas, fluffy cilantro lime rice, or refried beans. Crunchy radish slices or pickled jalapenos provide a nice tangy crunch that contrasts beautifully with the savory pork. For lighter fare, a simple mixed green salad with a citrus vinaigrette keeps the meal fresh and balanced.

Creative Ways to Present

Don’t be afraid to get playful! Stuff your carnitas into tacos, burritos, or quesadillas for handheld delights. For a crowd-pleaser, layer the meat in nachos with melted cheese, jalapenos, and sour cream. You can also pile the crispy pork over nacho-style fajita vegetables or use it as a flavorful topping on a loaded baked potato or salad bowl for a modern twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Instant Pot Carnitas Recipe stays fresh and delicious when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Keep the pork separate from any crispy edges if you want to maintain that texture when reheating.

Freezing

If you want to save some for later, freeze your shredded carnitas in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to preserve the tenderness and flavor.

Reheating

To reheat, warm your carnitas gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of broth or water to keep it moist. For that crispy edge, finish by placing the meat under a hot broiler for a few minutes, just like when you first made it.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of pork for this Instant Pot Carnitas Recipe?

While pork shoulder is ideal due to its marbling and fat content, you can experiment with pork butt or picnic roast. Avoid lean cuts as they can dry out during cooking and won’t shred as nicely.

Is it necessary to use Coca Cola in this recipe?

The Coca Cola adds a subtle sweetness and helps tenderize the pork, but you can substitute with another cola or a combination of apple juice and a bit of brown sugar if you prefer.

How spicy is this recipe with serrano peppers?

Serrano peppers give a moderate heat, but you can adjust by removing more seeds or swapping them for milder jalapenos to suit your heat tolerance.

Can I skip the broiler step and just eat the pork as is?

Absolutely! The pork will still be tender and flavorful right out of the Instant Pot, but the broiler step adds those delicious crispy bits that truly complete traditional carnitas.

How do I prevent the pork from sticking to the Instant Pot?

Make sure to deglaze the pot with some of the citrus juices or broth before cooking and arrange ingredients so they’re not stuck directly to the bottom. This also helps prevent the burn warning on some models.

Final Thoughts

You really can’t go wrong with this Instant Pot Carnitas Recipe. It’s the perfect blend of simple ingredients, effortless cooking, and authentic flavors that’ll become a staple in your recipe rotation. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or enjoying a casual weeknight dinner, these carnitas are bound to wow your taste buds and become a dish you make again and again. Give it a try and watch everyone come back for seconds!

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