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–+ servings
pork carnitas on a plate

Instant Pot Pork Carnitas

Jenny
Tender, juicy and crispy carnitas are so easy to make in the Instant Pot! Perfect for tacos, burritos and rice bowls!
5 from 2 votes
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Entrée
Cuisine Mexican
Servings 8
Calories 342 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 4 pounds pork butt boneless
  • 1 tablespoon canola oil
  • 1 orange
  • 1 lime
  • 6 cloves garlic
  • 1 onion chopped
  • 1 jalapeño
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 chipotle pepper in adobo sauce optional
  • ½ cup water

Pork Rub Seasoning

  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 2 teaspoons cumin powder
  • 1 tablespoon oregano
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions
 

  • Cut the pork butt into 2-3 inch chunks. Mix pork rub seasoning in a bowl and then coat each piece of meat. 
  • Heat the Instant Pot on sauté mode high, for five minutes, add oil and sear the pork. Work in batches and don't overcrowd the pot. Brown the pork on each side for about 3-5 minutes.
  • Once all the pork is seared, return the meat to the Instant Pot. Squeeze orange juice and lime juice over the meat and add the orange and lime into the pot. Add garlic cloves, onion, jalapeño, bay leaves, chipotle pepper and water.
  • Place the lid on, lock and seal the Instant Pot. Cook on high pressure for 30 minutes.
  • Let the Instant Pot natural release completely or natural release for 10 minutes and then vent until the valve drops. Carefully open the lid and place the pork into a bowl and shred or chop the meat.
  • Strain the juices with a sieve into a large bowl.
  • In a skillet on medium high heat, spread a layer of meat in the skillet and drizzle some pork juice with fat in the pan. Crisp the meat until the liquid has evaporated and the bottom is golden brown. Repeat with the rest of the meat. 

Notes

  • A quick way to crisp the meat is to layer the meat on a cookie sheet, drizzle juices and broil on high until golden. This does not create the same crispiness as in the pan but is a good alternative to serve if you are feeding a large crowd.
  • Searing the meat is optional but I highly recommend it for extra flavor!

Nutrition Estimate

Calories: 342kcalCarbohydrates: 6gProtein: 43gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 136mgSodium: 766mgPotassium: 861mgFiber: 2gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 136IUVitamin C: 13mgCalcium: 66mgIron: 3mg
Keyword carnitas, pork, tacos
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