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Easy Instant Pot Carnitas Recipe

Easy Instant Pot Carnitas Recipe

This Easy Instant Pot Carnitas recipe delivers tender, flavorful meat that’s perfect for tacos, burritos, or simply enjoying on its own!
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Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 6
Calories: 120kcal

Ingredients
 

Main Ingredients

  • 3 lb pork shoulder Cut into large chunks for even cooking
  • 1 tbsp olive oil For sautéing
  • 1 tbsp chili powder Adjust according to your spice preference
  • 1 tbsp cumin
  • 1 tbsp garlic powder
  • 1 tbsp onion powder
  • 0.5 tbsp black pepper
  • 1 tbsp salt Adjust to taste
  • 1 cup orange juice Freshly squeezed for best flavor
  • 0.5 cup lime juice Freshly squeezed
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 onion large onion Sliced
  • 4 cloves garlic Minced

Instructions

Preparation Steps

  • Begin by selecting your Instant Pot and setting it to the 'sauté' mode. Add the olive oil and allow it to heat up for a minute. Once hot, brown the pork chunks on all sides for about 8 minutes. This step adds a rich flavor to the meat.
  • Next, mix the chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt in a small bowl. Sprinkle this spice mixture evenly over the browned pork. Ensure each piece is well coated to maximize flavor.
  • Add the sliced onion, minced garlic, orange juice, lime juice, and chicken broth to the pot. Stir to combine all the ingredients well before sealing the lid tightly.
  • Set the Instant Pot to 'manual' and cook on high pressure for 60 minutes. Once the time is complete, allow for a natural pressure release for about 15 minutes before manually releasing any remaining pressure.
  • Carefully remove the lid, shred the carnitas with two forks directly in the pot, and let them soak in the juices for a few minutes. This will keep them moist and flavorful. Serve in tacos or as desired!

Notes

This dish pairs beautifully with fresh cilantro, diced onions, and your favorite salsa. Enjoy!