If you’re on the hunt for a flavorful, melt-in-your-mouth pork dish that’s both fuss-free and bursting with zest, then you’re in for a treat. This Easy Instant Pot Carnitas (So Juicy!) Recipe takes traditional carnitas to the next level, delivering tender, juicy pork shoulder that’s perfectly seasoned and crisped to golden perfection. Whether you’re making tacos for a casual weeknight dinner or impressing guests at a weekend gathering, this recipe is guaranteed to become a beloved staple in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering just the right ingredients is key, and you’ll be amazed at how simple yet flavorful this list is. Each component adds a distinct layer—from the tangy citrus that brightens the pork to the aromatic spices that deepen the flavor profile, ensuring your carnitas are anything but ordinary.
- 3 lbs boneless pork shoulder/Boston butt, cut into chunks: This cut is perfect for shredding and absorbs spices beautifully.
- Kosher salt & freshly ground black pepper, to season: Essential basics that enhance all the natural pork flavors.
- 2–3 tablespoons high-heat oil (avocado oil): Great for browning the pork without burning the spices.
- â…“ cup fresh squeezed orange juice: Adds a subtle sweetness and tenderizes the meat wonderfully.
- ¼ cup fresh squeezed lime juice: Brings zesty brightness and balances the richness.
- 1 medium yellow onion, roughly chopped: Provides a savory base flavor as it cooks down.
- 2 tablespoons ground cumin: Offers warm, earthy depth that’s signature to carnitas.
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano: Adds herbal notes that complement the pork beautifully.
- 10–12 cloves of garlic, finely minced or pressed: Delivers a pungent kick and savory aroma throughout.
- 1 tablespoon packed brown sugar: Balances acidity with a touch of caramelized sweetness.
- 2 bay leaves: Infuse a subtle complexity that elevates the overall flavor.
- 1 (12-ounce) bottle/can of beer (Modelo) or 1 ½ cups chicken broth/stock: Provides moisture and rich umami, perfect for pressure cooking.
- Optional: tortillas, chopped onion, sliced radish, cilantro, lime wedges, for tacos: For assembling traditional carnitas tacos that are fresh and vibrant.
How to Make Easy Instant Pot Carnitas (So Juicy!) Recipe
Step 1: Season and Brown the Pork
Start by generously seasoning the pork shoulder chunks with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper—this is where your carnitas begin building flavor. Massage the seasoning well into the meat to ensure every bite is seasoned through. Heat your Instant Pot on high sauté mode and add 2–3 tablespoons of high-heat oil. Brown the pork in batches, making sure each side gets a nice golden crust. Browning is key; it locks in juices and creates those deep caramelized flavors we love in carnitas.
Step 2: Assemble the Braise
Once all the pork is browned, return the chunks to the pot. Add the fresh squeezed orange and lime juices, chopped yellow onion, ground cumin, dried oregano, minced garlic, brown sugar, and bay leaves. Pour in the beer or chicken broth—this liquid will tenderize the meat as it cooks. Give everything a gentle stir to combine all the vibrant ingredients.
Step 3: Pressure Cook the Pork
Seal the Instant Pot and set it to pressure cook on high for 45 minutes. This magic cooking method dramatically reduces the time needed to get tender pork that usually takes hours on the stove. Once done, allow the pressure to release naturally to keep the juices locked inside the meat.
Step 4: Shred and Crisp the Carnitas
Carefully remove the pork from the pot and shred it using two forks. Don’t forget to reserve a cup or so of the cooking liquid—it’s gold for adding moisture later. For that iconic crispy carnitas finish, you have two options: spread the shredded pork on a baking sheet and broil it until edges are crispy, or pan-fry it in a hot skillet with a splash of the reserved liquid. Both methods deliver irresistible crunchy bits that contrast perfectly with the juicy pork.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Taste your carnitas and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot, piled onto warm tortillas or as desired, and prepare for endless compliments on your perfectly juicy carnitas.
How to Serve Easy Instant Pot Carnitas (So Juicy!) Recipe
Garnishes
The right garnishes elevate this dish effortlessly. Fresh chopped onion adds a sharp, refreshing bite, while sliced radishes provide crunch and a peppery hint. Don’t skip the cilantro and lime wedges—these bring a burst of freshness that cuts through the richness and brightens every mouthful.
Side Dishes
Think beyond just tortillas. Carnitas pair beautifully with Mexican rice, black beans, or a vibrant corn salad. A side of pickled jalapeños or a dollop of creamy guacamole will also enhance the meal and round out the flavors perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Take this Easy Instant Pot Carnitas (So Juicy!) Recipe to the next level by turning it into nachos piled high with cheese, or stuff it into crunchy tostadas for added texture. You can even use the shredded pork as a hearty topping for salads or baked potatoes. The possibilities are endless and always delicious!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place leftover carnitas in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen over time, making leftovers even tastier the next day.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze the shredded carnitas in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag, with some reserved cooking liquid to keep it moist. It keeps well for up to 3 months without losing flavor or texture.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of the reserved cooking liquid to keep the meat juicy. If reheating in the oven or microwave, cover the carnitas to retain moisture and avoid drying out the meat.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of pork?
While pork shoulder is ideal because of its fat content and tenderness, you could use pork butt or even pork loin, though leaner cuts may not be as juicy.
Is it possible to make this recipe without beer?
Absolutely! Using chicken broth or stock works just as well, and the citruses still brighten up the flavor beautifully.
How do I get the carnitas extra crispy?
After shredding, spread the pork out on a baking sheet and broil in your oven for a few minutes or pan-fry in a hot skillet with some cooking liquid—both methods help render the fat and crisp up the edges.
Can I prepare this recipe in advance for parties?
Yes! You can cook the carnitas up to two days ahead, then crisp them right before serving for a quick and impressive meal.
What’s the best way to store leftover carnitas tacos?
Store the pork separately from the tortillas and garnishes to keep them fresh and crispy. Reheat carnitas as needed and assemble just before serving.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Instant Pot Carnitas (So Juicy!) Recipe has earned a permanent spot in my cooking rotation thanks to its unbeatable combination of simplicity, flavor, and texture. It’s one of those recipes that makes any meal feel like a celebration, and I can’t wait for you to try it and fall in love just like I did.
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Easy Instant Pot Carnitas (So Juicy!) Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Instant Pot
- Cuisine: Mexican
Description
This Easy Instant Pot Carnitas recipe delivers juicy, tender, and flavorful Mexican-style shredded pork made effortlessly using an Instant Pot. The pork shoulder is seasoned, browned, then pressure cooked with a blend of citrus juices, spices, and beer or broth to create rich and succulent carnitas perfect for tacos and a variety of dishes.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 3 lbs boneless pork shoulder/Boston butt, cut into chunks
- Kosher salt & freshly ground black pepper, to season
- 2–3 tablespoons high-heat oil (avocado oil)
- â…“ cup fresh squeezed orange juice
- ¼ cup fresh squeezed lime juice
- 1 medium yellow onion, roughly chopped
- 2 tablespoons ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 10–12 cloves of garlic, finely minced or pressed
- 1 tablespoon packed brown sugar
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 (12-ounce) bottle/can of beer (Modelo) or 1 ½ cups chicken broth/stock
Optional Garnishes
- Tortillas
- Chopped onion
- Sliced radish
- Cilantro
- Lime wedges
Instructions
- Season the Pork Shoulder: Generously season the pork chunks with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Massage the seasoning into the meat to ensure even flavor penetration.
- Brown the Pork: Heat 2 to 3 tablespoons of high-heat oil, such as avocado oil, in the Instant Pot on the sauté setting set to high. Brown the pork chunks on all sides in batches to develop a rich crust, then transfer the browned pork to a plate.
- Assemble the Braise: Return all the browned pork pieces to the Instant Pot. Add the fresh squeezed orange juice, lime juice, roughly chopped onion, ground cumin, dried oregano, minced garlic, brown sugar, and bay leaves.
- Add Liquid: Pour in the beer (Modelo) or substitute with chicken broth/stock. Stir gently to combine all ingredients evenly in the pot.
- Pressure Cook: Seal the Instant Pot lid securely and set it to pressure cook on high for 45 minutes to tenderize the pork thoroughly.
- Natural Pressure Release: Once cooking is complete, allow the Instant Pot to release pressure naturally for maximum juiciness and tenderness before opening the lid.
- Shred the Pork: Remove the pork chunks from the pot and shred them finely using two forks. Reserve some of the cooking liquid to add moisture later.
- Crispy Carnitas (Optional): To crisp up the carnitas, either spread the shredded pork on a baking sheet and broil it in the oven until edges are crispy or pan-fry it on the stovetop with a bit of reserved cooking liquid until crisp and golden.
- Serve Carnitas: Season the shredded carnitas to taste if needed. Serve hot in warm tortillas topped with optional garnishes like chopped onion, radish slices, cilantro, and lime wedges for authentic tacos.
Notes
- For best flavor, brown the pork well to develop a rich crust before pressure cooking.
- You can substitute beer with chicken broth or stock for a non-alcoholic version.
- Natural pressure release helps keep the pork tender and juicy.
- Crisping the carnitas after shredding adds a traditional texture contrast and depth of flavor.
- Store leftovers with some cooking liquid to maintain moisture.
- Reheat in a skillet to get the edges crispy again.
