Crispy Instant Pot Pork Carnitas
These Crispy Instant Pot Pork Carnitas are made in a fraction of the time but are still super tender with crispy caramelized edges
These Crispy Instant Pot Pork Carnitas are made in a fraction of the time but are still super tender with crispy caramelized edges
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 2 leaves
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/8 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp olive oil
- 2 tsp kosher salt
- 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lime juice
- 5 pieces
- 1/4 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
- 3 tsp ground cumin
- 2 tsp sazon (found in the mexican aisle)
- 1 cup reduced sodium chicken broth
- Carbohydrate 0.841248522582544 g
- Cholesterol 0 mg
- Fat 0.140364659000823 g
- Fiber 0.113668181159401 g
- Protein 0.283094659078027 g
- Saturated Fat 0.0160522272594023 g
- Serving Size 1 1 serving (16g)
- Sodium 136.350463636328 mg
- Sugar 0.727580341423143 g
- Trans Fat 0.0177258181780131 g
- Calories 5 calories
Step-by-step
- Heat the pressure cooker on SAUTE mode until hot.
- Season the pork pieces with salt and pepper.
- Add 1 tsp olive oil to the pressure cooker and sear the pork on all sides until browned (about 5 minutes).
- Remove pork from the pressure cooker and set aside.
- Combine the cumin, garlic powder, sazon, oregano, chili powder, and cayenne pepper in a small bowl and rub into the pork pieces.
- Pour the chicken broth, orange juice, and lime juice in the pressure cooker and use a wooden spoon to deglaze the pot and remove any browned bits stuck to the bottom.
- Carefully place the pork into the liquid and toss in the bay leaves.
- Close the lid and make sure the valve is in the sealed position.
- Set to HIGH pressure for 80 minutes.
- Let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes before fully releasing the pressure.
- Carefully remove the pork from the pressure cooker to a large bowl or cutting board and shred into smaller chunks.
- Meanwhile, turn the pressure cooker to SAUTE mode and reduce the liquid till it's about 1 cup (about 10 to 15 minutes).
- Toss the pork in the reduced liquid.
- Spread the pork into an even layer on a baking sheet and turn your oven's broiler to high.
- Place the pork about 6 inches from the broiler and cook for 5 minutes, use a spatula to flip the meat over and cook an additional 5 minutes, until browned and crispy on the edges.
- Serve with warm tortillas, avocado slices, pico de gallo, and lime wedges. Enjoy!
Crispy Instant Pot Pork Carnitas: A Busy Woman's Guide to Weeknight Deliciousness
Let's be honest, ladies, life is busy. Between juggling work, family, and maybe a side hustle or two, finding time to cook a delicious, satisfying meal can feel impossible. But what if I told you that you could have restaurant-quality carnitas on your table in under two hours, even on the busiest of weekdays? It's true! This recipe for Crispy Instant Pot Pork Carnitas is my go-to when I need a flavorful, crowd-pleasing meal without sacrificing precious time. Forget spending hours braising pork – the Instant Pot does all the heavy lifting, leaving you with perfectly tender, fall-apart meat with deliciously crispy edges.
I discovered this recipe while trying to streamline my dinner routine. As a fitness model, I need to be mindful of my nutrition, but I also crave satisfying, flavorful meals that don't leave me feeling deprived. This recipe hits all the right notes. The pork is incredibly lean, and the vibrant flavors of the spices and citrus juices make it a truly unforgettable dish. The crispy edges add a satisfying textural element that elevates it beyond just a simple weeknight meal. It's the perfect balance of healthy and indulgent, which is exactly what I need to keep myself feeling energized and on track with my fitness goals. Best of all, the cleanup is a breeze – a huge bonus after a long day!
The Beauty of the Instant Pot: I can't overstate how much of a game-changer the Instant Pot has been in my kitchen. It's my secret weapon for whipping up delicious meals quickly and easily. With the Instant Pot, the pork cooks incredibly tender in a fraction of the time compared to traditional methods. This means less time hovering over the stove and more time to focus on other things – like, you know, actually enjoying my meal with my family.
Beyond the Weeknight: This recipe is also incredibly versatile. It's perfect for meal prepping – make a large batch on the weekend and enjoy delicious leftovers throughout the week. Or, dress it up for a casual gathering with friends. The carnitas are equally delicious served in tacos, burritos, salads, or simply enjoyed on their own. The possibilities are endless!
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Carnitas:
- Don't skip the searing step! Searing the pork before pressure cooking adds incredible depth of flavor and helps create those beautiful crispy edges.
- Use a good quality pork shoulder or butt roast. This cut is naturally flavorful and tends to become incredibly tender when slow-cooked.
- Adjust the spices to your taste. If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the amount of cayenne pepper. If you like things spicier, feel free to add more!
- Don't be afraid to experiment with toppings. Get creative with your toppings! Try adding shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped cilantro, or your favorite salsa.
This recipe is more than just a meal; it's a testament to the power of efficiency and deliciousness. It's a reminder that taking care of ourselves doesn't have to mean sacrificing flavor or enjoyment. So, ditch the takeout menus, embrace the Instant Pot, and get ready to experience the magic of these Crispy Instant Pot Pork Carnitas. Your taste buds (and your schedule) will thank you!
