Instant Pot Pork Carnitas (Mexican Pulled Pork)
Delicious Mexican pork made in the Instant Pot (pressure cooker) for tacos, burrito bowls, taco salads and more (also great with cilantro lime rice)!
Delicious Mexican pork made in the Instant Pot (pressure cooker) for tacos, burrito bowls, taco salads and more (also great with cilantro lime rice)!
- 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
- black pepper to taste
- 1/2 teaspoons cumin
- 3/4 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 pounds trimmed boneless pork shoulder blade roast
- 2 1/8 cloves garlic cut into sliver
- 1/8 teaspoon sazon (i used homemade)
- 1/8 teaspoon dry oregano
- 1/4 cup reduced sodium chicken broth
- 2-3 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce (to taste)
- 3/4 bay leaves
- 1/8 teaspoon dry adobo seasoning (i used goya)
- Carbohydrate 0.108859772712418 g
- Cholesterol 0 mg
- Fat 0.015751818179455 g
- Fiber 0.0261931812881283 g
- Protein 0.0933861363611003 g
- Saturated Fat 0.00209965909029583 g
- Serving Size 1 1 Serving (47g)
- Sodium 95.1524045454511 mg
- Sugar 0.0826665914242901 g
- Trans Fat 0.00278786363597401 g
- Calories 1 calories
Step-by-step
- Season pork with salt and pepper.
- In a large skillet brown pork on all sides on high heat for about 5 minutes.
- Remove from heat and allow to cool.
- Using a sharp knife, insert blade into pork about 1-inch deep, and insert the garlic slivers; repeat all over.
- Season pork with cumin, sazon, oregano, adobo and garlic powder all over.
- Pour chicken broth in the crockpot, add chipotle peppers and stir, add bay leaves and place pork in the Instant Pot.
- Cover and cook using the pressure cooker setting on high pressure with the meat button for 50 minutes.
- When the pressure releases, shred pork using two forks and combine well with the juices that accumulated at the bottom.
- Remove bay leaves and adjust cumin and add adobo; mix well.
Instant Pot Pork Carnitas: My Go-To Weeknight Meal
Life as a working mom is a whirlwind. Between juggling work deadlines, school pick-ups, and keeping the house somewhat tidy, finding time for anything beyond basic survival feels like a luxury. That's why I've become obsessed with the Instant Pot. This magical appliance has revolutionized my cooking, allowing me to whip up delicious, satisfying meals in a fraction of the time it used to take. And this Instant Pot Pork Carnitas recipe? It's an absolute game-changer.
Forget spending hours slaving over a slow cooker or painstakingly shredding tough pork. This recipe delivers tender, juicy, flavorful carnitas in under an hour. The secret? The Instant Pot's pressure cooking capabilities. The high pressure breaks down the pork shoulder, making it melt-in-your-mouth tender, while the aromatics infuse the meat with incredible depth of flavor. I love that I can set it and forget it, leaving me free to tackle the mountain of other tasks on my to-do list. The best part? The cleanup is a breeze! One pot, minimal dishes – perfect for busy weeknights.
I use this carnitas recipe in a variety of ways. Sometimes I'll simply serve it with warm tortillas, a generous dollop of sour cream or guacamole, and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro. Other times, I'll make a hearty burrito bowl, piling the carnitas over rice, beans, salsa, and shredded lettuce. It's also fantastic in tacos, taco salads, or even stuffed into baked potatoes. The versatility is one of the reasons I love this recipe so much. It's a blank canvas for culinary creativity, adapting effortlessly to whatever your family's cravings are.
Beyond its speed and convenience, this recipe is remarkably simple. The ingredient list is short and straightforward, and the steps are easy to follow, even for novice cooks. There’s something so satisfying about creating something so delicious from a handful of basic ingredients. The rich, savory flavors of the pork, enhanced by the smoky chipotle peppers and fragrant spices, will have your whole family reaching for seconds.
But the true beauty of this recipe lies in its ability to transform a stressful weeknight into a relaxed and enjoyable experience. The pressure cooker does all the work, leaving you with more time to connect with your family, relax, and savor a delicious meal together. And that, in my opinion, is priceless.
So, if you’re looking for a quick, easy, and incredibly delicious weeknight meal that will impress your family and free up your precious time, look no further. Give this Instant Pot Pork Carnitas recipe a try. You won’t be disappointed. It has become a staple in our house, and I’m confident it will become one in yours too. Enjoy!
Pro Tip: Don't be afraid to experiment with different spices and seasonings to find your perfect flavor combination. Adding a squeeze of lime juice before serving brightens up the flavors beautifully. And if you have leftover carnitas, they're even better the next day! Simply store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator and enjoy them in salads, sandwiches, or quesadillas.
