Instant Pot Carnitas
I've perfected an Instant Pot Carnitas recipe that will rival what you'd order at your favorite taqueria!
I've perfected an Instant Pot Carnitas recipe that will rival what you'd order at your favorite taqueria!
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 cup salsa
- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 6 garlic cloves peeled
- 2 tablespoons cilantro minced
- 1 leaf
- 1 small white onion finely diced
- 3 pounds boneless pork shoulder roast
- 2 teaspoons diamond crystal brand kosher salt more to taste
- 1 teaspoons crushed dried oregano leaves preferably mexican
- 1 medium orange (i like using cara cara)
- 1 large yellow onion peeled and quartered
- 1 tablespoon ghee avocado oil, lard, or favorite high temperature cooking fat (opt
- 1 head butter lettuce, leaves removed, washed and spun d
- 2 hass avocados peeled and sliced
- 1-2 radishes thinly sliced
- 2 jalapeã±o peppers sliced (optional)
- 3 limes quartered
- Carbohydrate 24.6641564089656 g
- Cholesterol 166.612306887523 mg
- Fat 58.4351607728184 g
- Fiber 9.20375818987678 g
- Protein 41.5011960613508 g
- Saturated Fat 18.742232378625 g
- Serving Size 1 1 serving (486g)
- Sodium 435.449660433215 mg
- Sugar 15.4603982190888 g
- Trans Fat 5.61892551009089 g
- Calories 768 calories
Step-by-step
- Grab your boneless pork shoulder roast (a.k.a. Boston butt) and cut it into 2-inch cubes.
- Plop the pork in a large bowl and sprinkle on the salt, cumin, red pepper flakes, and oregano. Toss well to coat. Then, transfer the seasoned pork to the Instant Pot insert.
- Use a vegetable peeler to peel wide strips of zest off the orange. Stay close to the surface, making sure you don't peel into the white pith, because that stuff is bitter. Add the strips of orange zest to the Instant Pot, along with the garlic, quartered yellow onion, and bay leaf.
- Cut the bald orange in half and juice it. Pour the juice into the Instant Pot insert and stir to distribute.
- Place the insert into the Instant Pot and lock the lid. Press “Manual” (or “Pressure Cook” if you have the new IP-DUO Plus60) and cook on high pressure for 35 minutes. (Stovetop pressure cooker users should cook under high pressure for 30 minutes.) Then, let the pressure release naturally (about 20 minutes).
- If the pressure hasn’t completely released after 20 minutes and you’re hungry, manually vent the pressure by turning the release valve on the lid. Open the lid and discard the garlic, onion, and bay leaf. Taste for seasoning and add salt if needed. You can shred and serve the pork as-is, or store it in the fridge (with all the liquid/fat) for up to 4 days (or in the freezer for up to 3 months).
- If you prefer crispy carnitas, heat up a large cast iron skillet over medium heat with a tablespoon of your favorite cooking fat.
- Grab the pork out of the fridge and dig out the pieces of carnitas. Shred the meat up with your fingers.
- Once the pan is hot, add the pork and fry, stirring occasionally, until it reaches your desired crispness.
- While the pork is getting crispy, combine the diced white onion and cilantro in a bowl. Also, wash some butter lettuce leaves, slice up the avocados, radishes, and jalapeños. Grab your favorite salsa, and cut up some lime wedges.
- Last but not least, grab your plate and assemble your own delicious tacos!
My Unexpected Instant Pot Carnitas Adventure: A Busy Mom's Culinary Triumph
Life as a working mom is a whirlwind. Between early morning school runs, demanding deadlines at the office, and the constant juggle of household chores, finding time for anything beyond basic meal prep feels like a luxury. Yet, I crave delicious, comforting food – the kind that nourishes not just my body but my soul. That's where my love affair with the Instant Pot began, and how I discovered the surprisingly simple joy of making restaurant-quality carnitas.
I've always been a bit of a culinary adventurer, even if my time in the kitchen is often limited. My days rarely follow a predictable schedule. One minute I'm closing a major deal, the next I'm rushing to pick up my kids from soccer practice, then I'm back at the office, catching up on emails and prepping the next day's presentation. Honestly, finding a recipe that both tastes fantastic and fits into my tight schedule feels like winning the lottery. This Instant Pot Carnitas recipe is that lottery ticket. It's incredibly easy, requires minimal hands-on time, and the results? They’re phenomenal. The tender, juicy pork, infused with vibrant citrus and warming spices, is truly a revelation. The flavors are so rich and complex, you’d never guess how effortlessly it was made.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its flexibility. I often double the recipe and freeze half for another busy weeknight. It's perfect for tacos, burritos, salads, or even just enjoyed on its own. The leftover cooking liquid can be used as a base for a delicious soup or stew, extending the culinary magic even further. It's this kind of resourcefulness that's crucial in my life. I’m always looking for ways to maximize my time and minimize waste, and this recipe allows me to do exactly that.
The joy of cooking shouldn't be reserved for those with hours to spare. The Instant Pot has been a game-changer, allowing me to craft delicious, home-cooked meals even on the busiest of days. This carnitas recipe is a testament to that. It's a quick, easy, and unbelievably delicious way to elevate my weeknight dinners and feel like I've indulged in a gourmet experience, all without sacrificing precious time. It’s more than just a meal; it's a small victory in the midst of my chaotic but fulfilling life.
Beyond the ease and deliciousness, this recipe has also become a way to connect with my family. The aroma of the slow-cooked pork fills our home, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. Gathering around the table to enjoy these tacos, sharing stories and laughter, is one of the highlights of my week. It's a reminder that even amidst the whirlwind of life, simple pleasures and shared moments can bring incredible joy. This recipe isn't just a meal; it's a centerpiece of our family's routine, a taste of home, and a testament to the power of simple ingredients transformed into something extraordinary.
So, if you're a busy mom, a working professional, or simply someone who appreciates delicious food without the endless hours in the kitchen, give this Instant Pot Carnitas recipe a try. It's a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s as versatile as it is delicious. You'll wonder how you ever managed without it!
Beyond the recipe: The great thing about this dish is its adaptability. Feel free to experiment with different spice blends, add other vegetables, or even try it with different cuts of pork. The possibilities are endless! The key is to have fun with it and make it your own. The satisfaction of creating a flavorful, satisfying meal from scratch, even with a busy schedule, is truly rewarding.
I encourage you to try this recipe and share your experiences in the comments below! Let me know what variations you try and how you enjoy your Instant Pot Carnitas masterpiece. Happy cooking!
