Introduction
Craving that crispy, juicy carnitas but don’t want to spend all day in the kitchen? The Instant Pot is your new best friend. Forget slow-cooked, all-day affairs. With the magic of pressure cooking, you can achieve restaurant-quality carnitas, that melt-in-your-mouth Mexican pulled pork, in a fraction of the time.
Carnitas, meaning “little meats” in Spanish, traditionally involves simmering pork in lard until it becomes unbelievably tender and then crisping it up for that perfect combination of textures. It’s a culinary treasure, but the traditional process can be lengthy and a bit intimidating.
Enter the Instant Pot. This versatile appliance is a game-changer, capable of transforming tough cuts of pork into culinary gold in mere hours. It offers speed, tenderness, and incredible flavor, all with minimal effort.
Making carnitas in the Instant Pot is a total game-changer. It delivers authentic flavors and tender, juicy pork that you’d swear came from a traditional slow cooker, but it does it in a fraction of the time. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, this recipe will become a staple in your kitchen.
Why Instant Pot Carnitas is a Winner
Let’s face it, time is valuable. Traditionally, carnitas requires hours of simmering and tending. The Instant Pot significantly cuts down on the cooking time, allowing you to enjoy delicious carnitas on a weeknight or when you’re short on time. From prepping the ingredients to having that crispy, juicy pork on your plate, the Instant Pot streamlines the process.
Beyond speed, the pressure cooking environment creates incredibly tender pork. The high pressure and temperature break down the tough connective tissues in the pork, resulting in meat that practically melts in your mouth. Each strand pulls apart effortlessly, giving you that signature carnitas texture we all crave.
The sealed environment of the Instant Pot also helps to intensify flavors. The pork simmers in its own juices and the added aromatics, creating a flavor-rich broth that infuses every fiber of the meat. You’ll get a deep, savory flavor that’s simply impossible to achieve with other methods.
Another reason the Instant Pot wins is its ease of use. The recipe is straightforward and requires minimal hands-on time. Simply prep the ingredients, load them into the Instant Pot, and let the appliance do its magic. Even beginner cooks can confidently tackle this recipe and achieve delicious results.
Ingredients for Awesome Carnitas
The foundation of any great carnitas is, of course, the pork. The best cut to use is pork shoulder, also known as pork butt. This cut is well-marbled with fat, which renders during cooking and keeps the meat moist and flavorful. You’ll need about three to four pounds. This cut is ideal due to its higher fat content, ensuring the carnitas stay juicy and flavorful even after the crisping stage.
Aromatics play a crucial role in building the flavor profile. You’ll need one large yellow onion, roughly chopped; four cloves of garlic, minced; one orange, quartered; and a couple of bay leaves. The onion and garlic add depth and savoriness, the orange provides a bright citrus note, and the bay leaves contribute a subtle herbaceous aroma.
Spices are what really bring carnitas to life. Essential spices include two tablespoons of Mexican oregano, one tablespoon of ground cumin, and one tablespoon of chili powder. Mexican oregano has a slightly different flavor than regular oregano, with citrusy notes that complement the pork beautifully. Cumin adds warmth and earthiness, while chili powder provides a touch of heat and complexity.
Liquid is necessary to create the steam for pressure cooking and to help tenderize the pork. You’ll need one cup of chicken or pork broth and half a cup of orange juice. The broth adds moisture and savory flavor, while the orange juice contributes to the citrusy sweetness that characterizes carnitas. A squeeze of lime juice at the end brightens the flavors and adds a touch of acidity.
While it’s optional in the Instant Pot, the traditional recipe uses lard to both cook and crisp the pork. In the Instant Pot, we can use a tablespoon or two of lard or cooking oil to sear the pork before pressure cooking, which adds flavor and helps to develop a nice crust. Some of the rendered fat from the pork will also be used to crisp the carnitas later on.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Instant Pot Carnitas
First, prepare the pork. Cut the pork shoulder into roughly two-inch chunks. This allows for even cooking and helps the pork to absorb the flavors of the aromatics and spices. Season the pork generously with salt, pepper, Mexican oregano, cumin, and chili powder. Don’t be afraid to be liberal with the seasoning – this is what gives the carnitas its signature flavor.
Next, sear the pork. While searing isn’t strictly necessary, it adds a depth of flavor and a beautiful crust to the carnitas. Turn on the Instant Pot to the saute function. Add lard or cooking oil to the pot and let it heat up. Sear the pork in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pot. Sear each side for a few minutes until browned. Remove the seared pork and set it aside.
Now, it’s time for pressure cooking. Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, quartered orange, and bay leaves to the Instant Pot. Pour in the chicken or pork broth and orange juice. Place the seared pork on top of the aromatics.
Seal the Instant Pot and set it to manual or pressure cook mode. Cook for seventy-five minutes. Once the cooking time is up, allow the Instant Pot to naturally pressure release for fifteen minutes, then manually release the remaining pressure. A natural pressure release helps to tenderize the pork even further.
Once the pressure has been released, carefully remove the pork from the Instant Pot and place it in a large bowl. Use two forks to shred the pork into bite-sized pieces.
Finally, it’s time to crisp the carnitas. There are a couple of ways to do this. One option is to broil the shredded pork in the oven. Spread the pork on a baking sheet and broil for a few minutes until crispy, keeping a close eye on it to prevent burning.
Another option, which many prefer, is to sear the shredded pork in a skillet with some of the rendered fat from the Instant Pot. This method gives the carnitas a more authentic, crispy texture. Heat a tablespoon or two of the rendered fat in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shredded pork and cook, stirring occasionally, until crispy and golden brown.
Crisping the pork is crucial to achieving the signature carnitas texture. It’s what transforms the tender, juicy pulled pork into something truly special.
Tips and Tricks for the Best Instant Pot Carnitas
To ensure perfectly cooked carnitas, don’t overcrowd the Instant Pot. Work in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding, which can hinder even cooking.
Proper seasoning is absolutely essential. Don’t be shy with the salt, pepper, and spices. They are what give carnitas its distinctive flavor.
While optional, don’t skip the searing step if possible. Searing adds depth of flavor and helps to create a beautiful crust on the pork.
Adjust the cooking time based on the size of the pork chunks. Smaller chunks may require less cooking time, while larger chunks may need a bit longer.
Be sure to save the cooking liquid from the Instant Pot. It’s packed with flavor and can be used to add moisture and richness to the carnitas.
Whether you broil or sear the carnitas, monitor it closely to avoid burning. The high heat can quickly turn crispy to burnt.
Finally, let the meat rest briefly after cooking. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in even more tender and flavorful carnitas.
Serving Suggestions
The most classic way to serve carnitas is in tacos. Load warm tortillas with the crispy pork and top with your favorite toppings, such as chopped cilantro, diced onion, your favorite salsa, and creamy guacamole.
But the possibilities don’t stop there. Carnitas is also fantastic in burritos, bowls, quesadillas, nachos, and salads. You can even use it as a topping for baked potatoes or sweet potatoes.
For side dish pairings, consider serving carnitas with Mexican rice, refried beans, a vibrant coleslaw, or a simple side salad.
To enhance the presentation, garnish your carnitas with a squeeze of lime juice, a sprinkle of fresh cilantro, or a dollop of sour cream or crema.
Storage and Reheating
Leftover carnitas can be stored in the refrigerator for up to four days. To freeze, place the carnitas in an airtight container and store it in the freezer for up to three months.
To reheat refrigerated carnitas, you can use a skillet, oven, or microwave. For the skillet, heat a small amount of oil over medium heat and cook the carnitas, stirring occasionally, until heated through and crispy. To reheat in the oven, spread the carnitas on a baking sheet and bake at three hundred fifty degrees Fahrenheit until heated through. The microwave is the quickest option, but it may not result in the crispiest carnitas.
Variations and Adaptations
Want to spice things up? Make spicy carnitas by adding more chili powder, chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, or fresh jalapeños to the Instant Pot.
For a sweeter, tangier flavor, try making sweet and tangy carnitas by using orange or pineapple juice in addition to the broth.
For a deeper flavor, try cooking the carnitas with beer. Substitute some of the broth with a Mexican beer like Corona or Modelo.
If you’re following a low-carb diet, you can still enjoy carnitas. Serve it in lettuce wraps or with cauliflower rice instead of tortillas.
Conclusion
Making carnitas in the Instant Pot is incredibly easy and incredibly delicious. It’s a game-changer for anyone who loves Mexican food but doesn’t have the time or patience for traditional slow-cooking methods. The Instant Pot delivers authentic flavors, tender, juicy pork, and crispy edges, all in a fraction of the time. So, gather your ingredients, dust off your Instant Pot, and get ready to experience the magic of homemade carnitas. You won’t regret it! Prepare for juicy, tender, crispy, and unbelievably flavorful carnitas.
