Hamdi Saidani This Pioneer Woman Instant Pot Pork Carnitas is a tender and crispy recipe, which is made with orange juice and lime juice. It’s the perfect weeknight dinner, ready in about an hour.
Pioneer Woman Instant Pot Pork Carnitas Ingredients
- 4 – 4 ½ Pounds Boneless Pork Shoulder, excess fat trimmed and cut into 3-inch chunks
- 1 Tablespoon Avocado Oil
- 1 ½ Cups Chicken Broth
- ¾ Cup Orange Juice, freshly squeezed
- ⅓ Cup Lime Juice, freshly squeezed
- 6 Cloves Garlic, minced
- 1 Tablespoon Dried Oregano
- 2 Teaspoon Chili Powder
- 2 Teaspoon Ground Cumin
- 2 Teaspoon Kosher Salt
- 1 Teaspoon Ground Black Pepper
How To Make Pioneer Woman Instant Pot Pork Carnitas
- Sear the Pork: Turn the Instant Pot on to the “Sauté” setting. Once it’s hot, add the avocado oil. Working in batches, add the pork shoulder chunks and cook for 5-6 minutes, turning, until the meat is browned on all sides.
- Deglaze and Pressure Cook: Remove the last batch of pork. Pour a splash of the chicken broth into the hot pot and use a wooden spoon to scrape up any flavorful browned bits from the bottom. Turn off the Sauté function. Return all the pork to the pot and add the remaining chicken broth, orange juice, lime juice, garlic, and all the seasonings. Stir to coat the meat.
- Cook Under Pressure: Secure the lid and turn the steam release valve to the “Sealing” position. Set to “Manual Pressure” on HIGH for 30 minutes. Once the cooking time is complete, perform a quick release by carefully turning the valve to the “Venting” position.
- Shred the Pork: Once the pin has dropped, carefully open the lid. Remove the pork from the Instant Pot and transfer it to a large baking sheet. Use two forks to shred the meat.
- Broil Until Crispy: Turn your oven on to broil on HIGH. Place the baking sheet with the shredded pork under the broiler for approximately 3 minutes, or until the edges are browned and crispy. Serve immediately.
Recipe Tips
- How do you get the signature crispy edges? The final step under the broiler is the most important part! Don’t skip it. Spreading the shredded pork on a baking sheet and broiling it for a few minutes is what transforms the tender meat into authentic, crispy carnitas.
- What’s the best cut of pork for carnitas? A boneless pork shoulder, also known as a Boston butt, is the perfect choice. It has a great amount of fat marbling, which renders down during cooking to make the meat incredibly moist and tender.
- Do I have to sear the pork first? Yes, this step is highly recommended. Searing the pork before pressure cooking creates a deep, brown, caramelized crust that builds a rich, savory flavor foundation for the entire dish.
- Can I make this ahead of time? Absolutely! Carnitas are a perfect make-ahead meal. You can cook and shred the pork completely, then store it in an airtight container with some of its juices in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When ready to serve, just spread it on a baking sheet and pop it under the broiler to crisp up.
What To Serve With Pork Carnitas
Carnitas are incredibly versatile and are the star of any Mexican-inspired meal. Serve them in:
- Corn or flour tortillas for classic tacos
- Burritos or burrito bowls with rice and beans
- Quesadillas
- On top of nachos
Don’t forget the toppings like diced onion, fresh cilantro, salsa, guacamole, and a squeeze of fresh lime.
How To Store Pork Carnitas
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator with some of the cooking liquid to keep it moist. It will keep for up to 4 days.
- Freeze: Allow the shredded pork to cool completely in its juices. Transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before broiling to serve.
Pork Carnitas Nutrition Facts
- Serving: 1/10th of recipe
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Protein: 42g
- Fat: 31g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Sodium: 980mg
Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.
FAQs
Can I make these in a slow cooker (crock pot)?
Yes. For a slow cooker version, sear the pork on the stovetop first. Transfer it to the crock pot along with all the other ingredients. Cover and cook on LOW for 8-10 hours or on HIGH for 4-5 hours. Once tender, shred and broil as directed.
Why is my pork still tough?
If the pork is tough after the pressure cooking cycle, it usually just means it needs a little more time. You can secure the lid again and cook on high pressure for another 5-10 minutes.
Can I use bottled orange and lime juice?
For the best, brightest, and most authentic flavor, freshly squeezed citrus juice is highly recommended. Bottled juices can sometimes have a dull or slightly bitter taste, but they will work in a pinch.
Try More Pioneer Woman Recipes:
- Pioneer Woman Crock Pot Dressing Recipe
- Pioneer Woman Crock Pot Brisket Recipe
- Pioneer Woman Crock Pot Baked Beans Recipe
Pioneer Woman Instant Pot Pork Carnitas Recipe
Description
A quick and easy method for making fall-apart tender and juicy pork carnitas in the Instant Pot, finished under the broiler for the perfect crispy edges.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Using the u0022Sautéu0022 function on the Instant Pot, brown the pork chunks in oil in batches; set aside.
- Deglaze the pot with a splash of broth, scraping up any browned bits.
- Return the pork to the pot and add the remaining broth, juices, garlic, and all the seasonings.
- Secure the lid and cook on High Pressure for 30 minutes.
- Perform a quick pressure release.
- Remove the pork, shred it with two forks on a baking sheet.
- Broil on HIGH for about 3 minutes, until the edges are brown and crispy.
Notes
- u003cliu003eThe most important tip for authentic carnitas is the final broiling step; this is what creates the signature crispy texture.u003c/liu003eu003cliu003eDon’t overcrowd the pot when searing the pork; work in batches to ensure a deep, brown crust on all sides.u003c/liu003eu003cliu003eFor the juiciest, most flavorful meat, use a well-marbled pork shoulder (also called a Boston butt).u003c/liu003eu003cliu003eUsing freshly squeezed orange and lime juice will provide a much brighter, fresher flavor than bottled.u003c/liu003e
