Unbelievably Easy & Flavorful: Your Go-To Instant Pot Pork Carnitas – A 3-Ingredient Revelation!

Craving the crispy, tender perfection of traditional carnitas without the all-day commitment? Look no further! This game-changing recipe for Instant Pot Pork Carnitas delivers authentic flavor with minimal effort, proving that incredible meals don’t need a lengthy ingredient list or complex steps. Get ready to transform a few simple items into succulent, fall-apart pork that’s perfect for tacos, burritos, or just enjoying on its own. It’s the ultimate weeknight hack for incredibly delicious Instant Pot Shredded Pork that tastes like it came from your favorite taqueria.

Quick Glance Summary

This Instant Pot Pork Carnitas recipe is a triumph of simplicity and flavor. Using just a few core ingredients, the Instant Pot effortlessly tenderizes pork shoulder, infusing it with citrusy notes. A quick broil finishes the carnitas with that irresistible crispy texture, making it perfect for a variety of Mexican-inspired dishes or a stand-alone meal. It’s quick enough for a weeknight but impressive enough for company.

What You’ll Need

Gathering your ingredients for these incredible carnitas is as simple as the recipe itself! You’ll be amazed at the depth of flavor you can achieve with just a few key components.

3-4 lbs boneless pork shoulder (pork butt), cut into 2-inch chunks
1 large orange, halved
1 lime, halved
1 teaspoon sea salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
½ cup water or chicken broth
2 tablespoons olive oil (for crisping)

Preparation Instructions

Follow these easy steps to create the most delicious Instant Pot Pork Carnitas you’ve ever made. The Instant Pot does most of the heavy lifting, ensuring perfectly tender Instant Pot Shredded Pork every time.

1. Prepare the Pork: Cut the pork shoulder into 2-inch chunks. Pat them dry with paper towels. In a large bowl, toss the pork chunks with salt, pepper, and garlic powder until evenly coated.
2. Load the Instant Pot: Place the seasoned pork chunks into the Instant Pot. Squeeze the juice from the orange halves and lime halves over the pork, then add the squeezed citrus rinds directly into the pot. Pour in the water or chicken broth.
3. Pressure Cook: Secure the lid on the Instant Pot and set the vent to sealing. Select “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” and set the timer for 35 minutes on high pressure.
4. Natural Release: Once the cooking cycle is complete, allow a natural pressure release for 15 minutes. After 15 minutes, carefully quick release any remaining pressure.
5. Shred the Pork: Carefully remove the pork chunks from the Instant Pot and place them on a large cutting board or in a shallow dish. Discard the citrus rinds and cooking liquid (you can reserve a little liquid if you like your carnitas extra moist). Using two forks, shred the pork into desired pieces.
6. Crisp the Carnitas: Preheat your oven broiler to high. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or foil. Spread the shredded pork in a single layer on the baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil.
7. Broil for Crispy Perfection: Broil for 5-8 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and crispy. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning, flipping halfway through if necessary. Serve immediately!

Fun Twists & Serving Ideas

These versatile carnitas are delicious on their own, but here are some creative ways to enjoy them:

Classic Carnitas Tacos: Serve with warm corn tortillas, a sprinkle of cilantro, diced white onion, and a squeeze of lime.
Loaded Nachos: Pile over tortilla chips with melted cheese, jalapeños, pico de gallo, and a dollop of sour cream or guacamole.
Carnitas Bowls: Create a wholesome bowl with rice, black beans, corn salsa, avocado, and a cilantro-lime dressing.
Burrito Wraps: Wrap in large flour tortillas with refried beans, cheese, and your favorite salsa.
Breakfast Hash: Mix crispy carnitas with roasted potatoes, bell peppers, and top with a fried egg for a hearty breakfast or brunch.

FAQ

Q: Can I use frozen pork shoulder?
A: Yes, you can. If using frozen pork shoulder, cut it into chunks first (if possible) and increase the pressure cooking time by 10-15 minutes.
Q: What if I don’t have an orange or lime?
A: While they add a signature flavor, you can substitute with ½ cup of orange juice, a splash of apple cider vinegar, or a combination of both.
Q: How do I store leftover carnitas?
A: Store cooked and shredded carnitas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Q: Can I freeze carnitas?
A: Yes! Once cooled, transfer the shredded pork to freezer-safe bags or containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating and crisping.
Q: Do I have to broil the carnitas?
A: While optional, broiling is highly recommended for achieving the authentic crispy edges that make carnitas so delicious. You can also pan-fry them in a little oil.

Conclusion

You’ve just unlocked the secret to effortlessly delicious Instant Pot Pork Carnitas! This 3-ingredient wonder proves that incredible flavor doesn’t require endless complexity. From busy weeknights to weekend feasts, this recipe delivers tender, succulent Instant Pot Shredded Pork with those irresistible crispy edges every time. Get ready to impress your taste buds and your guests with this simple, yet profoundly satisfying, culinary masterpiece.

Recipe Note

For an extra layer of flavor and moisture, reserve about ½ cup of the cooking liquid from the Instant Pot. After shredding the pork and before broiling, drizzle a tablespoon or two over the shredded pork on the baking sheet, mixing it in before adding the olive oil for crisping. This helps keep the carnitas juicy while still achieving a fantastic crispy exterior.