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Healthy Instant Pot Carnitas make the ultimate family-friendly dinner!! With just 10 minutes of prep, you’ll have tender, juicy, and perfectly seasoned pork that tastes like it’s been simmering all day. The best part? A quick broil at the end creates irresistible crispy edges that make these carnitas extra special. Perfect for Taco Tuesday, burrito bowls, or salads any night of the week!!
As a nutritionist, I love meals like this that feel indulgent but are still made with fresh, wholesome ingredients. Pork shoulder, citrus, and spices come together to make a dish that everyone will get excited about. And because the Instant Pot does most of the work for you, it’s one of the easiest pork recipes you’ll keep on repeat.
Why You’ll Love These Instant Pot Carnitas
- Quick and easy: Just 10 minutes of hands-on time, then let the Instant Pot work its magic.
- Crispy finish: A few minutes under the broiler transforms tender pork into golden, flavorful perfection!!
- Versatile: Serve in tacos, burrito bowls, salads, or over Spanish Cauliflower Rice.
- Healthy and satisfying: Real ingredients, bold flavor, and nourishing for the whole family.
Tips for the Best Carnitas
- Cut the pork into chunks before searing to help it cook evenly.
- Don’t skip the sear! Browning adds depth of flavor before pressure cooking.
- Use fresh citrus. Orange and lime juice brighten the meat and balance the spices.
- Crisp under the broiler. This step is non-negotiable!! It’s what makes carnitas taste authentic and restaurant-worthy. Spoon some of the cooking liquid over the shredded pork before broiling for even more flavor.
- Make extra. Leftovers reheat beautifully and can be repurposed into nachos, quesadillas, or grain bowls.
How to Make Instant Pot Carnitas
- Cut pork shoulder into 4 large chunks. Sear each piece in the Instant Pot on the sauté function until browned on all sides, then remove and set aside.
- Deglaze the pot with freshly squeezed orange and lime juice. Stir in the spices until a fragrant sauce forms.
- Return pork to the pot, adding garlic and onion on top. Secure lid and pressure cook on high for 25 minutes.
- Quick release, then shred the pork with two forks.
- Spread shredded pork on a sheet pan, drizzle with a little of the cooking liquid, and broil for 3 to 4 minutes until crispy.
Serving Suggestions
These carnitas are the star of the show, but the toppings make them shine!! Try them in warm tortillas with salsa, avocado, cilantro, and pickled jalapeños. Or build a nourishing burrito bowl over Spanish Cauliflower Rice. For a lighter option, serve over greens and pile on your favorite fresh toppings.
Slow Cooker Option
No Instant Pot? No problem. Sear the pork on the stovetop, then transfer to a slow cooker with onion, garlic, citrus juice, and spices. Cook on low for 8 hours (or 6 if you’re short on time). Shred, broil, and serve just the same.
Instant Pot Carnitas
Ingredients
- 3-4 lbs Pork shoulder, fat trimmed and cut into 4 pieces
- 1 tbsp avocado oil or olive oil
- 2 tsp chili powder
- 2 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp oregano
- 1/2 tsp sea salt, + extra for taste
- 2-3 large oranges, juice of
- 2 limes, juice of
- 1 yellow onion, quartered
- 3 cloves garlic
- cilantro, for garnish
Instructions
- Select the saute function on the Instant Pot. Once hot, coat with oil. Place the 4 pieces of pork in the IP, and saute on all sides until lightly browned (less than 8 minutes total). Remove the pork, set aside. Select cancel.
- De-glaze the pan with the juice from the oranges and limes. In a small bowl, combine the spices. Combine with the orange/lime juice inside the IP. Place the pork inside, then top with onion and garlic. Secure the lid. Set your oven to broil (optional)
- Cook on high pressure (manual) for 25 minutes. Use a quick release. Remove the pork and shred with a fork. Place on a baking sheet and add to oven. Broil for 4-5 minutes (optional, but such a great step to finish off).
- Serve hot and spoon additional sauce from the IP on top of the pork. You can wrap in tortillas, serve in a bowl of greens, serve over rice, or serve over cauliflower rice. Garnish with cilantro and any other additional toppings you enjoy.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
