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What are Carnitas?

Carnitas are a Mexican restaurant staple and favorite of many who frequent these establishments.  Carnitas are traditionally prepared in a slow and low process over many hours. The pork roasts are simmered in fat or oil until the roast becomes “fall apart” tender.

But really who has time for that?

With the use of the ever handy Instapot, you too can have a deliciously tender and juicy product to add to your favorite Mexican dishes. This carnitas recipe can be ready in as little as an hour and a half [minus marinating time which is highly encouraged but not required].

Carnitas are also a GREAT to prep for the week ahead as it keeps really well in the fridge or freezer. If you choose to make extra or cook it ahead of time, we recommend saving the broiling step until the day you plan to eat the carnitas.

I will save you the long elaborate story about going to traditional taquerias with my father as a child and get right to the meat of the issue [see what I did there]. Follow the recipe below for an easy and delicious Pork Carnitas recipe to impress your family or friends.

Ingredients

5-8 lb Pork Shoulder

1 Onion
3 Jalapeños
2 Limes
3 Cups of Orange Juice
2 Tbsp Salt
1 Tbsp Cumin
1 Tbsp Garlic Powder
1 Tbsp Coriander
1 Tbsp Paprika

1 Tbsp Black Pepper

Note: Pork Shoulder is also sometimes called a ‘Pork Butt’ or ‘Boston Butt’

Instapot Pork Carnitas Recipe

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Marinate Time (optional): 2+ hours | Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Yield: 6-8 servings

 Process

1. Cut the pork shoulder in to equal 3” x 3” portions [This does not have to be exact but instead a rough portion cut in order to increase surface area for the marinade to soak in and reduce cooking time].

2. If marinating - Place the pork shoulder into a large pot or container and pour salt over meat while preparing the remaining ingredients. If not marinating - place the pork shoulder cuts directly into the Instapot.

3. Roughly chop the onion and jalapeños. Place around meat evenly. Cut the limes in half and lightly squeeze over meat and vegetables. Place limes skins into pot.

4. Pour 2 cups of orange juice into a measuring cup and mix in the dry seasonings in order to incorporate them evenly. Pour the mixture over the meat. Use the remaining cup of orange juice to capture any leftover seasoning in the measuring cup and pour remainder into pot.

5. If choosing to marinate, place into refrigerator for 1-2 hours.

6. Remove from refrigerator and set your Instapot to pressure cook on high pressure for 75 minutes. Once the time is complete allow to naturally release pressure for 15 minutes.

7. While allowing the pressure to release, set your oven to Broil on High. Once the pressure has released, use tongs to remove meat from the Instapot and place onto a baking sheet [the meat should be fall apart tender when coming out of the Instapot].

8. Use forks and pull apart the meat and spread evenly.

9. Place the carnitas in the oven under the broiler for 5-10 minutes until a golden-brown crust forms. If you are only using a small portion of your pulled meat you can crisp the carnitas in a pan in lieu of the oven.

Easy dinner for using carnitas:

• Tacos

• Enchiladas

• Burrito/Burrito Bowls

• Cubano Sandwich

• Whatever your pork loving heart desires!

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Happy Cooking,

-Lucas