Instant Pot Crispy Carnitas
Ingredients
- 1 lean boneless pork roast
cut into 2-inch chunks, 4-5 pound
- fine sea salt and freshly-cracked black pepper
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil or olive oil
- 1 batch mojo sauce
see below
- for serving: chopped fresh cilantro
diced white or red onion, and/or fresh salsa, I used the pineapple salsa recipe included below
- 1 cup beer
or chicken stock
- 6 cloves garlic
minced
- 1/2 cup fresh orange juice
- 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly-cracked black pepper
Directions
- 1
In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the mojo sauce ingredients until combined. Set aside until ready to use.
- 2
Season pork chunks on all sides with salt and pepper.
- 3
Click the “Sauté” setting on the Instant Pot. Add the oil, followed by half of the pork, and sear — turning every 45-60 seconds or so — until the pork is browned on all sides. Transfer pork to a separate clean plate, and repeat with the remaining pork, searing until it has browned on all sides. Press “Cancel” to turn off the heat.
- 4
Pour in the mojo sauce, and toss briefly to combine with the pork. Close lid securely and set vent to “Sealing”.
- 5
Cook on high pressure for 30 minutes, followed by a natural release (about 15 minutes).
- 6
Set the oven broiler to high heat.
- 7
Remove the lid of the Instant Pot. Shred the pork with two forks. Then transfer it with a slotted spoon to a large baking sheet. Spoon about a third of the leftover juices evenly on top of the pork and toss to combine. Broil for 4-5 minutes, or until the edges of the pork begin browning and crisping up. Remove the baking sheet from the oven, then half of the remaining juices from the Instant Pot evenly over the pork and toss to combine. Broil for an additional 5 minutes to get the meat even more crispy. Remove baking sheet from the oven, then ladle the remaining juices over the pork, and toss to combine.
- 8
Sprinkle with chopped fresh cilantro, then serve warm in tacos, burritos, salads, or whatever sounds good to you! Or, refrigerate pork in a sealed container for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.
Instant Pot Crispy Carnitas
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About this Recipe
Craving restaurant-quality carnitas that are both incredibly tender and satisfyingly crispy, all without hours of simmering? This Instant Pot Crispy Carnitas recipe delivers authentic, deep flavors in a fraction of the traditional time, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or festive weekend meals.
Why This Recipe Works
The secret to these juicy, flavorful carnitas lies in the Instant Pot and the vibrant mojo sauce. The pressure cooker transforms a lean pork roast into fall-apart tender perfection quickly, infusing every bite with zesty citrus and aromatic spices. Following the pressure cooking, a crucial crisping step (implied by the recipe's name and description) creates that irresistible, golden-brown crust that truly elevates this dish.
What to Expect
Prepare for a sensory delight: the pork emerges from the Instant Pot melt-in-your-mouth tender, juicy, and infused with the bright, savory notes of fresh orange and lime, garlic, cumin, and oregano. You'll achieve that quintessential crispy, caramelized exterior that contrasts beautifully with the succulent interior. This dish is hearty and satisfying, bursting with fresh flavors that transport you straight to a taqueria, yet it's surprisingly simple to master.
Customization & Variations
This versatile dish is easy to adapt to your pantry. If you don't have beer for the mojo sauce, chicken stock works perfectly as a substitute, providing a similar depth of flavor. For serving, while pineapple salsa is suggested, feel free to experiment with your favorite fresh salsa or even a simple pico de gallo. You can also vary the toppings; beyond cilantro and diced onion, consider pickled red onions or a drizzle of your favorite hot sauce.
Serving & Context
These Instant Pot Crispy Carnitas are ideal for building epic tacos, burritos, or vibrant rice bowls. They’re fantastic for casual family dinners, potlucks, or any occasion where you want to impress with minimal fuss.