Are you ready to elevate your taco night with a dish that will have everyone begging for seconds? Say hello to Instant Pot Crispy Carnitas! This mouthwatering Mexican delight combines tender, flavorful pork with a crispy finish that will tantalize your taste buds. In just over an hour, you can create a restaurant-quality dish right in your own kitchen. With the perfect blend of spices and a burst of citrus from orange juice, these carnitas are the ultimate crowd-pleaser. Read on to discover how to make this delectable recipe that will transform your meals into a fiesta!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 60 mins
Total Time: 70 mins
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 3 lb pork shoulder, cut into chunks
- 1 onion, quartered
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp oregano
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Oil for frying
Instructions
- Prepare the pork by trimming excess fat and cutting the pork shoulder into 2-inch chunks. Pat the meat dry with paper towels to ensure crispy results.
- In a small bowl, mix cumin, chili powder, oregano, salt, and black pepper to create a spice rub. Coat the pork chunks evenly with the seasoning mixture.
- Place quartered onion and minced garlic in the bottom of the Instant Pot. Arrange seasoned pork chunks on top of the onions.
- Pour orange juice over the pork, ensuring the liquid is distributed evenly. Close the Instant Pot lid and set to high pressure for 45 minutes.
- Once cooking is complete, allow natural pressure release for 15 minutes, then carefully do a quick release for any remaining pressure.
- Remove pork chunks and transfer to a large baking sheet. Shred the meat using two forks, discarding any large pieces of fat.
- Preheat your oven's broiler. Drizzle the shredded pork with a small amount of cooking liquid and oil to help with crisping.
- Broil the meat for 5-7 minutes, watching carefully to achieve crispy edges without burning. Stir and rotate the meat once during broiling.
- Serve hot in tacos, burritos, or over rice. Garnish with fresh cilantro, diced onions, and lime wedges if desired.
Tips
- Choose the Right Cut: For the best results, use a well-marbled pork shoulder. The fat will render during cooking, keeping the meat moist and flavorful.
- Dry the Meat: Patting the pork dry before seasoning is crucial for achieving that desired crispy texture during the broiling stage.
- Customize Your Spice Blend: Feel free to adjust the spices according to your taste. Adding a pinch of cayenne pepper can give your carnitas an extra kick!
- Don’t Skip the Broiling: Broiling is key to getting those crispy edges. Keep a close eye on the meat while it's under the broiler to prevent burning.
- Serve with Fresh Toppings: Enhance your carnitas with fresh cilantro, diced onions, and a squeeze of lime for a burst of flavor. You can also try serving them with avocado or your favorite salsa.
- Leftover Magic: If you have any leftovers, they make fantastic tacos, burritos, or even a topping for nachos. The flavor only gets better the next day!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: 40g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: 15g
Cholesterol: 130mg
