Instant Pot Cooking: Pork Carnitas

 

Carnitas means "little meat" in Spanish.  Carnitas are traditionally made by braising or simmering pork for hours until tender. After the meat is cooked, it's shredded and then spread on a baking sheet and placed under the broiler until it crisps.

For this recipe, instead of hours of braising, the Instant Pot makes quick work, so dinner is on the table that much sooner.  I made my own "mojo sauce" with a mixture of citrus juices and spices to use as the liquid to cook the pork.

When the carnitas are ready to eat, you can use the meat to fill taco, tortillas, to top baked potatoes, or to just eat straight from the pan!

12 oz. orange juice
Juice of one lime
1 yellow onion, peeled and thinly sliced
2 - 3 T. chile powder
1 T. ground cumin
1 t. ground coriander
1 t. ancho chile powder
3 lbs. boneless pork shoulder (Boston Butt) cut into 2-3" pieces
1 T. minced garlic
1 t. salt
1/2 t. freshly ground black pepper

corn or flour tortillas

Suggested toppings: sliced radishes, shredded cabbage, pineapple chunks, chopped tomatoes, cilantro leaves, chopped white onions

Add the orange juice, lime juice, onion, and seasonings to the inner pot of a 6 quart Instant Pot.  Add in the cubed pork and stir to coat.

Lock the lid and turn the Pressure Valve to "Sealing."  Pressure cook on HIGH for 30 minutes. Allow the cooker to Naturally Release.

Remove the pork from the cooker with a slotted spoon and shred with two forks.  Remove and discard any pieces of fat from the pork.

Spread the pork in a single level on a baking sheet.

Skim the fat from the cooking liquid; discard fat.  With the lid of the cooker off, press SAUTE. Bring cooking liquid to a boil.  Cook, uncovered, 5 minutes or until slightly thick. Stir often.

Preheat broiler.  Drizzle the pork with 1/4 - 1/3 cup of the cooking liquid.  Discard the remaining liquid or serve alongside the carnitas.

Broil the pork for 3 - 5 minutes or until the pork is browned and the edges are crispy, turning occasionally.

Heat the tortillas according to package directions.  Spoon 1/3 cup of the pork onto each tortilla. Top with your favorite toppings.  Serve with lime wedges if desired.

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