Pork Carnitas
By :Everyday Mexican Instant Pot Cookbook by Leslie Limon
Pork Carnitas Taco
Traditionally, carnitas are slow cooked for hours in a large copper cazo (pot) filled with manteca de cerdo (pork lard) and stirred occasionally with an oversize (4- to 6-foot) wooden spoon. While the resulting little pieces of crispy fried pork are absolutely irresistible, the reality is: Ain’t no one got time for that. But with the Instant Pot® you can enjoy a healthier and more flavorful version of carnitas in about an hour. Make a feast out of this easy weeknight meal by serving with Frijoles Borrachos (page 32) and Classic Mexican Rice (page 28), or serve the carnitas as a simple taco filling and top with chopped onion, cilantro, a squeeze of fresh lime juice, and your favorite salsa.
Pork Carnitas Taco
Votes: 3
Rating: 4.33
Rate this recipe!
Print Recipe
Course Kids
Cuisine Mexican
Difficulty Easy
Duration 1-2 hours
Cooking Technique Pressure Cook, Sauté
Main Ingredient Lime, Orange Juice, Pork Shoulder
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Servings
6 - 8 servings
Ingredients
  • 2 tbsp manteca (pork lard) or vegetable oil
  • 2 1/4 lbs pork shoulder roast or Boston butt cut into 2 inch pieces
  • 1 tsp coarse salt
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 cup Freshly Squeezed Orange Juice
  • 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
  • 2 leaves bay
Course Kids
Cuisine Mexican
Difficulty Easy
Duration 1-2 hours
Cooking Technique Pressure Cook, Sauté
Main Ingredient Lime, Orange Juice, Pork Shoulder
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Servings
6 - 8 servings
Ingredients
  • 2 tbsp manteca (pork lard) or vegetable oil
  • 2 1/4 lbs pork shoulder roast or Boston butt cut into 2 inch pieces
  • 1 tsp coarse salt
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 cup Freshly Squeezed Orange Juice
  • 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
  • 2 leaves bay
Pork Carnitas Taco
Votes: 3
Rating: 4.33
Rate this recipe!
Print Recipe
Instructions
  1. Set the Instant Pot to Sauté and adjust to More or High. Heat the manteca in the pot until completely melted. Add the pork and fry for 6 to 8 minutes, or until light golden brown. Season with the salt, cumin, and pepper. Add the orange and lime juices and top with the bay leaves.
  2. Lock the lid into place and set the steam release valve to sealed. Select Manual or PRESSURE COOK and set the timer for 25 minutes on high.
  3. When cooking is complete, allow the pressure to release naturally. Unlock and remove the lid. Remove and discard the bay leaves.
  4. Using two forks, shred the pork carnitas in the pot. Enjoy! Option
Recipe Notes

tip: To crisp up your carnitas, spread them out on an ungreased baking sheet. Bake in a 425°F oven for 8 to 10 minutes, or until golden and crisp.

6 replies

Leave a Reply

Want to join the discussion?
Feel free to contribute!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.