Instant Pot Pork Carnitas (Mexican Pulled Pork)
Delicious Mexican pork made in the Instant Pot (pressure cooker) for tacos, burrito bowls, taco salads and more (also great with cilantro lime rice)!
Delicious Mexican pork made in the Instant Pot (pressure cooker) for tacos, burrito bowls, taco salads and more (also great with cilantro lime rice)!
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- black pepper to taste
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 1/2 teaspoons cumin
- 6 cloves garlic cut into sliver
- 2-3 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce (to taste)
- 1 cup reduced sodium chicken broth
- 1/2 teaspoon sazon (i used homemade)
- 1/4 teaspoon dry oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon dry adobo seasoning (i used goya)
- 2 1/2 pounds trimmed boneless pork shoulder blade roast, cut into 4 pieces
- Carbohydrate 0.259327727243019 g
- Cholesterol 0 mg
- Fat 0.0354797727225464 g
- Fiber 0.0397704538668172 g
- Protein 0.347105227267655 g
- Saturated Fat 0.00306329545331893 g
- Serving Size 1 1 serving (126g)
- Sodium 270.544609090902 mg
- Sugar 0.219557273376201 g
- Trans Fat 0.0055806363628571 g
- Calories 3 calories
Step-by-step
- Season pork with salt and pepper.
- Press saute on the instant pot, spray with oil and brown the pork on all sides for about 5 minutes.
- Remove from heat and allow to cool.
- Using a sharp knife, insert blade into pork about 1-inch deep, and insert the garlic slivers; repeat all over.
- Season pork with cumin, sazon, oregano, adobo and garlic powder all over.
- Pour chicken broth, add chipotle peppers and stir, add bay leaves and place pork in the Instant Pot, cover and cook using the pressure cooker setting on high pressure for 80 minutes.
- When the pressure releases, shred pork using two forks and combine well with the juices that accumulated at the bottom.
- Remove bay leaves and adjust cumin and add adobo and mix well.
Instant Pot Pork Carnitas: My Weeknight Savior
As a busy mom of three, time is my most precious commodity. Juggling work, school pick-ups, soccer practice, and everything else that comes with raising a family leaves me with precious little time for elaborate meal prep. That's why I've become utterly reliant on my Instant Pot – it's my secret weapon in the kitchen. And this Instant Pot Pork Carnitas recipe? It's a game-changer.
Forget spending hours slow-cooking pork. This recipe delivers incredibly tender, flavorful carnitas in a fraction of the time. The Instant Pot does all the hard work, allowing the pork to become perfectly succulent while I attend to the other demands of my day. The best part? The flavor is phenomenal. The rich blend of spices – cumin, oregano, adobo, and a hint of chipotle – creates a depth of flavor that's hard to resist. It's the kind of meal that makes everyone happy, even on the busiest of nights.
I typically serve these carnitas in tacos, loaded with all the fixings: fresh cilantro, diced onions, a squeeze of lime, and a dollop of my homemade salsa. But they're incredibly versatile. They're also delicious in burrito bowls, atop a bed of fluffy rice, or even as a filling for hearty salads. The possibilities are endless!
Beyond the Recipe: The Joy of Quick & Delicious Meals
For me, cooking isn't just about nourishment; it's about creating moments of connection. Sharing a meal with my family is a cherished part of our day, a time to unwind and reconnect after a busy period. However, with the pressures of modern life, finding the time to create delicious and satisfying meals can feel overwhelming. This recipe is a testament to the idea that you can have it all: delicious food and precious time with your loved ones. This quick and flavorful carnitas recipe is a life saver for busy weeknights. It simplifies the meal preparation process without compromising on taste or quality.
Tips and Variations
Feel free to experiment with different spice combinations to personalize this recipe to your liking. Adding a touch of orange zest or a splash of apple cider vinegar can add another layer of complexity. You can also adjust the amount of chipotle peppers to control the level of spiciness. For a heartier meal, consider adding some sauteed onions and bell peppers to the Instant Pot along with the pork.
Leftovers? Don't worry! These carnitas freeze beautifully. Simply store them in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. This makes meal prep for busy weeks even more convenient. Simply reheat in the microwave or stovetop when you are ready to enjoy.
More Than Just a Meal: A Symbol of Simplicity and Family
This Instant Pot Pork Carnitas recipe is more than just a delicious meal; it's a testament to the power of simple, yet flavorful cooking. It's a reminder that even amidst the chaos of everyday life, there's always time to create something delicious and meaningful for those we love. It's a recipe that embodies the heart of home-cooked meals: love, simplicity, and the joy of sharing food with family and friends. This recipe embodies everything I value in a weeknight dinner: speed, ease of preparation, and exceptional taste. And, it always brings a smile to my family's faces – which is the most important ingredient of all.
