Instant Pot Carnitas
Try this Instant Pot Carnitas recipe.
Try this Instant Pot Carnitas recipe.
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 cup salsa
- ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- ingredients
- 1
- tablespoon
- teaspoons
- 3
- 2
- quartered
- cup
- salsa
- 6
- cilantro
- crushed red pepper flakes
- tablespoons
- teaspoon
- limes
- 6 garlic cloves peeled
- 1-2
- 2 tablespoons cilantro minced
- thinly sliced
- 1 dried bay leaf
- radishes
- pounds
- garlic cloves
- minced
- more to taste
- ghee
- finely diced
- peeled and sliced
- peeled
- large yellow onion
- 1 small white onion finely diced
- small white onion
- jalapeã±o peppers
- 3 pounds boneless pork shoulder roast
- 1 teaspoons crushed dried oregano leaves preferably mexican
- 1 large yellow onion peeled and quartered
- 2 hass avocados peeled and sliced
- 2 jalapeã±o peppers sliced (optional)
- 3 limes quartered
- diamond crystal kosher salt
- ingredients3 pounds boneless pork shoulder roast 2 lard, or favorite high temperature cooking fat (optional) 1 small white onion finely diced 2 tablespoons cilantro minced 1 head butter lettuce leaves removed, washed and spun dry (siete’s grain-free tortillasâ are awesome as well.) 2 hass avocados peeled an
- 3 pounds boneless pork shoulder roast 2 teaspoons diamond c lard, or favorite high temperature cooking fat (optional) 1 small white onion finely diced 2 tablespoons cilantro minced 1 head butter lettuce leaves removed, washed and spun dry (siete’s grain-free tortillasâ are awesome as well.) 2 hass avocados peeled an
- 3 pounds boneless pork shoulder roast 2 teaspoons diamond c lard, or favorite high temperature cooking fat (optional) 1 small white onion finely diced 2 tablespoons cilantro minced 1 head butter lettuce leaves removed, washed and spun dry (siete’s grain-free tortillasâ are awesome as well.) 2 hass avocados peeled an
- boneless pork shoulder roast
- 2 teaspoons diamond crystal kosher salt more to taste
- crushed dried oregano leaves
- preferably mexican
- 1 medium orange i like using cara cara
- medium orange
- i like using cara cara
- peeled and quartered
- dried bay leaf
- 1 tablespoon ghee avocado oil lard, or favorite high temperature cooking fat (optional)
- avocado oil lard, or favorite high temperature cooking fat (optional)
- 1 head butter lettuce leaves removed washed and spun dry (siete’s grain-free tortillasâ are awesome as well.)
- head butter lettuce
- leaves removed washed and spun dry (siete’s grain-free tortillasâ are awesome as well.)
- hass avocados
- 1-2 radishes thinly sliced
- sliced (optional)
- Carbohydrate 279.703586933929 g
- Cholesterol 2774.35384132514 mg
- Fat 916.54776000473 g
- Fiber 105.496592943686 g
- Protein 653.287869907241 g
- Saturated Fat 308.326026941456 g
- Serving Size 1 1 recipe (9086g)
- Sodium 20593.7560775457 mg
- Sugar 174.206993990243 g
- Trans Fat 87.3717975903472 g
- Calories 11810 calories
Step-by-step
- Season the pork shoulder with 2 teaspoons diamond crystal kosher salt, 1 teaspoon crushed dried oregano leaves (preferably Mexican), 2 teaspoons ground cumin, and 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes.
- In the Instant Pot, sauté 1 large yellow onion (peeled and quartered), 6 garlic cloves (peeled), and 1 dried bay leaf in 1 tablespoon ghee or your preferred cooking fat until softened.
- Add the seasoned pork shoulder to the Instant Pot.
- Pour 1 cup of salsa over the pork.
- Close the Instant Pot lid and cook on high pressure for 60 minutes.
- Allow for a natural pressure release for 20 minutes, then manually release any remaining pressure.
- Shred the pork with two forks.
- Stir in 2 tablespoons of minced cilantro.
- Serve the carnitas with your favorite toppings, such as 2 hass avocados (peeled and sliced), 2 jalapeño peppers (sliced, optional), 1-2 radishes (thinly sliced), 3 limes (quartered), and a small white onion (finely diced).
- Serve on tortillas or with lettuce wraps
My Go-To Instant Pot Carnitas: A Busy Woman's Best Friend
As a working mom, time is my most precious commodity. Dinner prep needs to be quick, easy, and, most importantly, delicious. That’s where my Instant Pot Carnitas recipe comes in – a lifesaver on busy weeknights and a crowd-pleaser at the weekend. This recipe takes the guesswork out of traditionally long cooking times, ensuring tender, flavorful carnitas every single time. Forget hours spent braising – with the Instant Pot, you can have succulent pork ready in a fraction of the time.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. You start with a humble pork shoulder, a cut known for its affordability and rich flavor. Seasoning is straightforward, relying on the classic combination of cumin, oregano, and a hint of chili. I like to use a good quality salsa to add depth and complexity without any extra fuss. The Instant Pot does all the hard work, breaking down the collagen in the pork, resulting in melt-in-your-mouth tenderness. The magic of pressure cooking renders the meat incredibly juicy, eliminating the need for constant monitoring and basting. Honestly, it's almost effortless.
Once the pork is cooked, the real fun begins! I usually shred it with two forks directly in the Instant Pot, then stir in fresh cilantro for a vibrant burst of freshness. From there, the possibilities are endless. I love serving my carnitas in warm tortillas with all the fixings: creamy avocado slices, fiery jalapeños (if you’re brave enough!), crisp radishes for a nice bite, and juicy lime wedges for a zesty kick. I’ve even gotten creative, serving them in butter lettuce cups for a lighter, healthier option. Sometimes, I'll add a dollop of my homemade guacamole for an extra layer of flavor.
This Instant Pot Carnitas recipe has become a staple in our home. It’s a blank canvas for creativity, adaptable to different tastes and preferences. Whether it's a quick weeknight meal or a casual gathering with friends, this dish always delivers. The ease of preparation combined with the incredible flavor makes it a winner every time. It's the perfect example of how you can enjoy delicious, home-cooked meals even when you're short on time. The leftovers are equally amazing in tacos, burritos, or even simply enjoyed cold as a tasty snack. It’s versatility makes it a true culinary gem. My family loves it, and I am sure yours will too! Give it a try and let me know what you think!
Beyond the Recipe: The beauty of this recipe extends beyond the simple act of preparing a meal. It represents a commitment to family and well-being, even in the midst of a hectic schedule. It's about finding moments of joy and connection amidst the daily grind. The aroma of the simmering pork filling the kitchen acts as a beacon, signaling the approach of a relaxing and comforting evening, a time for sharing stories and laughter with loved ones. More than just a recipe, it's a ritual, a tradition, a warm embrace in a fast-paced world.
Tips and Variations:
- Feel free to experiment with different salsas, from mild to spicy.
- Add other spices to your liking – chipotle powder for a smoky kick, or ancho chili powder for a rich, earthy flavor.
- For a richer carnitas, brown the pork shoulder in a skillet before adding it to the Instant Pot.
- If you don't have an Instant Pot, you can easily adapt this recipe for a slow cooker. Simply cook on low for 6-8 hours.
- Get the kids involved! Older children can help with measuring ingredients or shredding the pork.
This Instant Pot Carnitas recipe is more than just a meal; it's a testament to the power of simple ingredients, efficient cooking methods, and the enduring joy of sharing a delicious home-cooked meal with those you love. It’s a recipe that embodies my philosophy on life: making the most of precious moments and creating lasting memories, one delicious bite at a time.
