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+ servings

Best Instant Pot Pork Carnitas

Manila Spoon
Melt-in-your-mouth tender and perfectly seasoned shredded pork this Best Instant Pot Pork Carnitas Insis made easier in your instant pot or pressure cooker. I have made this many times for family and friends and they all say it's better than Chipotle's!
5 from 6 votes
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Course Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine Americ, Mexican, Tex-Mex
Servings 10
Calories 183 kcal

Equipment

  • Pressure Cooker or Instant Pot

Ingredients
 

  • 1/3 cup tomato salsa, medium or hot
  • 1 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp freshly ground pepper
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 2 tsp ground cumin, or to taste
  • 1 1/2 tsp dried oregano
  • 3 dried whole cloves
  • 3/4 cup orange juice
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 4 lb pork shoulder or pork butt roast, cut into 4-6 pieces
  • 3 dried bay leaves

Instructions
 

  • In a small bowl, mix the first 8 ingredients. Place the chopped onion at the bottom of the instant pot or pressure cooker. Add the cut-up meat on top. Pour the salsa mixture over the meat and stir to ensure the meat is fully covered or coated with it. Insert the bay leaves.
  • Cover the instant pot with its lid ensuring the vent is in the sealing position. Turn on the pot and adjust the setting to manual (high pressure) for about 50 minutes. Cook until the time is done. Allow pressure to release naturally for 15 minutes. Adjust the vent to the venting position to allow any remaining pressure/steam to release. Uncover. Taste and adjust seasoning, if desired. Remove meat and shred pork. Serve in tortillas (soft or crunchy) and top with, cilantro, chopped onions, extra salsa or tomatoes, sour cream, cheese, or your desired toppings.

Notes

 
TIPS & TRICKS
Left-over/Freezer Option: Freeze the remaining pork in freezer-friendly containers. To use, partially thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Microwave, covered, on high in a microwave-safe dish until heated through, stirring occasionally; add water or broth if necessary.

Nutrition

Calories: 183kcalCarbohydrates: 4gProtein: 22gFat: 8gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 74mgSodium: 492mgPotassium: 471mgFiber: 1gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 99IUVitamin C: 11mgCalcium: 33mgIron: 2mg
Keyword Best Instant Pot Pork Carnitas, Carnitas for Tacos, Chipotle Copycat Carnitas, Instant Pot, Instant Pot Pork Carnitas, Pork Carnitas
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