Are you craving a mouthwatering Mexican dish that will leave your taste buds dancing with delight? Look no further than this instant pot carnitas recipe! With the help of your trusty pressure cooker, you can whip up a batch of tender and flavorful pulled pork that will rival any restaurant’s offering. Whether you’re hosting a fiesta or simply want to enjoy a delicious homemade meal, this recipe is sure to satisfy your cravings. So, grab your apron and let’s get cooking!
Ingredients for Instant Pot Carnitas
To create this delectable dish, you’ll need the following ingredients:
– 3 pounds of pork shoulder, boneless
– 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil
– 1 cup of chicken broth
– 1 onion, diced
– 4 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon of chili powder
– 1 teaspoon of cumin
– 1 teaspoon of paprika
– 1 teaspoon of oregano
– 1 teaspoon of salt
– 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
– 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper (optional for heat lovers)
– Juice of 1 lime
Step 1: Prepare the Pork Shoulder
Before diving into the cooking process, it’s important to prepare the pork shoulder properly.
Step 1.1: Trim the Excess Fat
Start by trimming any excess fat from the pork shoulder. While a little fat adds flavor, too much can make the carnitas greasy. Trim the fat to your preference, ensuring a good balance of flavor and texture.
Step 1.2: Cut the Pork Shoulder into Chunks
Next, cut the pork shoulder into chunks that are around 2 inches in size. This will help the meat cook evenly and make it easier to shred later on.
Step 2: Seasoning the Pork
Now it’s time to infuse the pork with a mouthwatering blend of spices.
Step 2.1: Create the Flavorful Spice Rub
In a small bowl, combine the chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using). Mix well to create a flavorful spice rub.
Step 2.2: Coat the Pork with the Spice Rub
Rub the spice mixture all over the pork chunks, ensuring they are evenly coated. This will help to enhance the flavor of the meat as it cooks.
Step 3: Searing the Pork
To add an extra depth of flavor to the carnitas, we’ll sear the pork before pressure cooking it.
Heat the vegetable oil in the instant pot using the sauté function. Once the oil is hot, add the seasoned pork chunks in batches and sear them on all sides until nicely browned. This will help to lock in the flavors and create a delicious crust.
Step 4: Pressure Cooking the Carnitas
Now it’s time to let the instant pot work its magic and transform the pork into tender and juicy carnitas.
Step 4.1: Add Liquid and Aromatics
Pour the chicken broth into the instant pot and add the diced onion, minced garlic, and lime juice. These ingredients will infuse the meat with additional flavors while it cooks.
Step 4.2: Pressure Cook the Pork
Secure the lid of the instant pot and set it to high pressure for 60 minutes. Once the cooking time is complete, allow for a natural pressure release for 15 minutes before manually releasing any remaining pressure.
Step 5: Shredding and Crisping the Carnitas
After the pressure has released, it’s time to transform the tender pork into perfectly shredded and crispy carnitas.
Step 5.1: Remove the Pork from the Instant Pot
Using tongs or a slotted spoon, carefully remove the cooked pork from the instant pot and transfer it to a large cutting board or a bowl.
Step 5.2: Shred the Pork
Using two forks, shred the pork into bite-sized pieces. The meat should be incredibly tender and fall apart effortlessly.
Step 5.3: Crisp the Carnitas
For that irresistible crispy texture, transfer the shredded pork to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Broil the carnitas in the oven for 5-7 minutes or until they turn golden brown and crispy. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning.
Step 6: Serving and Enjoying
The final step is to assemble your delicious carnitas and savor every bite!
Step 6.1: Choose Your Accompaniments
Gather your favorite taco toppings and sides. Traditional options include warm tortillas, chopped onions, fresh cilantro, lime wedges, salsa, guacamole, and sour cream. Feel free to get creative and add your personal touch!
Step 6.2: Assemble Your Carnitas
Place a generous amount of the crispy carnitas onto a warm tortilla. Top it with your desired accompaniments, and squeeze a bit of fresh lime juice over the filling. Roll it up and get ready to indulge in a burst of flavors.
Step 6.3: Dig In!
Now that your mouthwatering carnitas are ready, it’s time to dig in! Take a bite and savor the tender and flavorful pulled pork. The combination of spices, the crispy texture, and the freshness of the toppings will transport your taste buds to Mexico.
Conclusion:
Congratulations! You’ve successfully mastered the art of making Instant Pot carnitas. This recipe allows you to create a restaurant-worthy dish right in the comfort of your own kitchen. The tender and flavorful pulled pork, combined with your favorite toppings, will make every bite a memorable experience. So, gather your loved ones, share the joy of cooking, and enjoy this delicious Mexican delight together. Buen provecho!