Instant Pot Pork Carnitas

4.33 from 28 votes

Juicy and flavorful pork carnitas perfect for any Taco Tuesday

Prep Time8

Cook Time45

Total Time8 45

Course: Over 500 Family Dinner Recipes Ideas

Cuisine: Mexican

Keyword: carnitas, instant pot, mexican, orange juice, pork, pork butt, pork shoulder, tacos

Servings:

Author: Sweet Basil

Combine all brine ingredients in a large pot and stir to combine.
2 Cups Orange Juice, 4 Cups Water, 2 Cups Apple Cider Vinegar, 20 Cloves Garlic, 2 Bay Leaves, 1/2 Cup Brown Sugar, 1/2 Cup Kosher Salt, 1 Tablespoon Cumin, 1 Tablespoon Oregano, 1 Tablespoon Dried Orange Peel, 1 Tablespoon Smoked Paprika, 1 Tablespoon Chili Powder
Add the pork and place a lid on then stick it in the fridge for 8 hours or overnight.
3-4 Lb Pork Butt

Remove the pork from the brine and pat dry with paper towels.
Mix the rub together and rub all over the pork.
2 Tablespoons Cumin, 1 Tablespoon Kosher Salt, 1 Tablespoon Oregano, 1 1/2 teaspoons Dried Orange Peel, 2 teaspoons Onion Powder, 2 teaspoons Garlic Powder, 1 teaspoon Ground Coriander
Mix together the liquids and pour in the bottom of the instant pot.
1/2 Cup Orange Juice, 1/4 Cup Lime Juice, 1/4 Cup Chicken Broth
Add the pork and lid, moving the valve to seal.
Turn to high pressure on manual and set the time for 2 hours.
Allow a natural release for 15 minutes then turn to vent.
Open and if the meat can be shredded remove and shred, reserving the liquid.
If it isn't tender enough, cook for an additional 30 minutes.
Once the meat has been shredded, heat a skillet over medium high heat with a drizzle of oil and cook the pork in batches to crisp the meat.
Canola Oil for Final Crisping
Toss with a little of the juices from the instant pot and serve!

For using a boneless pork butt, adjust the cooking time to 50 minutes, checking the meat and cooking for up to an additional 30 if needed
For using pork cubes, cook on high pressure for 30 minutes and a natural release for 15 minutes.

Left overs can be stored in the freezer in a heavy duty freezer bag.