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pork carnitas with fresh cilantro chopped up on top

Crazy Good Instant Pot Pork Carnitas

Prep Time: 8 hours
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 8 hours 45 minutes
Servings: 15
Juicy and flavorful pork carnitas perfect for any Taco Tuesday

Equipment

Ingredients

Brine

  • 2 Cups Orange Juice
  • 4 Cups Water
  • 2 Cups Apple Cider Vinegar
  • 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

Pork Rub

  • 3-4 Lb Pork Butt bone-in * see notes for using boneless or cubed pork shoulder
  • 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

Cooking

  • Canola Oil for Final Crisping
  • 1/2 Cup Orange Juice
  • 1/4 Cup Lime Juice
  • 1/4 Cup Chicken Broth

Instructions

For the Brine

  • Combine all brine ingredients in a large pot and stir to combine.
  • Add the pork and place a lid on then stick it in the fridge for 8 hours or overnight.

For the Pork

  • Remove the pork from the brine and pat dry with paper towels.
  • Mix the rub together and rub all over the pork.
  • Mix together the liquids and pour in the bottom of the instant pot.
  • 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.
  • Toss with a little of the juices from the instant pot and serve!

Notes

  • 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.
Nutrition Facts
Crazy Good Instant Pot Pork Carnitas
Amount Per Serving (1 cup)
Calories 403 Calories from Fat 243
% Daily Value*
Fat 27g42%
Saturated Fat 10g63%
Polyunsaturated Fat 15g
Cholesterol 120mg40%
Sodium 1682mg73%
Carbohydrates 5g2%
Sugar 4g4%
Protein 33g66%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Course: Over 500 Family Dinner Recipes Ideas
Cuisine: Mexican
Keyword: carnitas, instant pot, mexican, orange juice, pork, pork butt, pork shoulder, tacos