Crazy Good Instant Pot Pork Carnitas
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 186
Calories from Fat 54
% Daily Value*
Fat 6g9%
Saturated Fat 2g13%
Trans Fat 1g
Cholesterol 54mg18%
Sodium 4330mg188%
Potassium 492mg14%
Carbohydrates 14g5%
Fiber 1g4%
Sugar 11g12%
Protein 18g36%
Vitamin A 500IU10%
Vitamin C 22mg27%
Calcium 58mg6%
Iron 3mg17%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.