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Pork carnitas tacos on corn tortillas with guacamole, cilantro, and sliced jalapenos.
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5 from 1 vote

Instant Pot Pork Carnitas Tacos

This Instant Pot Pork Carnitas recipe is tender and juicy! Pork shoulder is cooked in the pressure cooker, shredded, and served on tacos.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time55 minutes
Instant Pot Release Time20 minutes
Total Time1 hour 25 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican
Diet: Gluten Free
Keyword: pork carnitas, instant pot carnitas, gluten free carnitas
Servings: 6
Calories: 273kcal

Equipment

  • Instant Pot

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Mince 6 cloves of garlic and 1 large onion.
  • For the sauce: Combine ¾ cup low-sodium chicken broth, ½ cup orange juice, ⅓ cup lime juice, 1-2 minced chipotles in adobo sauce, 1 tsp. cumin, 1 tsp. Adobo seasoning, 1 tsp. Italian seasoning, ½ tsp. garlic powder, ½ tsp. onion powder, ½ tsp. chili powder, and ¼ tsp. each of kosher salt and pepper in a small bowl. Stir until completely combined.
  • Trim the fat from a 2 ½ pound pork shoulder or pork butt roast. Cut the roast into large cubes. Remove any excess fat from the pork cubes.
  • Turn the Instant Pot On and press the 'Sauté' setting. Add 1 Tbsp. olive oil to the Instant Pot.
  • Place half of the pork cubes in the pot along with a generous pinch of kosher salt and pepper. Sauté for 2-3 minutes on the first side, flip and repeat with the second side. Once the meat is seared remove and set aside. Repeat with the second half of the meat, adding the second Tbsp. of olive oil.
  • Add the minced garlic and onions to the pot and saute for 1-2 minutes, stirring often.
  • Pour the prepared sauce into the Instant Pot and scrape any brown bits off the bottom. Return the seared pork and submerge in the liquid.
  • Place the cover on the Instant Pot making sure it is sealed and in the locked position. Press the ‘Cancel/Off’ button and then press the ‘Manual’ button. Set the timer for 45 minutes.
  • Allow the pressure to build, cook for 45 minutes, and then let the pressure release naturally for 20 minutes. Release the valve after 20 minutes or so.
    Turn the Instant Pot off and unplug it when finished.
  • Remove the meat from the pot, shred it, and place it on a baking sheet. Pour some of the liquids on top of the meat. Turn the oven to Broil and cook for 5-6 minutes in the oven. This will make the edges a little crispy.
  • Serve the carnitas with warmed corn tortillas, minced onions, fresh cilantro, a squeeze of lime, and guacamole or avocado slices.

For The Guacamole:

  • Combine 2 ripe avocados, 1 Tbsp. lime juice, and a generous pinch of kosher salt in a small bowl. Mash with a fork until smooth.

Notes

Other serving suggestions include pickled onions, fresh or pickled radishes, pico de gallo, Cotija or Queso Fresco cheese, or salsa.

Nutrition

Calories: 273kcal | Carbohydrates: 37g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 13g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 129mg | Potassium: 611mg | Fiber: 9g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 465IU | Vitamin C: 27.8mg | Calcium: 88mg | Iron: 2.2mg