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Instant Pot Crispy Pork Carnitas
Prep Time
15 mins
Cook Time
1 hr 14 mins
Total Time
1 hr 29 mins
 

Authentic pork carnitas are seasoned with a dry rub and then cooked in the pressure cooker to lock in flavor and moisture. A few minutes in the oven after cooking crisps the pork to give it great texture.  Subtle notes of cinnamon and citrus add to the wonderful flavor.

Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican
Keyword: pork
Ingredients
  • 1 tablespoon ground cumin
  • 2 teaspoons oregano
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1 3 to 4 pound boneless pork shoulder or butt, cut into 2-inch chunks
  • 3/4 cup chicken broth
  • 1 orange, juiced, about 1/3 cup
  • 1 lime. juiced, about 3 tablespoons
  • 4 cloves garlic. crushed
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 16 corn tortillas. warmed
Instructions
  1. Combine cumin, oregano, paprika, onion powder, salt, pepper and cinnamon and rub mixture all over pork. Let stand 15 to 30 minutes.
  2. Add pork, chicken broth, orange and lime juice, garlic and bay leaves to pressure cooker. Lock pressure cooker lid in place, select High Pressure, and cook for 50 minutes.
  3. Let pressure release naturally for 15 minutes, then release pressure using quick release.
  4. Preheat oven to 450°F. Remove the pork from the cooker, reserving juices; discard bay leaves. Arrange pork on rimmed baking sheet, breaking up slightly with fork, and bake, stirring occasionally, until crisp, about 10 minutes. Skim fat from juice and pour over pork.
  5. Serve pork with corn tortillas, pico de gallo, queso fresco, and cilantro, if desired.
Recipe Notes

If you don't have an Instant Pot or pressure cooker, this recipe is easy to make in your slow cooker.  In Step 2, add all ingredients to your slow cooker.  Cover and cook on high for 4 to 5 hours or Low for 8 to 9 hours.  Then follow directions for crisping the pork after cooking.

Serve the pork in lettuce leaves to make this Keto friendly.