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Easy Instant Pot Carnitas

Easy Instant Pot Carnitas

These easy instant pot Mexican carnitas are full of flavor, juicy yet crispy. You'll want to eat them for breakfast, lunch, and dinner!
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 8 hours
Crisp Time 20 minutes
Course: Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch, Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients Equipment Method

Ingredients
  

Rub
  • 2 tbsp dried oregano
  • 1 tbsp dried cilantro
  • 2 tbsp ground cumin (omit for AIP)
  • 1 tsp paprika (omit for AIP)
  • 1 tbsp chili powder (omit for AIP)
Carnitas
  • 4-5 lb pork shoulder
  • 1 medium onion sliced
  • 4 garlic cloves
  • 1/2 cup fresh orange juice
  • 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
  • 1/2 cup bone broth or water
  • salt and pepper
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1/2 lime

Equipment

  • Instant Pot or Slow Cooker

Method
 

Instant Pot
  1. Mix together the oregano, cumin, paprika, cilantro and chili powder. Rub all over the pork shoulder. For an AIP rub, only use the cilantro and oregano.
  2. Cut 4 slits into the pork shoulder with a knife and insert the garlic cloves.
  3. If using an Instant Pot, set the IP to saute and add olive oil. Sear the pork shoulder on all sides.
  4. Add in the sliced onion, orange juice, lime juice, and broth or water.
  5. Season with salt and pepper and cook on low for 8 hours.
Crisping the carnitas
  1. Heat oven to 450F.
  2. Shred pork with two forks. Spread out shredded pork on a baking sheet. Top with cooking juice.
  3. Cook until crispy, about 20 minutes. Squeeze some lime juice on top and enjoy!
  4. See post for serving ideas.