Instant Pot Carnitas Tacos

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Want to make tasty Mexican pork tacos at home? Instant Pot carnitas are your answer. You can make juicy, flavorful shredded pork in about an hour using your pressure cooker. It’s way faster than the traditional method.

To make carnitas, you’ll season chunks of pork with spices like cumin and oregano. Then cook it in the Instant Pot with some liquid. Finish the meat under the broiler to get those crispy edges everyone loves. Stuff the pork into tortillas with your favorite toppings for an easy taco night.

Table of Contents

Exact Ingredients (+ Possible Substitutes)

Here’s what you’ll need to make delicious Instant Pot carnitas tacos:

3-4 lbs pork shoulder (boneless)
1 onion, chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 orange, juiced
2 limes, juiced
2 tsp cumin
2 tsp oregano
1 tsp salt
1/2 cup chicken broth

Can’t find some ingredients? No worries! Try these swaps:

Use pork butt instead of shoulder
Swap orange juice for the fresh orange
Replace lime juice with lemon juice or vinegar
Use beef broth instead of chicken broth

For the taco fixings, grab these:

Corn or flour tortillas
Chopped cilantro
Diced onions
Sliced avocado
Lime wedges
Your favorite salsa

Feel free to add your own twist! Pickled jalapeños, queso fresco, or a dollop of sour cream can take your tacos to the next level.

Remember, the magic of carnitas is in the crispy edges. After pressure cooking, don’t skip broiling the meat for that perfect crunch!

Instructions

Start by seasoning your pork with salt, pepper, and Mexican spices. Cut the meat into large chunks.

Place the pork in your Instant Pot. Add orange juice, lime juice, and chicken broth. Close the lid and set to high pressure for 45 minutes.

When done, let the pressure release naturally for 15 minutes. Then do a quick release.

Remove the pork and shred it with two forks. Spread the meat on a baking sheet.

Pour some of the cooking liquid over the shredded pork. Broil for 5-10 minutes until crispy.

Warm your tortillas in a skillet or microwave. Fill them with the crispy carnitas.

Top your tacos with diced onion, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime juice. Add salsa or guacamole if you like.

Serve your carnitas tacos right away while the meat is still hot and crispy. Enjoy your homemade Mexican feast!

Tips, Tricks & Storing

Want to make the best Instant Pot carnitas tacos? Here are some handy tips:

Cut your pork into 2-inch chunks before cooking. This helps it cook evenly and absorb more flavor.

Don’t skip the crisping step! After pressure cooking, broil the meat for extra crispy edges. Brush some cooking liquid on the pork before broiling for added flavor.

Try these tasty toppings for your tacos:

Diced onions
Fresh cilantro
Lime wedges
Sliced avocado
Crumbled queso fresco

To store leftovers, let the carnitas cool completely. Put them in an airtight container and keep in the fridge for up to 4 days.

For longer storage, freeze the carnitas in freezer bags for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.