Delicious Instant Pot Carnitas Recipe

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Oh my goodness. If you have never had Instant Pot carnitas before then you are in for a real treat. This fantastic Carnitas recipe is absolutely to die for and one your family will never get tired of.

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WHAT ARE CARNITAS?

The Spanish word carnitas translates into “little meats. Carnitas are a Mexican pork dish where the pork cut is cooked for several hours until tender enough to be shredded. The carnitas meat is then served on a dish or used as a filling for tacos, enchiladas or burritos. 

Carnitas are often served with a dressing such as pico de Gallo, a chunky salsa which accompanies the Mexican dish. 

WHAT CUT OF MEAT ARE CARNITAS MADE FROM?

Carnitas are best made from Pork shoulder which is sometimes referred to as pork butt. Meat taken from the top of the shoulder of the pig can also be called, Boston shoulder, shoulder roast, fresh pork butt and Boston butt. The reason pork shoulder got the name pork butt is due to Colonial times when pork shoulder was packed in barrels named butts. 

Pork Butt when cooked well is moist tender and happens to be one of the cheaper cuts of pork which makes this meal budget friendly. 

ARE CARNITAS KETO?

Carnitas can be kept friendly for sure! You don’t have to eat them with tacos or burrito bread, and can instead eat your carnitas meat with the salsa dressing and creme. Leave out the carbs and make this Carnitas pork recipe more keto friendly. 

RELATED POST: THE BEST INSTANT POT MEXICAN RECIPES

Ingredients Needed For Instant Pot Carnitas

Instant Pot Carnitas (serves 8-10)  Prep Time 30 min.  Cook Time 40 min.

Instant Pot Carnita Meat

• 4 lb boneless pork roast cut into 2-4 chunks (Boston Butt works well for this)
• 8 slices jarred jalapenos
• 3 lg garlic cloves (diced)
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp oregano
• ½ tsp cinnamon
• 1 tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp soy sauce
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 8-10 corn or flour soft tortillas (I use the 8” flour tortillas.  I feel they fold easier.  But both taste great.)

Pico de Gallo Ingredients

• 4 lg tomatoes (diced)
• ½ c diced red onion
• ½ c chopped fresh cilantro
• 1 tbsp diced cilantro stems
• ⅓ c diced green onion
• 1 tsp diced fresh garlic
• 2 tbsp diced jalapeno
• ½ tsp salt
• 4 tbsp fresh lime juice

Crema Ingredients

• 10½ oz plain greek yogurt
• juice of 1 med. lime
• zest of 1 med. lime
• ½ tsp chili powder

Busy Now? Why Not Pin These Instant Pot Carnitas For Later!

HOW TO MAKE CARNITAS IN THE INSTANT POT

Cooking The Pork IN The Instant Pot

Place pork and all spices, jalapenos and soy sauce into the Instant Pot. Toss meat around in the spices to coat.

Seal Instant Pot and cook at high pressure for 40 minutes.

Release pressure manually and remove meat to a bowl with a slotted spoon. Remove jalapenos and discard. (If you prefer extra hot, just leave the jalapenos in the meat.)

Using your hands or two forks, shred the meat. Pour juice from the Instant Pot over the meat and toss to mix. I use the meat as it is at this point but if you prefer a crispy meat, place in skillet over high heat until edges of the meat starts to caramelize and crisp.

How To make Pico de Gallo

Mix together all ingredients.

This is even better if chilled for several hours to allow flavors to meld.

Making Carnitas Crema

In a bowl, whisk yogurt with the lime juice and zest.

Sprinkle the chili powder over the top.

What to Serve With Carnitas?

1. You can serve the tortilla right out of the package or heat lightly in the microwave, oven or stovetop.
2. Place pork on your tortilla shell, top with Pico de Gallo and finish with a dollop of the crema. Fold up.
3. Add cheese, olives, avocado or extra jalapenos if you desire.

This Instant Pot Carnitas recipe is delicious and one recipe the whole family will enjoy!

Why not try making this today and enjoy the flavors of pork carnitas with pico de gallo and crema.

Looking for more fantastic recipes? Why not try out the following?

• Instant Pot Mushroom Rissotto
• Instant Pot BBQ Ribs On Garlic Mash
• Instant Pot Baby Back Ribs With Buffalo Sauce
• Keto Tomato Bites
• Baked Spaghetti Squash 

About Angela Milnes

Angela Milnes is a Qualified Teacher who has specialised in Preschool and Kindergarten teaching. She has studied nutrition for children and has also taught cooking skills to adults. Angela loves to share family meals and easy instant pot recipes here on The Inspiration Edit. Follow her on Pinterest!