Recipe Snapshot

PREP + COOK TIME: 1 hour and 5 minutes (including time to pressurize)
METHOD: Instant Pot
OTHER TOOLS: knife, cutting board, forks, baking sheet
TOTAL INGREDIENTS: 13

The Instant Pot is your shortcut to fall-apart tender pork that tastes like it’s been cooking for hours! With pork shoulder, citrus, and a few simple spices, try the best Instant Pot Carnitas recipe for dinner and then some! It’s perfect for meal prep for the week and serving in tacos, burritos, bowls, and more.

overhead view of white platter containing shredded pork, 2 lime wedges and gold fork, surrounded by instant pot, bowls of onions, cheese, plate of tortillas and cilantro

What are carnitas?

Carnitas is a Mexican pork dish, literally meaning “little meats” to represent how it is shredded and served. The meat is typically roasted or slow-cooked with a variety of seasonings, citrus juices, or other additions, such as peppers and onions.

After the pork is roasted or braised, the pieces are typically crisped up through frying or in a broiler. Carnitas is a flavorful way to enjoy shredded pork and can be eaten alone or added to other recipes like tamales, tacos, burritos, bowls, or salads.

What’s To Love About This Recipe

Get super tender, flavorful meat made fast in the Instant Pot. This is my preferred method for cooking a batch of meat like this to retain maximum flavor and juiciness.
Pork shoulder can be a tougher cut of meat to cook, but the Instant Pot makes it effortless. The added flavor from the fat marbling is a bonus, and the steam pressure keeps the meat from drying out.
Want to get ahead for the week? Try this fridge-and freezer-friendly recipe for meals such as tacos, nachos, burrito bowls, and more.
Keep it mild or make it spicy! It’s easy to customize the spice level or seasoning.
With one-pot cooking and minimal hands-on time, you can spend more time prepping sides and toppings, or stay stress-free while the Instant Pot does it all!

Ingredients Needed

Boneless pork shoulder – I prefer a boneless pork butt since it’s best cut for shredding and flavor. Contrary to the name, it’s actually part of the shoulder, which is a tougher, marbled cut. Bone-in pork shoulder also works just as well.
Jalapeño peppers – Remove the ribs and seeds and finely dice the peppers to integrate the spice evenly into the shredded meat. The peppers bring a subtle heat that complements the citrusy elements.
Onion – A sweet onion adds depth to the pork.
Jarred minced garlic – Infuse extra flavor with minced garlic to complement the herbs and citrus.
Oregano, chili powder, salt, pepper – These earthy, traditional spices create a savory base with the cooking juices.
Chicken broth – Broth adds the extra moisture needed to keep the meat juicy and tender.
Orange juice and lime juice – Together, this citrusy combo brightens up the flavor and balances the richness of the meat. Orange and lime juices are key to getting traditional Mexican flavors in the carnitas!
Tomato paste – The acidity of tomato paste deepens the flavor and adds thickness to the juices so that they are easy to integrate throughout the shredded pork.
Brown sugar – A bit of caramelized sweetness balances the acidity, citrus, and spice, and creates an irresistible finish!

ingredient for IP Carnitas to include large white platter with pork shoulder, small bowels filled with tomato paste, chicken broth, minced garlic, jalapeno pepper, diced onion, brown sugar, salt, pepper, orange juice, lime juice, oregano and chili powder

How To Make Instant Pot Carnitas

Finely dice peppers, onions, and garlic and stir together in a sauce with seasonings and remaining ingredients.

clear bowl of ingredients, except for pork, with wooden spoon on side

Cut pork into smaller 2-3 inch cubes.

wooden cutting board with knife and cubed pork shoulder

Add pork to the Instant Pot along with the sauce.

cubed pork in instant pot with bowl of other ingredients being poured into the pot

overhead view of cubed pork with remaining ingredients on top

Cover, seal, and set to high pressure for 30 minutes.
Allow a natural pressure release.
Remove pork from the Instant Pot and shred, adding back spoonfuls of juice as desired.

overhead view of instant pot with cooked pork and large ladle over instant pot with pork

If you’d like crispy carnitas, place the shredded pork on a baking sheet and broil in the oven for 5-10 minutes, or until the tips are crispy.

sheet pan lined with parchment paper with shredded pork and to forks

Pro Tips

Cooking meat in one large chunk may need extra minutes on high pressure (usually up to 60-75 minutes). It’s best to cut it into smaller chunks to ensure even cooking.
Frozen pork can work, but add extra cooking and allow for a natural pressure release.
The pork is done when it reaches 205 ℉ for easy shredding.
Broiling for crispiness is optional. Always drain the cooking liquid before broiling or browning.

Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Make carnitas with other cuts and types of meat. Try pork loin, beef chuck, or chicken thighs, and adjust cooking times accordingly.
Vary the flavor by adding chipotle, smoked paprika, or shredded pineapple for sweet and smoky notes.

closeup view of ladle of cooked pork with instant pot filled with pork in background

Slow Cooker Carnitas

Slow-cooker lovers, there is a carnitas option for you, too!

Cut the pork into smaller pieces and prepare all ingredients as directed.
Add all ingredients to the slow cooker and cook on low for 8 hours.
Shred the pork in the slow cooker, then remove to a baking sheet to broil until crisp.

How To Serve Instant Pot Carnitas

Instant Pot Carnitas are delicious with practically any combination of Latin-inspired recipes. Add the juicy, flavorful pork to street tacos or hearty burritos, or top off nachos with the pork and a drizzle of queso.

Create carnitas grain bowls with Instant Pot Quinoa, cauliflower rice, or Instant Pot Spanish Rice for extra flavor. Add sautéed veggies, or a scoop of Mexican Street Corn Salad on top.

Serve with plenty of fresh toppings, such as chopped onion, cilantro, lime wedges, sliced avocado, crumbled cotija, salsa, crema, and pickled onions. Carnitas are the perfect base for a build-your-own bowl!

overhead view of three tortillas filled with pork mixture on parchment paper, with a bowl of cheese, jalapeno pepper slices, cilantro and avocado

Storing and Reheating

How To Best Store Leftovers

Fridge

Store leftover carnitas in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Freezer

Freeze carnitas in portion-size bags or containers for up to 3 months.

How To Best Reheat Leftovers

Reheat carnitas in the oven or air fryer at 350 ℉ for 5-7 minutes to maintain crispiness, or reheat with a splash of water or oil in a small skillet on the stovetop.