Crispy Broiled Pork Carnitas
This Crispy Broiled Pork Carnitas recipe is a delightful twist on a classic Mexican dish, providing rich flavors and tender meat with a satisfying crunch. Adapted from the renowned pressurecookrecipes.com, this recipe uses the convenience of an Instant Pot (or any pressure cooker) to infuse the pork shoulder with a blend of spices, aromatics, and fresh citrus. After a quick cook, the pork is broiled to achieve that perfect crispy texture, making it an ideal filling for tacos, burritos, or a flavorful topping for scrambled eggs. Serve with fresh cilantro, diced onions, and your favorite salsa for a truly authentic experience.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Pork shoulder
3 1/4 lbs (Cut into 2-inch cubes)
Chicken stock
7/8 cup (Use more if needed for minimum liquid requirement)
Garlic cloves
4 (Crushed)
Onion
1 (Chopped)
Ground cumin
1 teaspoon
Ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon
Bay leaves
2
Soy sauce
1 tablespoon
Orange
1 (Juice only)
Salt and pepper
to taste
Instructions
1
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cubed pork shoulder with crushed garlic, chopped onion, ground cumin, ground cinnamon, bay leaves, soy sauce, and freshly squeezed orange juice. Mix well to coat the pork evenly. Let the mixture marinate in the refrigerator for at least 20 minutes to enhance the flavor.
2
After marinating, pour the chicken stock into the pressure cooker and add the marinated pork mixture. Seal the pressure cooker lid and set to high pressure for 30 minutes.
3
Once the cooking time is complete, allow for a natural release for 15 minutes before manually releasing any remaining pressure.
4
Carefully remove the pork shoulder from the pressure cooker and place it on a large foil-lined baking dish or lasagna pan. Drizzle a few tablespoons of the cooking liquid over the pork to keep it moist.
5
Preheat your broiler. Broil the pork for about 5 minutes until the edges begin to crisp. Flip the meat cubes, drizzle with more cooking liquid, and broil for an additional 5 minutes until evenly crispy.
6
Serve the carnitas warm, garnished with fresh cilantro and onions, and enjoy in tacos, burritos, or as a topping for eggs.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Crispy Broiled Pork Carnitas?
It is a flavorful Mexican-inspired dish where pork shoulder is pressure-cooked until tender and then broiled to achieve a signature crispy texture.
What is the best cut of meat for this recipe?
Pork shoulder (also known as pork butt) is the best cut because its fat content ensures the meat stays juicy through both pressure cooking and broiling.
How long should I marinate the pork?
The pork should be marinated in the refrigerator for at least 20 minutes to allow the spices and citrus juice to penetrate the meat.
Can I make this recipe in an Instant Pot?
Yes, this recipe is designed for an Instant Pot or any standard pressure cooker to efficiently tenderize the pork.
How do I get the carnitas crispy?
The crispiness is achieved by broiling the cooked pork in the oven for about 10 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Why is orange juice used in the recipe?
Orange juice provides acidity to help tenderize the meat and adds a subtle citrus sweetness characteristic of authentic carnitas.
What size should I cut the pork shoulder?
The pork shoulder should be cut into 2-inch cubes for even cooking and the best texture.
How long does the pork need to cook under pressure?
The pork cubes should be cooked on high pressure for 30 minutes.
Is a natural release necessary?
Yes, a 15-minute natural pressure release is required to keep the meat from becoming tough.
What spices are used in these carnitas?
The primary spices used are ground cumin, ground cinnamon, and bay leaves, along with salt and pepper.
Can I substitute chicken stock?
Yes, you can use vegetable stock or water, though chicken stock provides the best flavor depth.
What is the purpose of soy sauce in this recipe?
Soy sauce adds a deep umami flavor and saltiness that enhances the savory profile of the pork.
How do I prevent the pork from drying out while broiling?
Drizzle a few tablespoons of the leftover cooking liquid over the pork before and during the broiling process to keep it moist.
What are some serving suggestions for carnitas?
They are perfect for tacos and burritos, or as a savory topping for scrambled eggs and rice bowls.
Can I use pork loin instead of pork shoulder?
You can, but pork loin is leaner and may result in drier carnitas. If using loin, be careful not to over-broil.
How many bay leaves should I use?
The recipe calls for 2 bay leaves to be added during the pressure cooking stage.
Do I need to sear the meat before pressure cooking?
No, searing is not required beforehand because the broiling step at the end provides the necessary browning and crispiness.
What toppings pair well with these carnitas?
Fresh cilantro, diced onions, and your favorite salsa are the most recommended toppings.
How long should I broil the pork?
Broil for 5 minutes, flip the meat, and broil for another 5 minutes until the edges are golden and crispy.
Can I freeze the leftover carnitas?
Yes, you can freeze the cooked pork in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Storing it with some cooking liquid helps maintain moisture.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
The recipe contains soy sauce. To make it gluten-free, substitute the soy sauce with tamari or a certified gluten-free soy sauce.
How much garlic is needed?
The recipe uses 4 crushed garlic cloves for a strong aromatic base.
Should I remove the bay leaves before serving?
Yes, always remove and discard the bay leaves after the pressure cooking process is complete.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can pressure cook the meat in advance and broil it just before you are ready to serve.
What kind of pan should I use for broiling?
A large foil-lined baking dish or a lasagna pan is ideal for the broiling stage.
Can I use lime juice instead of orange juice?
Lime juice can be used for acidity, but orange juice provides the specific sweetness needed for the traditional carnitas flavor profile.
How do I reheat the carnitas?
Reheat them in a skillet over medium-high heat or briefly under the broiler to restore the crispy edges.
Is the cinnamon flavor very strong?
No, the one teaspoon of cinnamon adds a subtle, warm undertone that complements the savory garlic and cumin.
What should I do if my pressure cooker needs more liquid?
If your specific pressure cooker model requires more than 7/8 cup of liquid to reach pressure, simply add more chicken stock.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes, you can double the ingredients as long as you do not exceed the maximum fill line of your pressure cooker.