Savory Crispy Pork Carnitas: Instant Pot & Slow Cooker Version
Indulge in the rich and tender flavors of these Savory Crispy Pork Carnitas, perfect for tacos, burritos, or even served over rice. This recipe draws inspiration from Cooking Classy and incorporates an aromatic blend of spices, citrus juices, and slow-cooked pork that is then broiled to achieve a crispy, caramelized exterior. With the option to prepare it in either an Instant Pot or a slow cooker, you can choose the method that best suits your schedule. This dish is enhanced further with the addition of cinnamon sticks for a warming, subtle flavor, though they are optional. Prepare to delight your guests and family with this delicious Mexican-inspired meal that promises to be a crowd-pleaser!
7
Servings
229
Calories
17
Ingredients
Ingredients
Boneless Pork Shoulder
3 lbs (trimmed of excess fat)
Low Sodium Chicken Broth
3/4 cup
Fresh Orange Juice
3/4 cup
Fresh Lime Juice
3 tablespoons
Salt
2 teaspoons (to taste)
Fresh Ground Black Pepper
1 teaspoon
Ground Cumin
2 teaspoons
Dried Mexican Oregano
2 teaspoons
Ground Coriander
1 teaspoon
Dried Ancho Chile Powder
1 teaspoon
Cayenne Pepper
1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon
Yellow Onion
1 small (chopped)
Garlic Cloves
6 (minced)
Vegetable Oil
1 1/2 tablespoons
Corn Tortillas
as needed (warmed)
Diced Yellow Onions
as needed (for serving)
Cilantro
as needed (for serving)
Instructions
1
For the Slow Cooker Method:
2
1. Place the trimmed pork shoulder into the slow cooker.
3
2. Pour the chicken broth, orange juice, and lime juice over the pork.
4
3. Evenly sprinkle the salt, black pepper, cumin, oregano, coriander, ancho chile powder, and cayenne pepper into the mixture.
5
4. Add in the chopped onions and minced garlic, ensuring everything is well combined.
6
5. Cover the slow cooker and set it to low heat. Cook for 8 hours until the pork is tender and easy to shred.
7
6. After cooking, leave the liquid in the slow cooker and carefully remove the pork. Use two forks to shred the meat.
8
7. Preheat your broiler and spray a rimmed baking sheet with non-stick cooking spray.
9
8. Place the shredded pork on the baking sheet, pour over 1 cup of the reserved cooking broth (strained to remove onions), and drizzle with vegetable oil.
10
9. Spread the pork into an even layer and broil for 3 to 6 minutes, or until the edges are browned and crispy.
11
10. Serve warm with warmed corn tortillas, diced yellow onions, cilantro, and any other desired toppings.
12
For the Instant Pot Method:
13
1. Cut the pork into 4 large chunks and place them in the Instant Pot.
14
2. Add the chicken broth, orange juice, and lime juice to the pot.
15
3. Sprinkle the salt, black pepper, cumin, oregano, coriander, ancho chile powder, and cayenne pepper over the pork.
16
4. Add the chopped onions and minced garlic.
17
5. Close the lid, ensuring the steam valve is set to sealing. Select 'Manual' or 'High Pressure' and set the timer for 60 minutes.
18
6. Once the cooking cycle is complete, let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes, then perform a quick release to remove any remaining pressure.
19
7. Carefully remove the pork from the pot, leaving the broth inside.
20
8. Shred the pork using two forks and follow the broiling method outlined above for added texture.
21
9. Serve the carnitas warm with tortillas and your choice of toppings.
Nutrition Information
13g
Fat
10g
Carbs
20g
Protein
1.5g
Fiber
2g
Sugar
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Crispy Pork Carnitas?
It is a Mexican-inspired dish made from pork shoulder cooked until tender with citrus and spices, then broiled for a crispy exterior.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe yields approximately 7 servings.
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can cook the pork on low for 8 hours in a slow cooker.
Can I make this in an Instant Pot?
Yes, the Instant Pot method requires 60 minutes of high-pressure cooking.
What is the best cut of meat for carnitas?
A boneless pork shoulder, trimmed of excess fat, is recommended for this recipe.
How many calories are in a serving of these carnitas?
There are 229 calories per serving.
What is the protein content per serving?
Each serving contains 20 grams of protein.
How much fat is in one serving?
There are 13 grams of fat per serving.
What are the total carbohydrates per serving?
There are 10 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
How much fiber is in this dish?
Each serving provides 1.5 grams of fiber.
What citrus juices are used in the recipe?
The recipe uses 3/4 cup of fresh orange juice and 3 tablespoons of fresh lime juice.
What spices are needed for the aromatic blend?
The blend includes cumin, Mexican oregano, coriander, ancho chile powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.
Is the cinnamon stick mandatory?
No, the addition of cinnamon sticks is optional for a warming, subtle flavor.
How do I achieve the crispy texture?
After shredding the cooked pork, drizzle it with oil and reserved broth, then broil it for 3 to 6 minutes.
How much garlic is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 6 minced garlic cloves.
What type of broth should I use?
Low sodium chicken broth is recommended.
How much pork is required?
You will need 3 lbs of boneless pork shoulder.
What are the recommended toppings?
Serve with diced yellow onions, fresh cilantro, and warmed corn tortillas.
What is the pressure release method for the Instant Pot?
Let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes, then perform a quick release.
How do I prepare the pork for the Instant Pot?
Cut the pork into 4 large chunks before placing them in the pot.
Can I serve this over rice?
Yes, these carnitas are excellent served over rice, in tacos, or in burritos.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are a total of 17 ingredients used in this recipe.
What kind of onion is used for cooking?
One small yellow onion, chopped, is used during the cooking process.
Is this recipe spicy?
It has a mild kick from the ancho chile powder and 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper.
How do I shred the pork?
The meat should be tender enough to shred easily using two forks.
What kind of oil should I use for broiling?
Vegetable oil is recommended for drizzling over the meat before broiling.
Should I strain the cooking liquid?
Yes, strain the liquid to remove onion bits before pouring 1 cup over the meat for broiling.
How much sugar is in a serving?
There are 2 grams of sugar per serving.
What is the total cooking time for the slow cooker?
The slow cooker method takes 8 hours on the low heat setting.
Are corn tortillas included in the ingredient count?
Yes, corn tortillas are listed as one of the 17 essential ingredients for serving.