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Tender Pressure Cooker Pork Carnitas

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This recipe delivers tender, juicy pork carnitas with crispy edges made quickly in a pressure cooker, perfect for tacos or casual dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 pounds pork shoulder (pork butt), trimmed of excess fat but not too lean
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (extra virgin preferred)
  • 1 cup fresh squeezed orange juice
  • Zest of one fresh orange
  • 2 tablespoons fresh squeezed lime juice
  • 4 large garlic cloves, minced or pressed
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano (Mexican oregano preferred)
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 cup chicken broth or water
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Trim excess fat from the pork shoulder, leaving some for flavor. Cut into large 2-inch pieces.
  2. In a large bowl, combine garlic, cumin, oregano, salt, black pepper, orange zest, orange juice, and lime juice. Toss pork pieces in the mixture to coat well. Marinate for 15-20 minutes if possible.
  3. Heat olive oil in the pressure cooker pot or skillet over medium-high heat. Sear pork chunks on all sides until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
  4. Pour chicken broth or water into the pot, scraping up browned bits. Add bay leaves.
  5. Return pork to the pot. Seal lid and cook on high pressure for 45 minutes. Allow natural pressure release for 15 minutes, then manually release remaining pressure.
  6. Remove pork chunks to a baking sheet or tray. Shred meat with two forks, discarding large fat chunks and bay leaves.
  7. Preheat broiler or heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Spread shredded pork evenly, drizzle with olive oil, and broil or sear until edges are crispy and caramelized, about 5-7 minutes. Toss and repeat for even crisping.
  8. Serve hot with warm tortillas, fresh cilantro, diced onions, and your favorite salsa.

Notes

Do not skip searing the pork to lock in flavor. Use fresh citrus juices for best flavor. Let pressure release naturally for 15 minutes to keep pork juicy. Shred while warm and crisp in batches to ensure even caramelization. Adjust seasoning after cooking if needed.

Nutrition

Keywords: pork carnitas, pressure cooker carnitas, easy pork recipe, crispy pork, Mexican pork, instant pot carnitas, tender pork, quick carnitas

Find it online: https://zorbmeal.com/tender-pressure-cooker-pork-carnitas-recipe-easy-crispy-edges-guide/