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Whole30 Instant Pot Carnitas

Crispy, juicy Mexican-style pulled pork made easy in the Instant Pot. Authentic carnitas flavor without the deep frying.

Prep15 min
Cook40 min
Serves6

Ingredients

  • 3 lbs pork shoulder, cut into chunks
  • 1 tsp sea salt
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 orange, juiced
  • 1 lime, juiced
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • Cilantro and lime for serving

Instructions

  1. Season pork with salt, pepper, oregano, cumin, smoked paprika, and garlic powder.
  2. Set Instant Pot to Saute. Add olive oil and sear pork in batches until browned on all sides.
  3. Add orange juice, lime juice, and chicken broth to the pot.
  4. Secure lid, set valve to Sealing, and pressure cook on High for 40 minutes.
  5. Quick release. Remove pork and shred with two forks.
  6. Set to Saute and return shredded pork to the pot to crisp slightly in the juices, about 5 minutes.
  7. Serve with cilantro and lime wedges.
🍸 Suggested Cocktail Pairing
🍸
Tequila Old Fashioned
🟢 Tequila

Tequila cocktails complement Mexican flavors naturally — the citrus and agave echo the cuisine's brightness.

A reposado tequila swaps in for bourbon in this classic stirred cocktail. The oak-aged reposado brings caramel, vanilla, and agave notes that pair ...

View Cocktail Recipe →
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