Spice up taco night with this Instant Pot Carnitas Recipe. The flavors are rich and the perfect addition to your next meal. The shredded pork also works great in quesadillas, on salads or in rice bowls. 

INSTANT POT CARNITAS RECIPE

You guys went crazy for my Easy Slow Cooker Pork Carnitas Recipe that I shared a couple of years ago. It really is so easy and full of flavor. It makes the perfect shredded pork for all your favorite Mexican inspired dishes.

A lot of you have requested more pressure cooker and Instant pot recipes. You will love how easy this Instant Pot Carnitas Recipe is to make. I use this shredded pork in rice bowls, quesadillas, tacos and enchiladas or you can freeze the pork for a busy night which is always a great option. 

You might be wondering what carnitas are? Carnitas, literally meaning “little meats”, is a dish of Mexican cuisine. They are made by simmering or braising the pork in oil until tender.

Today’s recipe uses a pressure cooker to create the tender meat. The meat becomes tender and juicy by cooking it in the acidity of lime juice and beef. Traditional carnitas isn’t usually cooked in beef but today’s recipe is. You will love the flavor it adds. 

WHAT INGREDIENTS ARE IN THESE INSTANT POT PORK CARNITAS?

PORK CHOPS: This carnitas recipe uses bone-in pork chops to create a tender shredded pork. 

SPICES: Warm, rich spices are rubbed on the pork chops before cooking. This recipe uses cumin, chili powder, garlic powder and paprika. 

BEER & LIME JUICE: The beer helps to add a unique flavor to these carnitas and lime juice tenderizes the meat.

HOW DO YOU MAKE CARNITAS IN THE INSTANT POT?

In a small bowl, combine all of the spice rub ingredients (brown sugar, cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt).

Sprinkle the spice mix evenly over both sides of the pork chops and rub them to make sure all of the spice rub sticks.

Heat your Instant Pot on the Sauté-Normal function. Add the olive oil and let it heat for another minute.

When the oil is hot (but not yet smoking) add the pork chops and cook for 2 minutes. Turn the pork chops to the other side and cook for an additional 2 minutes.

Once the pork chops are seared, add the beer and lime juice. Switch the Instant Pot to the Pressure Cook Manual— Normal function and set the timer to 45 minutes.

Attach the lid and ensure the pressure valve is in the “sealing” position.

Once the pork chops are seared, add the beer and lime juice. Secure lid and set to pressure cook for 10 minutes. Natural release for at least 10 minutes before releasing the remaining pressure and carefully remove the lid.
NOTE: The Instant Pot will take about 5 minutes to come to pressure and then will begin counting down from 10 minutes.

Remove the pork chops to a cutting board and shred the meat using two forks— discard the bones. Add the shredded meat back to the pot and switch the Instant Pot to the Sauté-Normal function again.

Cook the pork, stirring occasionally, for another 3-5 minutes, or until the liquid has almost completely evaporated.

HOW CAN I USE PORK CARNITAS?

• Tacos: We love using shredded pork carnitas in tacos. You can use soft or hard shell tacos or even try lettuce wraps.
• Quesadillas: My kids go crazy for quesadillas and I like adding meat for protein. This pork carnitas works nicely and adds a ton of flavor. 
• Rice Bowls: I personally love rice bowls. I use either brown rice or cilantro rice and load on my favorite toppings. 
• Burritos: Burritos are always a great option when you are looking for ways to use carnitas meat. 
• Nachos: If you like nachos try adding this meat. Check out these Beef Nachos for ideas on what to add as toppings to the pork.