What’s the best fruit to use if I don’t have limes?

Oranges (especially mandarin oranges) are the best alternative.

Can I Use Frozen Pork in the Instant Pot?

Yes, as long as the pork is already cut into cubes, and not in a big block of frozen pork. Add an extra 5 minutes to the pressure cooking time, and everything else will work as written.

How Do I Prevent Tough Pork in the Instant Pot?

Pork shoulder is tough when it is undercooked. If you are still getting tough pork after cooking this recipe, you're not cutting the pork pieces small enough. For larger pork cubes, increase the pressure cooking time; 1½-inch pork cubes should pressure cook for 25 minutes, and 2-inch pork cubes should pressure cook for 35 minutes.

Can I Broil Instead of Pan-Fry to Crisp the Pork?

You can, but it won't come out as browned and crispy as it will if you pan-fry the pork. (And, since carnitas are meant to be fried, it's not authentic. But, we're already pressure cooking instead of frying in lard the whole time, so "not authentic" is already assumed.) Set your broiler to high, spread the drained pork cubes out on a rimmed baking sheet, and broil the pork cubes until they are browned on top, about 5 minutes. (The time will depend on how strong your broiler is - I've had wide variations in broiler strength. Check them every minute or two, and keep broiling until they are browned to your liking.)

Can I skip the pan-frying?

Yes, you can. You'll have tender shredded pork without the crispy outside, but it will still be great. (You're essentially making my Instant Pot Quick Pork Tacos if you don't fry the pork.)

Instant Pot Pork Carnitas (Easy and Crispy!)

Name: Instant Pot Pork Carnitas Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 3 pounds boneless pork shoulder, cut into 1-inch cubes; 1 teaspoon fine sea salt; 1 cup water; 2 limes, cut into ½-inch slices; ¼ cup vegetable oil (or lard); Tortillas; Shredded cabbage or shredded lettuce; Salsa; Diced Onion; Guacamole; Shredded or crumbled cheese; Beans

Description

Instant Pot Carnitas - crispy cubes of Mexican pork, sped up by pressure cooking

Ingredients

Scale

3 pounds boneless pork shoulder, cut into 1-inch cubes
1 teaspoon fine sea salt
1 cup water
2 limes, cut into ½-inch slices
¼ cup vegetable oil (or lard)

Accompaniments

Tortillas
Shredded cabbage or shredded lettuce
Salsa
Diced Onion
Guacamole
Shredded or crumbled cheese
Beans

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Everything in the pot: Sprinkle the pork cubes with the salt, then put the pork into the Instant Pot (or pressure cooker pot). Pour 1 cup of water into the pot, stir, and then spread the lime slices over the top of the pork.
Pressure cook for 15 minutes with a natural pressure release: Lock the lid on the pressure cooker. Cook on high pressure for 15 minutes in an electric pressure cooker (“Manual” or “Pressure Cook” mode in an Instant Pot), or for 12 minutes in a stovetop PC. Let the pressure come down naturally, about 15 minutes.
Fry the pork and serve: Unlock the Instant Pot lid and open it away from you - the steam is hot. Remove the lime slices and discard. Scoop the pork to a bowl with a slotted spoon. In a 12-inch frypan over medium-high heat, heat the vegetable oil until shimmering. Spread the pork cubes in the frypan in a single layer and cook until the bottom is browned and crispy, about 4 minutes. Move the pork to a platter with a slotted spoon, leaving behind as much of the oil as possible. Serve the pork with the tortillas and accompaniments.

Equipment

12-inch frypan

Buy Now →

6 Quart Instant Pot

Buy Now →

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Category: Weeknight Dinner
Method: Pressure Cooker
Cuisine: Mexican

Would you like to save this recipe?

We'll email this post to you, so you can come back to it later!

Nutrition

Serving Size: 3 ounces of pork
Calories: 134
Sugar: 0 g
Sodium: 209.9 mg
Fat: 6.9 g
Carbohydrates: 0 g
Protein: 16.6 g
Cholesterol: 57 mg