
Mexican
Instant Pot Pork Carnitas Bowls
Tender citrus-seasoned pork cooks until shreddable in the Instant Pot and can be quickly crisped for classic carnitas-style edges. Serve it over rice with beans, avocado, salsa, and fresh lime for a hearty make-ahead meal that works especially well for meal prep.
- Prep
- 20 min
- Cook
- 50 min
- Total
- 80 min
- Servings
- 6
- Difficulty
- easy
- Cuisine
- Mexican
Ingredients
- 3 lb boneless pork shoulder or pork butt, cut into 2-inch pieces
- 1 medium yellow onion, sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 3/4 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1/2 cup fresh orange juice
- 2 tbsp fresh lime juice
- 2 tsp ground cumin
- 2 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 bay leaf
- 3 cups cooked rice
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 avocado, diced
- 1 cup salsa or pico de gallo
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
- Lime wedges, for serving
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Save to My Recipe BookInstructions
Pat the pork pieces dry with paper towels.
In a small bowl, combine the cumin, oregano, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
Sprinkle the seasoning mixture over the pork and toss until all pieces are evenly coated.
Add the sliced onion and minced garlic to the bottom of the Instant Pot.
Arrange the seasoned pork over the onions.
Pour in the chicken broth, orange juice, and lime juice.
Add the bay leaf.
Secure the lid and set the valve to Sealing.
Cook on High Pressure for 35 minutes.
When the pressure-cooking cycle finishes, allow the pressure to release naturally for 15 minutes.
Carefully release any remaining pressure according to the manufacturer's directions.
Remove and discard the bay leaf.
Transfer the pork to a large bowl or baking sheet and shred it with two forks.
Spoon several tablespoons of the cooking liquid over the shredded pork to keep it moist.
For crispier carnitas, spread the shredded pork onto a foil-lined baking sheet and broil for 3 to 5 minutes, watching closely, until some edges become browned and crisp.
Divide the cooked rice among six bowls.
Add black beans and the shredded pork.
Top with diced avocado, salsa or pico de gallo, cilantro, and fresh lime juice.
Serve warm.
Recipe Notes
The listed total time includes approximate time for the Instant Pot to build pressure and for the natural pressure release. Actual timing can vary by appliance. Pork shoulder freezes particularly well; freeze cooled shredded pork with a small amount of cooking liquid for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Visibility: members Slug: instant-pot-pork-carnitas-bowls
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