Instant Pot Pork Carnitas Bowls

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

Instructions

1. Step 1

   Pat the pork pieces dry with paper towels.

2. Step 2

   In a small bowl, combine the cumin, oregano, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.

3. Step 3

   Sprinkle the seasoning mixture over the pork and toss until all pieces are evenly coated.

4. Step 4

   Add the sliced onion and minced garlic to the bottom of the Instant Pot.

5. Step 5

   Arrange the seasoned pork over the onions.

6. Step 6

   Pour in the chicken broth, orange juice, and lime juice.

7. Step 7

   Add the bay leaf.

8. Step 8

   Secure the lid and set the valve to Sealing.

9. Step 9

   Cook on High Pressure for 35 minutes.

10. Step 10

    When the pressure-cooking cycle finishes, allow the pressure to release naturally for 15 minutes.

11. Step 11

    Carefully release any remaining pressure according to the manufacturer's directions.

12. Step 12

    Remove and discard the bay leaf.

13. Step 13

    Check a thick piece of pork with a food thermometer; it must have reached at least 145°F (63°C). The pork should also be very tender and pull apart easily before shredding. If the pork is not yet fork-tender, return it to pressure according to your appliance's instructions and cook until tender.

14. Step 14

    Transfer the pork to a large bowl or baking sheet and shred it with two forks.

15. Step 15

    Spoon several tablespoons of the cooking liquid over the shredded pork to keep it moist.

16. Step 16

    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.

17. Step 17

    Divide the cooked rice among six bowls.

18. Step 18

    Add black beans and the shredded pork.

19. Step 19

    Top with diced avocado, salsa or pico de gallo, cilantro, and fresh lime juice.

20. Step 20

    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.