Mexican carnitas are a traditional dish consisting of braised or roasted pork that’s typically seasoned with spices such as oregano, cumin, and garlic. The pork is slow-cooked until tender and then shredded or pulled apart.
The word “carnitas” translates to “little meats” in Spanish, and the dish is known for its crispy texture on the outside while remaining tender and juicy inside. It’s often served in tacos or burritos with toppings like salsa, guacamole, onions, and cilantro.
Carnitas are a popular street food in Mexico and are enjoyed for their rich flavor and versatility in various dishes. They can also be made at home, though the traditional method involves slow-cooking in lard, which contributes to the dish’s unique taste and texture.
This is an easy peasy recipe when you have the trusty Instapot handy. Just add the ingredients to the pot, set it and forget it!
This is my all time favorite Instapot. I’ve had it for years. 😍 The Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker, Sterilizer, Slow Cooker, Rice Cooker, Steamer, Saute, Yogurt Maker, and Warmer, 8 Quart, and 14 One-Touch Programs. The 8 Quart is the perfect size, not to big and not too small. I make all my bone broths, stews, and soups in this one!
When preparing the pork roast, cut into 3-inch chunks. I didn’t do this as I totally forgot. It cooks more tender and evenly if you cut it into chunks.
Instapot Pork Carnitas Recipe
Ingredients:
1 (4-5 pound) lean boneless pork roast
1 cup chicken stock
1 medium white onion, diced
4 cloves garlic, peeled and minced
1 tablespoon chipotle powder
2 teaspoons ground cumin
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 1/2 teaspoons fine sea salt
Add all of the ingredients and combine them well in the instapot.
Cook on high until the instapot is ready.
To know if it’s ready, it should be tender where you can shred the meat with a fork.
Serve with low carb wraps, jicama wraps, salsa, salad, or a side of cauliflower rice. I used Low Carb Mission Tortillas for my meal. Enjoy!
