Instant Pot Mexican Pork Carnitas

These savory Instant Pot Pork Carnitas are so easy to make in under an hour. The spicy, tender, and juicy shredded pork is the perfect weeknight dinner!

What are Carnitas?

Carnitas are a type of Mexican pulled pork dish that’s perfect for TV dinners, house parties, picnics, or game days.

Originally from the West Mexican state of Michoacan, the dish is a mixture of Mexico’s local culture with the influences of the Spanish conquistadors.

Pigs had been imported to Mexico from Cuba by the Spanish in the early 1500s; and looking at the sleepy animal Mexicans named it cochino – the one that sleeps.

Mexicans soon adapted to eating fried foods using pork lard, and also eating chicharron or fried pork rinds. The Spanish conquerors often ate pork meat in tortillas or tacos, and these were called ‘little meats’ or carnitas.

Carnitas were traditionally cooked in a thick-bottomed copper pot by using equal amounts of lard and pork. The lard was first melted, then the pork pieces were added to it, along with a salt-water mixture.

Then it was all cooked till the pork was tender and brown. Back then the pork was chopped further before serving, although now it’s pulled apart.

Also, nowadays, spices such as crushed garlic, basil, cumin, bay leaves, chili, marjoram, oregano, or thyme may be added to the carnitas.

People from other regions of Mexico also add orange juice, chicken broth, coke, or beer to tenderize the pork meat and enhance the brown color.

The carnitas is then either served as is, or with rice, or loaded into tacos, tamales, tortas, burritos, or tortillas. Chopped onions, coriander, salsa, or guacamole can be served along with carnitas.

In the past, because they used the entire pig to make carnitas, they were often had as a festive meal. Nowadays, you’ll find pork carnitas at almost every Mexican street food stall or restaurant. But slow cooker carnitas are just as easy to make at home too. Try this Instant Pot Pork Carnitas recipe!

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Pointers For Mexican Carnitas Recipe

• Add more paprika and chili powder if you want it spicier.
• You can serve the carnitas by in tacos, burritos, quesadillas, or tamales, or just serve them on plain rice.
• Alternatively, use carnitas as a topping for nachos.
• Carnitas are also great for meal prep for the week because you can serve them with different options on different days.
• If you don’t eat pork, you can use the same recipe with boneless chicken thighs or breasts.
• You can serve the carnitas with tomato salsa, guacamole, or simply diced onions.
• Sprinkle with chopped cilantro or coriander.
• Squeeze some lemon juice on top for added flavor.

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Troubleshooting Slow Cooker Pork Carnitas

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