Crispy carnitas tacos made with Instant Pot pork shoulder, topped with fresh cilantro, diced onion, and lime wedges on warm corn tortillas.

Crispy Carnitas Tacos

Edward Tracy recipe author portrait in a modern kitchen
Edward TracyRecipe Author
Ingredients
8
Person(s)
  • 3 pound
    Boneless pork shoulder
  • 1 tbsp
    Olive Oil
  • 1 tsp
    Kosher salt
  • 1 tsp
    Black pepper
  • 2 tsp
    Ground Cumin
  • 2 tsp
    Chili Powder
  • 1 tsp
    Smoked Paprika
  • 1 tsp
    Dried oregano
  • 4
    Garlic clove,
  • 1 pcs
    Onion
  • 3/4 cup
    Orange Juice
  • 2 tbsp
    Fresh lime juice
  • 1 cup
    Low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 pcs
    Bay Leaf
  • 16 pcs
    Corn tortillas
Directions
  • Season the Pork

    Pat the pork shoulder dry with paper towels. Season with salt, pepper, cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, and oregano. Set the Instant Pot to Sauté and heat the olive oil. Brown the pork in batches for 2–3 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.

  • Pressure Cook

    Add the diced onion and cook for 2–3 minutes until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Pour in the orange juice, lime juice, and chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pot to release any browned bits. Return the pork to the Instant Pot and add the bay leaf. Seal the lid and cook on High Pressure for 60 minutes, followed by a 15-minute natural pressure release before releasing any remaining pressure.

  • Shred & Crisp

    Transfer the pork to a large bowl and shred using two forks. Spread the shredded pork on a rimmed baking sheet and drizzle with a few spoonfuls of the cooking juices. Broil for 4–6 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the edges become golden and crispy. Alternatively, crisp the pork in a hot skillet over medium-high heat.

  • Assemble the Tacos

    Warm the tortillas in a dry skillet or directly over a gas flame. Fill each tortilla with crispy carnitas and top with diced onion, chopped cilantro, salsa, and a squeeze of fresh lime juice. Serve immediately

Nutritions
  • Calories:
    465
  • Protein:
    34 g
  • Carbohydrates:
    17 g
  • Fat:
    29 g
  • Saturated Fat:
    10 g
  • Fiber:
    2 g
  • Sugar:
    3 g
  • Sodium:
    520 mg
  • Cholesterol:
    105 mg
Images
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