Pressure Cooker Carnitas

Name: Pressure Cooker Carnitas
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 60 min
Total time: 85 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 3 lbs boneless pork shoulder (pork butt), cut into 3-inch chunks; 1/2 cup fresh orange juice; 1/4 cup fresh lime juice; 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth; 6 garlic cloves, smashed; 1 medium white onion, roughly chopped; 2 tsp ground cumin; 2 tsp dried Mexican oregano (or regular oregano); 2 tsp chili powder; 1 tsp smoked paprika; 2 tsp kosher salt; 1 tsp black pepper; 2 bay leaves; 2 tbsp neutral oil (vegetable or avocado)

Tender, juicy pulled pork shoulder seasoned with citrus, cumin, and oregano, cooked fast in a pressure cooker then broiled until irresistibly crispy. Perfect for tacos, burritos, or rice bowls.

85 minMediumServes 6480 cal/serving

MexicanDinnerPressure CookerStandardHigh ProteinLow CarbDairy-FreeGluten-FreeAlcohol-FreeCorn-Free

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Ingredients

3 lbs boneless pork shoulder (pork butt), cut into 3-inch chunks
1/2 cup fresh orange juice
1/4 cup fresh lime juice
1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
6 garlic cloves, smashed
1 medium white onion, roughly chopped
2 tsp ground cumin
2 tsp dried Mexican oregano (or regular oregano)
2 tsp chili powder
1 tsp smoked paprika
2 tsp kosher salt
1 tsp black pepper
2 bay leaves
2 tbsp neutral oil (vegetable or avocado)

Instructions

1

Combine 2 tsp ground cumin, 2 tsp dried Mexican oregano (or regular oregano), 2 tsp chili powder, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 2 tsp kosher salt, and 1 tsp black pepper in a small bowl to make the spice rub. Toss the 3 lbs cut into 3-inch chunks boneless pork shoulder (pork butt) in the spice rub until evenly coated.
2

Set the pressure cooker to Saute mode. Add 2 tbsp neutral oil (vegetable or avocado) and sear the pork in batches until browned on all sides, about 3-4 minutes per batch. Do not crowd the pan. Transfer seared pork to a plate.
3

Add 1 medium roughly chopped white onion and 6 smashed garlic cloves to the pot and saute for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Pour in 1/2 cup fresh orange juice, 1/4 cup fresh lime juice, and 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom.
4

Return the pork to the pot along with 2 bay leaves. Secure the lid and pressure cook on high for 35 minutes. Allow a natural pressure release for 10 minutes, then quick-release the remaining pressure.
5

Remove the bay leaves. Transfer the pork pieces to a foil-lined baking sheet using a slotted spoon. Shred the pork using two forks. Verify the internal temperature reached at least 195°F (90°C) - the meat should shred easily.
6

Preheat the oven broiler to high. Spoon some of the cooking liquid over the shredded pork to moisten it. Broil 4-6 inches from the heat for 4-5 minutes, until the edges are crispy and caramelized.
7

Serve the carnitas with your choice of tortillas, toppings, and any remaining cooking liquid on the side for extra moisture.

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Questions

How long does Pressure Cooker Carnitas take?

As written, 85 minutes: 25 of prep and 60 of cooking. The longest single stretch is step 4 (35 minutes): "Secure the lid and pressure cook on high for 35 minutes."

What internal temperature should Pressure Cooker Carnitas reach?

For Pressure Cooker Carnitas, the target internal temperature is 195 F (about 90 C), given in step 5. A probe thermometer removes the guesswork.

Can I skip the searing in Pressure Cooker Carnitas?

Step 2 reads: "Add 2 tbsp neutral oil (vegetable or avocado) and sear the pork in batches until browned on all sides, about 3-4 minutes per batch." You can, but you give up flavor. The browning in step 2 builds the savory base the rest of the dish is seasoned against. Give the pieces room so the pan stays hot.

What can I use instead of Mexican oregano in Pressure Cooker Carnitas?

The entry for Pressure Cooker Carnitas calls for 2 tsp dried Mexican oregano (or regular oregano). In its place: Mediterranean oregano works at slightly less volume; a pinch of ground coriander brings back some of the citrus note.

Can I make Pressure Cooker Carnitas less spicy?

Yes. The heat in Pressure Cooker Carnitas comes from 2 tsp chili powder. For a milder plate, halve the chili powder; nothing else in the method changes.

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