Description
These tasty tender pulled pork carnitas tacos are super easy to make in an Instant Pot or slow cooker.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
For the Pork:
- 4–5 pounds pork shoulder or butt, trimmed of any excess fat and cut into 4 pieces
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
- 1 cup water (you can also use broth or beer)
- For Serving: corn tortillas, shredded cabbage, chopped cilantro, pickled onions (or small diced white onions, thinly-sliced radishes, crumbled Cotija cheese, and/or any other toppings that sound good to you.
For Pickled Onions:
- 1 medium red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup rice vinegar, white vinegar, or apple cider vinegar
Instructions
For the Pork:
- SEASON THE MEAT: Mix the spices in a small bowl. Sprinkle the mixture evenly over all sides of the pork, then pat the seasonings into the meat.
- ADD TO THE INSTANT POT: Add the pork to the Instant pot and cover with the water and lime juice. Lock the lid into place and make sure the valve is set to seal. Set to cook using the manual setting at high pressure for 60 minutes.
- SHRED THE MEAT: Open the pressure release valve (quick release) when the cooking time is up. Transfer the pork to a clean cutting board or rimmed baking sheet and use 2 forks to shred the meat into bite-sized pieces. Discard any large pieces of fat. Drizzle the meat with some of the cooking juices (about 1/4 cup).
- ASSEMBLE YOUR TORTILLAS: Add the meat to your tortillas and top with desired ingredients.
- MAKE AHEAD/STORAGE: The meat can also be stored in a covered container or plastic bag in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
For the Pickled Onions:
- MIX INGREDIENTS: In a small bowl, whisk together the salt, sugar, and vinegar with 1 cup until the salt and sugar have dissolved. Place onion in a jar and pour vinegar mixture over.
- SET ASIDE BEFORE USING: Let the onions sit at room temperature for at least 1 hour before using.
- STORAGE: Cover the jar and store in the refrigerator.
Notes
- SLOW COOKER INSTRUCTIONS: If you’re making this in a slow cooker, follow the instructions through step 1. Then add the meat and the water and lime juice to a slow cooker and cook on low for 8 hours or high for 6 hours.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Instant Pot