Time-Saving and Delicious: Cook Carnitas in an Instant Pot
If you’re a fan of tender, flavorful, and melt-in-your-mouth carnitas, then we have a game-changing cooking method for you: using an Instant Pot. This versatile kitchen appliance will help you create succulent carnitas in a fraction of the time it takes using traditional methods. Say goodbye to long hours of slow cooking and hello to a quick and easy way to enjoy this classic Mexican dish!
Why Choose the Instant Pot?
The Instant Pot is a multi-purpose electric pressure cooker that has become a popular tool in kitchens around the world. It offers a range of benefits, including:
- Speed: The Instant Pot cooks food much faster than traditional methods, making it perfect for busy individuals or families.
- Tender Results: The high pressure in the Instant Pot helps to break down the tough fibers in meat, resulting in incredibly tender and juicy carnitas.
- One-Pot Wonder: With the Instant Pot, you can sauté, pressure cook, and even slow cook your carnitas—all in one pot, saving you time on cleanup.
- Flavor Retention: The sealed environment of the Instant Pot locks in flavors, ensuring that your carnitas are infused with all the delicious spices and aromatics.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To get started on your mouthwatering carnitas adventure, gather the following ingredients:
- 2 pounds of pork shoulder, cut into chunks
- 1 onion, diced
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 orange, juiced
- 1 lime, juiced
- 1 teaspoon of cumin
- 1 teaspoon of oregano
- 1 teaspoon of chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon of cooking oil
- 1 cup of chicken broth
Instructions
- First, select the “Sauté” function on your Instant Pot and heat the cooking oil. Add the pork shoulder chunks and sear until browned on all sides. Remove them and set aside.
- Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the Instant Pot and sauté until they turn translucent and fragrant. This will take around 2-3 minutes.
- Return the seared pork shoulder to the pot and add the orange juice, lime juice, cumin, oregano, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well to ensure the pork is coated with the flavorful spices.
- Pour in the chicken broth and give everything a final stir.
- Secure the lid on the Instant Pot, making sure the pressure release valve is set to the “Sealing” position.
- Select the “Pressure Cook” function and set the timer for 60 minutes on high pressure.
- Once the cooking time is complete, allow the pressure to release naturally for about 10 minutes and then use the quick-release for any remaining pressure.
- Open the Instant Pot and you’ll be greeted with the delicious aroma of perfectly cooked carnitas.
- Using a slotted spoon, transfer the carnitas to a serving plate or a baking sheet.
- For those crispy edges, you can broil the carnitas in the oven for a few minutes, or simply serve as is.
- Enjoy your homemade carnitas with warm tortillas, fresh salsa, guacamole, and any other toppings you love!
With this simple recipe, you can indulge in irresistibly tender and flavorful carnitas whenever you’d like. Thanks to the Instant Pot, you can achieve delightful results in a fraction of the time. Say goodbye to slow cookers and hello to the convenience and efficiency of the Instant Pot. Prepare to impress your family and friends with these delectable carnitas!
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