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four pork carnitas topped with cilantro, radishes, and a squeeze of lime on a wood cutting board with plate of pork behind
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Pork Carnitas

Pork carnitas are a tender and crispy dish, bursting with the flavor of authentic spices and a hint of citrus. This is the perfect meat to add to tacos, nachos, pizza, and more. Simmer the juices down to make an irresistible sauce

Course dinner
Cuisine Mexican
Keyword pork carnitas
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings 6
Calories 217kcal
Author Amy

Ingredients

  • 1 tbs oil I use avocado oil
  • 2 large oranges 4 tangerines
  • 1.5-2.5 lbs pork loin shoulder will also work.
  • 1/2 cup salsa verde
  • juice 2 limes
  • 1/2 cup water a little less than
  • 1/2 onion
  • 3 cloves garlic
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 tsp oregano
  • salt and pepper
  • 2 tsp cumin
  • 1/2 tsp cinnamon

Instructions

  • Turn pressure cooker on saute. Add oil and peeled, sliced oranges. 
    Slice pork into 2 - 3 inch pieces and add to pot to brown on each side, about 2-3 minutes per side.
    Add diced onions, garlic, and seasonings.
    In a liquid measuring cup, add 1/2 cup salsa verde, 1/2 cup water or chicken broth, and lime juice.
    Pour into pot with pork.
    Cover and set knob to sealing. Set on high pressure for 20-40 minutes. 20 minutes for 1.5 lbs of meat and up to 40 minutes with 4-6 lbs of meat.
    Allow pressure to naturally release. Turn knob to venting after 10 minutes.
    Let pork rest for 3 minutes; take temperature using meat thermometer. Pork Shoulder should read 195 or higher. Shred pork with forks and spread on a baking sheet. 
    Optional: Broil for 3-5 minutes, watching for browning, but don't let it burn.
    Optional: while carnitas are crisping up, create a sauce by simmering the juices left in the pressure cooker.
    Serve! I like to dunk shredded pork into sauce before serving.

Notes

See post for how to make pork carnitas in the slow cooker.
*Nutrition information is based on just the meat and does not take into consideration toppings, tortillas, chips, etc.

Nutrition

Serving: 1g | Calories: 217kcal | Carbohydrates: 10g | Protein: 26g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 71mg | Sodium: 194mg | Potassium: 605mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 264IU | Vitamin C: 34mg | Calcium: 46mg | Iron: 1mg