As I stood in my kitchen, the tantalizing aroma of spices wafted through the air, whispering stories of warm, bustling streets in Mexico. That’s when it hit me—why not recreate that experience at home with my Easy Instant Pot Carnitas Tacos? This recipe is truly a gem for anyone craving quick, homemade comfort food, transforming tender pork shoulder into a feast of flavors in under an hour. Not only are these tacos gluten-free, but they’re also incredibly adaptable, allowing you to play with ingredients based on what you have on hand. Imagine gathering friends or family around the table, delighting in juicy, crisped carnitas wrapped in warm tortillas, all while savoring the joy of cooking together. Who’s ready to take their Taco Tuesday to the next level with this crowd-pleasing recipe? Why Are These Carnitas Tacos a Must-Try? Quick & Easy: You’ll have these delicious tacos ready in under an hour—perfect for busy weeknights! Flavor Explosion: Each bite bursts with savory spices and tender pork, reminiscent of your favorite Mexican street food. Gluten-Free Goodness: Enjoy the heartiness of a taco without worrying about gluten—these are suitable for all diets. Versatile Ingredients: Swap in chicken or beef if you prefer, or adjust spices to make it your own! Crowd-Pleaser: Nothing brings people together like tacos. Serve with fresh toppings for a fun and interactive dining experience. Carnitas Tacos Ingredients For the Pork • Pork Shoulder – The key protein that becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender in the Instant Pot; Alternatively, you can use pork butt or lean pork loin but adjust the cooking times accordingly. • Salt & Pepper – Essential for seasoning and enhancing the natural flavors of the meat; no need for substitutions here. For the Spice Blend • Cumin – Adds a warm depth to the flavors; If you’re out of cumin, ground coriander works as a lovely alternative. • Oregano – Gives the dish its earthy, savory notes; Feel free to use dried or fresh based on what’s on hand. For the Aromatics • Onions – Provide aromatic benefits when sautéed; Any variety—yellow, white, or red—will do just fine. • Garlic – Adds a robust flavor profile; You can use fresh garlic or even pre-minced for convenience. For the Sauces • Orange Juice – Balances the richness of the pork with sweetness and acidity; Lime juice or vinegar can serve as substitutes if needed. • Lime Juice – Brightens the tacos and enhances overall freshness; no substitutions necessary, though bottled juice is acceptable. • Chicken Broth – Keeps the meat moist and flavorful during cooking; For a vegetarian option, vegetable broth works wonderfully. For the Cooking Essentials • Bay Leaves – Infuse the cooking liquid with herbal fragrance; You can experiment with different dried herbs for a unique flavor. Now you’re all set to create some mouthwatering carnitas tacos that will surely impress everyone around the table! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Easy Instant Pot Carnitas Tacos Step 1: Prepare the Pork Begin by cutting the pork shoulder into large, roughly 2-inch chunks and trimming away any excess fat. Season each piece generously with salt, pepper, cumin, and oregano. This step is vital as it lays the foundation for your flavorful carnitas tacos, ensuring every bite is well-seasoned. Step 2: Sauté the Pork Set your Instant Pot to the sauté mode and allow it to heat up for a couple of minutes. Add the seasoned pork chunks in batches, browning them for about 3-4 minutes on each side until golden. This caramelization enhances the flavor, making your carnitas tacos irresistible. Once browned, remove the pork and set it aside. Step 3: Cook the Aromatics In the same pot, add the diced onions and minced garlic, sautéing for about 2-3 minutes until the onions become translucent and fragrant. This step brings out their natural sweetness, adding depth to your carnitas. Stir frequently to prevent burning, ensuring the base for your carnitas tacos is packed with flavor. Step 4: Add the Liquids With the aromatics cooked, pour in the orange juice, lime juice, and chicken broth over the sautéed onions and garlic. Tuck in the bay leaves around the pork. These liquids provide moisture during cooking and help create the delicious braising sauce that will tenderize your meat, resulting in incredibly juicy carnitas. Step 5: Pressure Cook the Pork Seal the Instant Pot lid, ensuring the valve is set to “sealing.” Cook on high pressure for 35 minutes. Once the cooking time is complete, let the pressure release naturally for an additional 10 minutes. This process tenderizes the pork further, making it perfect for shredding and ensuring your carnitas tacos are succulent. Step 6: Shred the Pork After the natural release, carefully open the lid and remove the pork chunks from the pot using tongs. Place them on a baking sheet and shred the meat using two forks. The tenderness will surprise you! Spread the shredded pork evenly, ready for that final touch that takes your carnitas tacos to the next level. Step 7: Broil for Crispiness Preheat your oven broiler to high. Broil the shredded pork for 5-7 minutes, watching closely for the edges to turn crispy and slightly caramelized. This step adds a delightful texture to your carnitas tacos, giving them the perfect balance of juiciness and crispiness that everyone will love. Step 8: Warm the Tortillas While the pork is broiling, warm your tortillas in a skillet over medium heat for about 30 seconds on each side or until pliable. You can also wrap them in a damp paper towel and microwave them for about 20-30 seconds. This step ensures your tacos have the perfect base for all those delicious carnitas and toppings. Step 9: Assemble the Tacos Now it’s time to assemble your easy Instant Pot carnitas tacos! Layer a generous amount of shredded pork onto each warm tortilla, then top with your favorite ingredients like fresh cilantro, diced onions, and a squeeze of lime juice. The beauty of these tacos is in their versatility, so let your creativity shine! What to Serve with Instant Pot Carnitas Tacos? To create a vibrant, satisfying meal around your tacos, consider these delightful pairing options that enhance the flavors and enjoyment of each bite. Mexican Rice: The fluffy, aromatic rice adds a comforting side that balances the savory tacos perfectly. A touch of cilantro and lime brighten the rice, mirroring the zest in your tacos. Refried Beans: Creamy and packed with protein, refried beans are a classic accompaniment that adds substance and a smooth texture to your meal. They provide a satisfying contrast to the crispy edges of the carnitas. Cabbage Slaw: A crunchy cabbage slaw adds a refreshing bite to the tacos, complementing the richness of the pork. Toss in lime juice and a sprinkle of salt for an irresistible side. Grilled Corn: Sweet grilled corn on the cob offers a caramelized, slightly smoky flavor that pairs beautifully with the spicy notes of the carnitas. A drizzle of lime and cotija cheese can take this simple side over the top. Fresh Guacamole: Creamy guacamole provides a cool, luscious dip that enhances the flavors of the tacos. With hints of lime and cilantro, it’s the perfect accompaniment for anyone wanting an extra layer of richness. Salsa Verde: Zesty and tangy, salsa verde adds brightness and acidity, enhancing every bite of your carnitas tacos. This vibrant green sauce celebrates the fresh ingredients and will make your dinner even more flavorful. Chilled Margaritas: A refreshing margarita complements the zesty taco flavors beautifully and adds a celebratory vibe to your meal. A salted rim and fresh lime juice can elevate your dining experience. Make Ahead Options These Easy Instant Pot Carnitas Tacos are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can season and chop the pork shoulder up to 24 hours in advance, storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain flavors. Additionally, you can sauté the onions and garlic ahead of time and refrigerate them for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to serve, simply secure the lid on the Instant Pot, add the seasoned pork and prepared aromatics, and pressure cook as directed. To ensure the carnitas remain just as delicious, make sure to cool any leftovers quickly before refrigerating and reheat in a skillet for extra crispiness. Enjoy your authentic taco experience without the weekday rush! Carnitas Tacos Variations & Substitutions Feel free to sprinkle your own flair into these delicious tacos, transforming them into something uniquely yours! Pork Alternatives: Swap pork shoulder for chicken thighs, or even beef chuck for a different protein twist! Herb Swap: Use fresh basil or cilantro instead of oregano to infuse a fresh, aromatic flavor profile. Smoky Flavor: Add a pinch of smoked paprika or chipotle powder to the spice mix for a delightful smoky undertone. Veggie Delight: Try using jackfruit or mushrooms as a plant-based alternative for a hearty meatless version! Zesty Upgrade: Mix in some diced bell peppers with the onions for a colorful and flavorful texture. Taco Heat: Add sliced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper to spice things up for heat lovers! Sweet Surprise: For a sweeter twist, toss in some diced pineapple in the last few minutes of cooking—it’s a tropical treat! Classic Garnish: Top with creamy avocado slices or a dollop of sour cream for a rich finishing touch! Each of these variations invites you to get creative and adjust the recipe according to your taste or dietary needs—have fun exploring the endless possibilities! If you’re looking for more tips on reinventing taco night, don’t forget to check out our posts on what to serve with tacos and expert tips for tacos. How to Store and Freeze Carnitas Tacos Room Temperature: Leftover carnitas should not be kept at room temperature for more than 2 hours to ensure food safety. Fridge: Store leftover carnitas in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Keep tortillas separate to prevent them from becoming soggy. Freezer: Freeze shredded carnitas in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge when ready to use. Reheating: To reheat, warm the carnitas in a skillet over medium heat until hot and crispy. This method keeps them flavorful and delicious, perfect for your next taco night! Expert Tips for Carnitas Tacos Browning Matters: Ensure you brown the pork before pressure cooking; it enhances flavor and texture, making your carnitas tacos even more delicious. Cooking Time Adjustments: If using leaner cuts, such as pork loin, be prepared to extend the cooking time for the best results in juiciness. Spice It Up: For added heat and complexity, toss in jalapeños or chipotle peppers in adobo with the other ingredients. Crispy Edges: Broiling shredded pork is key for achieving those delightful crispy edges that elevate your tacos to new heights. Storage Tips: Store leftover carnitas in an airtight container, keeping tortillas separate to maintain their freshness until it’s taco time! Instant Pot Carnitas Tacos Recipe FAQs What type of pork is best for carnitas? Pork shoulder is the ideal cut due to its high fat content, which renders down during cooking, resulting in tender and flavorful meat. If you’re looking for alternatives, pork butt works beautifully as well, while a lean pork loin can be used by adjusting the cooking time to prevent dryness. How should I store leftover carnitas? After enjoying your amazing carnitas tacos, store any leftovers in an airtight container for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. To keep the tortillas fresh and prevent them from getting soggy, it’s best to keep them separate. Can I freeze carnitas, and if so, how? Absolutely! To freeze your shredded carnitas, allow them to cool completely. Then, place the meat in an airtight container or a freezer bag, ensuring you remove as much air as possible. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. What are some common mistakes when making carnitas? One common mistake is skipping the browning step before pressure cooking. Browning the meat adds a rich depth of flavor that’s crucial for delicious carnitas. Also, make sure to let the pressure release naturally for about 10 minutes for optimal tenderness. If you forget, your meat may not shred as easily. Are these carnitas tacos suitable for people with dietary restrictions? Yes! These easy Instant Pot carnitas tacos are gluten-free and can be easily adapted for those with other dietary needs. For a non-meat version, you can use vegetable broth and substitute with lentils or jackfruit for a plant-based option. Always check ingredient labels for potential allergens, especially with sauces and seasonings! How long does it take to make these carnitas tacos? From start to finish, you can enjoy these delicious carnitas tacos in under an hour. The pressure cooking process takes about 35 minutes, plus the time to prepare ingredients and broil the shredded pork for a crispy finish. It’s a quick yet satisfying meal for busy evenings! Easy Carnitas Tacos for Juicy, Flavor-Packed Dinners These Easy Carnitas Tacos are a quick, delicious dinner option filled with juicy, flavorful pork, perfect for Taco Tuesday! Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 15 minutes minsCook Time 35 minutes minsNatural Pressure Release 10 minutes minsTotal Time 1 hour hr Servings: 4 tacosCourse: DinnerCuisine: MexicanCalories: 290 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Pork3 pounds Pork Shoulder Alternatively, you can use pork butt or lean pork loin but adjust the cooking times accordingly.1 tablespoon Salt1 teaspoon Black PepperFor the Spice Blend1 tablespoon Cumin If you're out of cumin, ground coriander works as a lovely alternative.1 tablespoon Oregano Feel free to use dried or fresh based on what's on hand.For the Aromatics1 medium Onion Any variety—yellow, white, or red—will do just fine.4 cloves Garlic You can use fresh garlic or even pre-minced for convenience.For the Sauces1 cup Orange Juice Lime juice or vinegar can serve as substitutes if needed.1/4 cup Lime Juice Bottled juice is acceptable.1 cup Chicken Broth For a vegetarian option, vegetable broth works wonderfully.For the Cooking Essentials2 pieces Bay Leaves You can experiment with different dried herbs for a unique flavor. Equipment Instant Pot Method Step-by-Step Instructions for Easy Instant Pot Carnitas TacosCut the pork shoulder into large, roughly 2-inch chunks and trim away excess fat. Season with salt, pepper, cumin, and oregano.Set your Instant Pot to the sauté mode and heat. Add seasoned pork in batches, browning for about 3-4 minutes on each side until golden. Remove pork and set aside.In the same pot, add diced onions and minced garlic, sautéing for about 2-3 minutes until onions are translucent.Pour in orange juice, lime juice, and chicken broth over the onions and garlic. Tuck in bay leaves around the pork.Seal the Instant Pot lid, set to 'sealing,' and cook on high pressure for 35 minutes. Let pressure release naturally for 10 minutes.Open the lid carefully and shred the pork using two forks.Preheat your oven broiler to high. Broil shredded pork for 5-7 minutes until edges are crispy and caramelized.Warm tortillas in a skillet over medium heat for 30 seconds on each side or microwave wrapped in a damp paper towel for 20-30 seconds.Assemble tacos by layering shredded pork onto each tortilla and topping with your favorite ingredients like cilantro and diced onions. Nutrition Serving: 1tacoCalories: 290kcalCarbohydrates: 15gProtein: 20gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 75mgSodium: 540mgPotassium: 330mgFiber: 2gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 30mgIron: 2mg NotesThese tacos can be customized with various toppings and sauces; enjoy the interactive experience with friends and family. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
