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–+ servings
Carnitas Tacos

Juicy Carnitas Tacos for a Quick and Flavorful Dinner

Savor the bold flavors of these quick and easy Carnitas Tacos, perfect for family dinners.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Natural Release 10 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 4 tacos
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Mexican
Calories: 250
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Carnitas
  • 3 pounds Pork Shoulder Can substitute with pork butt or loin
  • 1 tablespoon Salt
  • 1 teaspoon Black Pepper
  • 2 teaspoons Cumin
  • 2 teaspoons Oregano
  • 1 medium Onion Diced
  • 4 cloves Garlic Minced
  • 1 cup Orange Juice Can substitute with pineapple juice
  • 1 tablespoon Lime Juice
  • 1 cup Chicken Broth Can substitute with vegetable broth
  • 2 leaves Bay Leaves
For the Tacos
  • 8 small Tortillas Corn or flour based on preference
For Toppings
  • 1 cup Fresh Cilantro Chopped
  • 2 units Lime Wedges For serving

Equipment

  • Instant Pot

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Prepare the Pork: Trim excess fat from pork shoulder, cut into chunks, and season with salt, pepper, cumin, and oregano.
  2. Sauté: Use sauté function to brown pork chunks for 3-4 minutes per side until golden.
  3. Combine Ingredients: Remove pork, sauté onions and garlic for 1-2 minutes, then return pork and add orange juice, lime juice, broth, and bay leaves.
  4. Pressure Cook: Seal lid, cook on high pressure for 35 minutes, natural release for 10 minutes.
  5. Shred Meat: Remove pork, shred with forks, and optionally broil for added crunch.
  6. Assemble Tacos: Warm tortillas, fill with shredded pork, and top with cilantro and lime juice.
  7. Serve Ideas: Pair with sides like Mexican rice or set up a taco bar with additional toppings.

Nutrition

Serving: 1tacoCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 24gProtein: 18gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 500mgPotassium: 400mgFiber: 2gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 5IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 4mgIron: 8mg

Notes

Browning the pork enhances flavor; use natural pressure release for tender meat; customize toppings for variety.

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