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Savor Juicy Carnitas Tacos for A Flavorful Fiesta Night

Enjoy delicious Carnitas Tacos made with juicy pork shoulder, perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Natural Release Time 10 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 4 tacos
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Mexican
Calories: 250

Ingredients
  

For the Pork Filling
  • 2 pounds Pork Shoulder Can substitute with pork butt.
  • to taste Salt
  • to taste Pepper
  • 1 tablespoon Cumin Can swap with coriander.
  • 1 tablespoon Oregano Mexican oregano preferred.
  • 1 medium Onion Yellow onions are ideal.
  • 3 cloves Garlic Fresh is best.
  • 1 cup Orange Juice Pineapple juice can be used.
  • 1/4 cup Lime Juice Fresh is best.
  • 1 cup Chicken Broth Can substitute with vegetable broth.
  • 1–2 Bay Leaves Optional.
For Serving
  • 4 pieces Tortillas Choose corn or flour.

Equipment

  • Instant Pot
  • Baking sheet

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Trim excess fat from a 2-pound pork shoulder and cut it into 1–2 inch cubes. Generously season the pork with salt, pepper, cumin, and oregano.
  2. Set your Instant Pot to the sauté function and add a drizzle of oil. Once hot, brown the seasoned pork cubes for about 3–4 minutes on each side.
  3. After browning, add one diced onion and three minced garlic cloves to the pot. Stir them into the pork.
  4. Pour in 1 cup of orange juice and 1/4 cup of fresh lime juice, followed by 1 cup of chicken broth. Add in 1–2 bay leaves.
  5. Seal the Instant Pot lid and set it to cook on high pressure for 35 minutes. Allow a 10-minute natural release.
  6. Remove the pork chunks from the Instant Pot and shred the meat into bite-sized pieces.
  7. Preheat your oven broiler to high. Spread the shredded pork on a baking sheet and broil for 5–7 minutes until golden and crispy.
  8. Warm some tortillas and fill each with the crispy carnitas, then top with fresh cilantro, diced onions, and a squeeze of lime.

Nutrition

Serving: 1tacoCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 20gProtein: 15gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 300mgPotassium: 400mgFiber: 2gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 100IUVitamin C: 20mgCalcium: 2mgIron: 10mg

Notes

These tacos are quick and easy to prepare, and can be adapted with various toppings.

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