Pressure Cooker Mexican Carnitas

Name: Pressure Cooker Mexican Carnitas
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Yield: 12-16 servings
Cuisine: North America, Mexican
Ingredients: 1 boneless pork shoulder roast (3 to 4 pounds), cut into 2-inch cubes; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon pepper; 6 large garlic cloves, minced; 1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves, chopped; 3 large navel oranges; 1 large lemon; Canola oil or bacon drippings; 16 flour tortillas (8 inches), warmed; Optional toppings: chopped tomatoes, shredded cheddar cheese, sliced green onions, sour cream and sliced avocado

TEST KITCHEN APPROVED

Total Time:Prep: 15 min. Cook: 40 min. + releasing

By Jenna Urben

Recipe by Patricia Collins, Imbler, Oregon

Tested by Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Taste of Home's Editorial Process

Updated on Nov. 13, 2023

Carnitas are small pieces of crisp pork that are very popular in Mexico. The secret to this recipe is the citrus and quick frying. Be sure to drain the meat well before placing it in the oil, though, or it will splatter and pop. —Patricia Collins, Imbler, Oregon

Can you freeze Pressure Cooker Mexican Carnitas?

Freeze cooled pork mixture in freezer containers. To use, partially thaw in refrigerator overnight. Fry meat in batches as directed until crisp and brown. Serve as directed.

TEST KITCHEN APPROVED

Pressure Cooker Mexican Carnitas

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Yield:12-16 servings

Prep:15 min

Cook:40 min

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Ingredients

1 boneless pork shoulder roast (3 to 4 pounds), cut into 2-inch cubes
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon pepper
6 large garlic cloves, minced
1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves, chopped
3 large navel oranges
1 large lemon
Canola oil or bacon drippings
16 flour tortillas (8 inches), warmed
Optional toppings: chopped tomatoes, shredded cheddar cheese, sliced green onions, sour cream and sliced avocado

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Directions

1
Place pork in a 6-qt. electric pressure cooker. Season with salt and pepper; sprinkle with garlic and cilantro. Squeeze juice from the oranges and lemon over the meat.

2
Lock lid; make sure vent is closed. Select manual setting; adjust pressure to high and set time for 25 minutes. When finished cooking, allow pressure to naturally release for 10 minutes and then quick-release according to manufacturer's directions. With a slotted spoon, remove meat and drain well on paper towels. Pour cooking liquid into a glass measuring cup and let fat rise to the surface. Skim fat from surface and place in the cooker insert; discard remaining cooking liquid.
3
Select saute setting and adjust for high heat. Add enough canola oil or bacon drippings to measure 1/2-in. depth. When hot, add pork in batches and fry until dark golden brown and crisp. Remove and keep warm. Repeat with remaining pork.
4
Serve warm in tortillas with toppings of your choice.

Nutrition Facts

1 serving: 391 calories, 20g fat (5g saturated fat), 51mg cholesterol, 435mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 3g fiber), 19g protein.

Author

Jenna Urben

Jenna is a food writer and recipe developer who shares her allergy-friendly and vegan recipes on her blog, The Urben Life. For Taste of Home, Jenna writes about how to cook with food intolerances in mind, all without sacrificing flavor or texture. When she’s not writing, she’s experimenting with ways to make classic comfort foods allergy-safe.

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