toppings as desired (fresh cilantro, diced white onion, radishes, salsa, guacamole, jalapeno, etc)
Instructions
Combine the spices together in a small bowl to make a rub mixture.
1 Tablespoon paprika, 1 Tablespoon ground cumin, 1 Tablespoon dried oregano, ½ Tablespoon garlic powder, 3 teaspoons salt
Trim the pork roast of any excessive fat, if desired. Pat dry with paper towels.
2 pounds pork shoulder
Rub the pork on all sides with the dry rub, pressing into the meat.
Heat your Instant Pot over the sauté function. (See notes for baking and slow cooker instructions)
When hot, add the oil.
2 Tablespoons vegetable oil
Add the pork roast and sear on all sides, approximately 3 minutes per side.
Remove the pork from the pot and set aside.
Add the orange juice and scrape up the bits on the bottom of the pot.
¾ cup fresh orange juice
Add the sliced onions and halved jalapeno to the liquid.
1 yellow onion, 1 jalapeno
Put the pork roast back into the pot.
Turn off the sauté function. Put the lid on and set to manual pressure for 90 minutes.
Once cooking is done, let sit on natural release for 15 minutes. Then use manual release to remove the remaining pressure.
Shred the pork with forks or a hand mixer.
Searing
To sear the pork, mix the shredded pork with a little of the juice, just enough to coat.
Heat a large skillet over high heat.
Add the shredded pork and cook to develop color and a crust, approximately 2 minutes. Flip if desired to sear the other side.
Serve the pork as desired such as for tacos, burritos, nachos, or on its own.
Tacos
Warm your tortillas in a large skillet over medium heat until warm and starting to brown. (Alternatively, heat in the microwave in groups of 4-6 for 30 seconds).
16 corn tortillas
Add approximately 1/4 cup of meat (or more as desired) to each taco.
Top with the cheese and desired toppings. Traditional street tacos use white onion and fresh cilantro. Serve.
1 cup cotija cheese, toppings as desired (fresh cilantro, diced white onion, radishes, salsa, guacamole, jalapeno, etc)
Notes
This recipe will work for pork roasts from 2-4 pounds. Increase cooking time by 20 minutes per additional pound over 4 for Instant Pot and oven.Portions: Plan on your pork shrinking by about 40% in the cooking process.
A 2 pound roast will give you around 1.25 pounds of cooked carnitas which is approximately 4 cups of shredded meat, enough for 12-16 tacos.
Pork carnitas is traditionally seared off to develop a little crust and additional flavor. This is recommended, but optional.Baking Instructions: Add rub to pork. Sear pork in a large skillet or pot. Add all ingredients to a large baking dish, covered with foil, and bake at 325F for 3 hours until tender.Slow Cooker Instructions: Add rub to pork. Sear pork in a large skillet or pot. Add all ingredients to a slow cooker with a cup of water and cook on low for 8 hours until tender.Make a large batch of carnitas to use in various recipes like our nachos, enchiladas, chilaquiles, and more!