Mexican Pork Carnitas

Authentic Mexican Pork Carnitas recipe for an Instant Pot or slow cooker. Make delicious pulled pork tacos, burritos, enchiladas, and more!

Pork Carnitas

Pork Carnitas Tacos is one of my favorite Mexican meals. I just love Taco Tuesdays! So, I have to share my recipe for Mexican pulled pork with you. I have been making carnitas in the slow cooker for years and have now graduated to making it in the Instant Pot. Both cooking methods produce amazing carnitas. The pulled pork comes out tender, juicy, and so flavorful. I will also show you two ways to crisp up the ends to make it authentic carnitas. It is absolutely delicious and you can use it to make more than just tacos!

Carnitas means “little meats”, so this Mexican pork is shredded or pulled into little pieces. This recipe makes enough for most families to get at least a couple of meals out of it, which saves time and money. You can use it to make tacos, burritos, enchiladas, quesadillas, nachos, burrito bowls and more. I made carnitas tacos and topped them with my Chipotle Corn Salsa, they were a delight! I used the other half of the carnitas the next night to make Pork Enchiladas with Homemade Enchilada Sauce, which made a super yummy dinner that has become a new favorite! Fiesta Lime Coleslaw, Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice, and this Spanish Cauliflower Rice are all great pairings served as a topping or side dish. However you choose to serve it, I hope you enjoy the Mexican Pork Carnitas!

Note: The printable recipe is located at the end of this post. Please visit The Scoop for my latest posts or you can search or browse my Recipe Index.

Authentic Mexican Carnitas Recipe Ingredients

These ingredients create an authentic pork carnitas that is flavorful and delicious!

• boneless skinless pork shoulder or Boston pork roast
• Mexican beer or beer of your choice (you can also substitute chicken broth)
• lime juice
• orange juice
• olive oil or avocado oil
• minced garlic – fresh minced cloves or jarred.
• dried oregano
• ground cumin
• kosher salt
• freshly ground pepper
• cayenne pepper

Mexican Pork Carnitas Instructions 

Here are instructions for how to make authentic pork carnitas in an Instant Pot or slow cooker and how to make it crispy in the oven or skillet.

Mexican Pork Rub

First, prepare the spice rub. In a small bowl, combine the oregano, cumin, salt, pepper, and cayenne. Now prepare the pork. Cut it in half to create two equal pieces leaving the fat on. Rub both pieces with the spice mix on all sides.

How to make Instant Pot Carnitas 

Add the olive oil to Instant Pot. Select saute and heat the oil for about 2 minutes or until it sizzles with a drop of water, Add the minced garlic to the pot, then the prepared pork. Leave on saute for 1 more minute.

Add the beer, orange juice and lime juice to the pot. Place the lid on the pot and lock it into place. Make sure the float valve is in the sealed position. Select pressure cook on high and set timer for 40 minutes.

Once the pork is finished, allow it to natural release. This will take about 15 minutes or more. As always, follow your manufacturer’s guide for natural release.

Once the natural release has finished, carefully remove the lid. Transfer the cooked pork to a large bowl or dish. Remove the fat and discard while you shred the meat with 2 forks. Do not discard the juice in the pot, you will need it. You can ladle at least two cups of the juice into a measuring cup or bowl and set it aside.

How to make Slow Cooker Pork Carnitas

Pour the olive oil into the slow cooker. Add the minced garlic to the bottom and place the prepared pork on top. Pour in the beer, orange juice, and lime juice.

Place the lid on the pot. Cook on high for 4 – 6 hours or low for 6 – 8 hours. The internal temperature should be at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

Transfer the cooked pork to a large bowl or dish. Remove the fat and discard while you shred the meat with 2 forks. Do not discard the juice in the pot, you will need it. You can ladle at least two cups of the juice into a measuring cup or bowl and set it aside.

How to Make Crispy Carnitas

I highly recommend crisping up the edges after you shred your carnitas. It brings out the flavor and gives it a more authentic texture. There are 2 ways to crisp up the edges, take your pick.

How to make carnitas crispy in the oven

Turn your oven broiler to high. Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil and spray with non-stick cooking spray. Spread the shredded pork onto the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle with 1/2 cup of reserved juices. Broil for about 3 – 4 minutes, or until it starts to crisp. Remove from the oven, stir the meat and drizzle with another 1/2 cup of juice. Broil for another 3 – 4 minutes. Remove from the oven, transfer to a serving dish and drizzle with reserved juices. Optional: Garnish with fresh cilantro.

How to make carnitas crispy in the skillet

Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil to a large skillet and heat over medium-high heat until it sizzles. You will need to cook the pork in 2 batches so that the pan is not crowded. Add half the shredded pork to the skillet and 1/2 cup of the reserved juice to the pan. Brown the pork for 1 – 2 minutes then stir or flip with tongs and cook for an additional 1 – 2 minutes or until it just crisps up the edges. Do not overcook. Repeat with the second batch of pork. Transfer to a serving dish and drizzle with reserved juices. Optional: Garnish with fresh cilantro.

(Note: This recipe was originally published on April 7th, 2019 and has been updated with a new recipe card.)

If you make this Mexican Pork Carnitas, please leave a comment in the comment section below. I would love to hear from you and I truly appreciate your feedback! I will always do my best to respond to every comment ASAP. Thank you so much!
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