Are you craving the mouthwatering, tender goodness of pork carnitas? Look no further! In this article, you will discover a foolproof Pork Carnitas Recipe that can be easily prepared in a pressure cooker. Say goodbye to long hours of slow cooking because with this recipe, you can have succulent pork carnitas on your table in no time. So, grab your pressure cooker and get ready to embark on an incredible culinary journey that will leave your taste buds begging for more.
Ingredients
To make delicious pork carnitas in a pressure cooker, you will need the following ingredients:
Pork shoulder
The star of this recipe is the pork shoulder. It is important to trim excess fat from the pork shoulder before cooking to ensure a tender and flavorful dish.
Salt, Pepper, Oregano, and Cumin
Season the pork shoulder with a combination of salt, pepper, oregano, and cumin. These spices will enhance the flavor of the meat and give it a delicious, aromatic taste.
Onions and Garlic
Slice onions and mince garlic to add a savory and aromatic component to the carnitas. These ingredients will help create a flavorful base for the dish.
Orange
Fresh orange juice adds a touch of brightness and acidity to balance the rich flavors of the pork. The citrusy notes from the orange will complement the other ingredients perfectly.
Bay leaves
Bay leaves are a classic addition to many recipes, including carnitas. They add a unique and subtle fragrance to the dish, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
Chicken broth
Chicken broth serves as the cooking liquid for the pork carnitas, ensuring that the meat remains moist and tender throughout the cooking process. It also adds depth of flavor to the dish.
Preparation
Before starting the cooking process, it is important to properly prepare the ingredients and the pressure cooker. Here’s how:
Trim Excess Fat from Pork Shoulder
Take a moment to trim any excess fat from the pork shoulder. This step will prevent the meat from becoming overly greasy and will result in a better texture and taste.
Season Pork with Spices
Generously season the pork shoulder with salt, pepper, oregano, and cumin. Ensure that all sides of the meat are coated evenly. This will ensure that the flavors permeate the pork throughout the cooking process.
Slice Onions and Mince Garlic
Slice the onions and mince the garlic. These aromatics will add complexity and depth to the dish.
Juice the Orange
Squeeze the fresh orange to extract its juice. The tangy and vibrant flavors of the orange juice will contribute to the overall taste of the carnitas.
Heat Pressure Cooker and Brown Pork
Heat the pressure cooker and add a small amount of oil. Once the cooker is hot, carefully brown the seasoned pork shoulder on all sides. This step will create a beautiful crust on the meat, sealing in the flavors and adding a pleasant texture.
Add Onions, Garlic, Orange Juice, Bay Leaves, and Chicken Broth
With the pork browned, it’s time to add the remaining ingredients to the pressure cooker. Add the sliced onions, minced garlic, orange juice, bay leaves, and chicken broth. These ingredients will create a fragrant and flavorful cooking liquid for the carnitas.
Lock the Lid and Cook on High Pressure
Securely lock the pressure cooker’s lid in place. Set the cooker to high pressure and cook for 60 minutes. The high pressure will help tenderize the pork and infuse it with all the delicious flavors of the other ingredients.
Natural and Manual Release
Once the cooking time is up, allow for a natural release for 10 minutes. This will help the pressure inside the cooker to slowly release. After the 10-minute natural release, manually release the remaining pressure. Be cautious and follow the pressure cooker’s safety instructions.
Shred the Pork
Transfer the cooked pork shoulder to a cutting board, and using two forks, shred the meat into smaller pieces. The pork should be tender and easily fall apart, making it perfect for delicious and juicy carnitas.
Serving Suggestions
Now that your pork carnitas are ready, it’s time to think about how you want to enjoy them. Here are some mouthwatering serving suggestions:
Warm Tortillas
Serve the tender and flavorful pork carnitas in warm tortillas. The soft, pillowy texture of the tortillas will perfectly complement the juicy meat.
Chopped Cilantro
Sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro over the carnitas. The bright and herbaceous flavors of cilantro will elevate each bite and add a pop of freshness.
Diced Onions
Top your carnitas with some diced onions for a crunchy and slightly pungent element. The onions will add a pleasant texture and a hint of sweetness to balance the flavors.
Sliced Jalapenos
For those who love a kick of heat, sliced jalapenos are an excellent addition to your carnitas. The spicy jalapenos will add a bold and fiery flavor to each bite.
Lime Wedges
Squeeze some fresh lime juice over your carnitas before taking a bite. The tangy and citrusy notes of lime will brighten up the flavors and add a refreshing twist.
Salsa
A flavorful salsa is a must when serving pork carnitas. Whether it’s a classic tomato salsa or a tangy salsa verde, the combination of the vibrant salsa and succulent carnitas is simply irresistible.
Guacamole
Creamy and rich guacamole is the perfect companion for your carnitas. The cool and velvety avocado will balance out the richness of the meat and add a creamy texture.
Sour Cream
A dollop of sour cream on top of your carnitas will bring a cool and tangy element to the dish. The creamy and smooth texture of the sour cream will create a harmonious balance with the bold flavors of the pork.
Refried Beans
Serve your carnitas alongside some delicious refried beans. The creamy and savory beans will complement the meat beautifully and add a hearty element to the dish.
Mexican Rice
Complete your meal with a side of Mexican rice. The fluffy and fragrant rice, infused with flavors of tomato, onion, and spices, will round out the dish and make it a satisfying and complete meal.
Variations
While the classic pork carnitas recipe is already incredibly tasty, it’s always fun to experiment and add your own twist. Here are a few variations to consider:
Crispy Carnitas
For those who enjoy a crispy texture, try this variation after shredding the pork. Spread the shredded meat out on a baking sheet and broil in the oven for 5-7 minutes until it becomes browned and crisp. The result will be mouthwatering, crispy carnitas that are perfect for tacos or nachos.
Slow Cooker Carnitas
If you don’t have a pressure cooker, you can still achieve delicious carnitas using a slow cooker. Simply follow the same instructions but cook the pork in a slow cooker on low heat for 8-10 hours. The long, slow cooking process will result in tender and flavorful carnitas.
Spicy Carnitas
For those who love spicy food, add some chopped chipotle peppers in adobo sauce to the pressure cooker when adding the other ingredients. The smoky and spicy kick from the chipotle peppers will take your carnitas to a whole new level of deliciousness.
Storage
If you find yourself with leftover carnitas, don’t worry! You can easily store them for later enjoyment.
Refrigeration
Place any leftover carnitas in an airtight container and refrigerate them. They will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days. When ready to enjoy again, you can simply reheat the carnitas in a skillet or microwave.
Freezing
To store your carnitas for an extended period, you can freeze them. Portion out the carnitas into freezer-safe bags or containers, making sure to remove as much air as possible. These frozen carnitas will remain of good quality for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, thaw and reheat as desired.
In conclusion, making pork carnitas in a pressure cooker allows you to enjoy tender, flavorful, and juicy meat in a fraction of the time compared to traditional cooking methods. With the right combination of spices and ingredients, you can create a mouthwatering dish that is perfect for any occasion. Serve your carnitas with an array of delicious accompaniments and explore different variations to keep things exciting. Whether you prefer the classic version, crave some extra crispiness, or enjoy a spicy kick, pork carnitas in a pressure cooker will surely satisfy your taste buds.