If you’ve never experienced Carnitas, you’re in for a real treat. Originating from Michoacán, Mexico, carnitas is essentially Mexico’s answer to pulled pork. The result is tender, flavorful shredded pork with crispy edges, traditionally slow-cooked and lightly fried. Whether you’re making tacos, burritos, or even a rice bowl, carnitas is versatile, juicy, and full of character. But what makes it truly special is its simplicity. With just a few basic ingredients and a little patience, you can make restaurant-quality carnitas right at home.

Traditionally, the pork is cooked in lard, but modern versions (like the one we’ll focus on here) often skip that step for a healthier approach. The meat is still deliciously tender without the added fat, and it’s even easier to prepare in a pressure cooker or Instant Pot. If you’ve got a chunk of pork and some basic seasonings on hand, you’re ready to dive into this classic dish.

What cuts of pork are best for Carnitas?

The key to great carnitas is choosing the right cut of pork. You want a cut that has enough fat to keep the meat tender and juicy, but not so much that it becomes greasy. Pork shoulder (also called pork butt or Boston butt) is ideal for this. It has a great balance of meat and fat, making it perfect for slow-cooking and shredding. You can also use pork leg if you want a slightly leaner version, but be sure to keep an eye on the cooking time to avoid drying it out.

What ingredients do you need for Carnitas?

• Pork shoulder: Look for a piece that has a good marbling of fat throughout for the juiciest carnitas.
• Garlic and onions: These give the carnitas their base flavor. I like to use a mix of minced garlic and onion powder to keep the process simple.
• Dried oregano and thyme: These herbs add an earthy depth to the pork.
• Paprika: Adds a little bit of smokiness and enhances the color.
• Soy sauce: I love using soy sauce for its saltiness and umami flavor, but you can also swap it for Worcestershire sauce.
• Citrus juice: A combination of orange juice, lime juice, and a splash of vinegar works wonders to tenderize the pork and brighten up the flavors.
• Tortillas: Carnitas and tortillas are a match made in heaven. I prefer flour tortillas, but corn tortillas also work great.

Why should you try Carnitas?

There are so many reasons to love carnitas, but here are a few that stand out:

1. Minimal prep time: This carnitas recipe takes just about 15 minutes of hands-on time. After that, the Instant Pot does all the hard work.
2. Simple ingredients: The ingredients are basic, likely items you already have in your pantry or can easily grab at the store.
3. Versatile: Carnitas is one of those dishes you’ll want to have in your fridge regularly. It reheats well, freezes perfectly, and can be used in everything from tacos to enchiladas, burrito bowls, or even sandwiches.
4. Meal prep-friendly: This dish is perfect for batch cooking. You can freeze it in portions and reheat it whenever you need a quick, satisfying meal.

How to Make Carnitas?

There’s no need to overcomplicate things. Making carnitas can be as easy as 1-2-3:

Marinate the pork: You can mix the marinade in a separate bowl, but I prefer to skip that extra step and just rub the seasoning mix directly onto the pork. Coat the pork with garlic, onion powder, oregano, thyme, paprika, soy sauce, and citrus juices. Let it sit for at least 4 hours, or overnight for maximum flavor.

Cook in the Instant Pot: Place the marinated pork in the Instant Pot along with the marinade juices. Cook until the pork is tender enough to shred with a fork. In most cases, this will take around 60-90 minutes. If you don’t have an Instant Pot, you can use a slow cooker or pressure cooker.

Shred the pork: Once the pork is fully cooked, it should easily fall apart when you pull it with a fork. You can fry it in a pan to crisp up the edges, but I often skip this step because I find the top of the pork gets nicely browned in the Instant Pot.

Carnitas is one of those recipes that’s not only delicious but also incredibly adaptable to different tastes and cooking methods. Whether you’re preparing it for a weeknight dinner, meal prep, or a party, it’s a dish that always pleases a crowd. With just a few pantry staples, a great cut of pork, and some citrusy goodness, you’ll have a dish that’s flavorful, juicy, and perfect for any occasion.