Instant Pot Spiced Pork Carnitas with Citrus and Jalapeño

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender pork carnitas cooked in the Instant Pot with bright citrus and spicy jalapeño, perfect for tacos or bowls. This mexican-inspired pork ready in about 75 minutes pairs pork shoulder, cut into chunks, salt, black pepper for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 400 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 60 min Serves 6 Mexican cuisine 400 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Season 3 lbs pork shoulder chunks evenly with 2 tsp salt, 1 tsp black pepper, 1 tbsp ground cumin, 1 tsp dried oregano, and 1 tsp smoked paprika.
  2. Step 2: Set the Instant Pot to sauté mode and heat 2 tbsp olive oil until shimmering. Brown pork chunks in batches for 3-4 minutes per side until golden. Remove and set aside.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 large quartered yellow onion, 4 smashed garlic cloves, and 1 sliced jalapeño to the pot, sautéing for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Return the pork to the pot. Pour in 1 cup orange juice, 1/4 cup lime juice, and 1/2 cup chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits.
  5. Step 5: Close the lid, set to sealing, and cook on high pressure for 45 minutes. Let natural release for 15 minutes, then quick release remaining pressure.
  6. Step 6: Remove pork and shred with two forks. Return shredded pork to the pot and stir to coat with the cooking liquid before serving in tacos or bowls.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Instant Pot Spiced Pork Carnitas with Citrus and Jalapeño take to make?

Total time is about 75 minutes (15 min prep + 60 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Instant Pot Spiced Pork Carnitas with Citrus and Jalapeño?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep salt from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Instant Pot Spiced Pork Carnitas with Citrus and Jalapeño?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Instant Pot Spiced Pork Carnitas with Citrus and Jalapeño for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Instant Pot Spiced Pork Carnitas with Citrus and Jalapeño?

Mexican pork like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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