Instant Pot Tamarind Pork Carnitas

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender pork carnitas with tangy tamarind and warm spices made quickly in an Instant Pot for rich Mexican flavors. This mexican-inspired pork ready in about 65 minutes pairs tablespoons tamarind paste, orange juice, tablespoons lime juice for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 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: 50 min Serves 6 Mexican cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Set Instant Pot to sauté mode and heat 1 tablespoon olive oil. Add 2 pounds pork shoulder chunks and brown on all sides for 5-7 minutes.
  2. Step 2: In a bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons tamarind paste, 1/2 cup orange juice, 2 tablespoons lime juice, 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon ground cumin, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1 teaspoon chili powder, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper.
  3. Step 3: Pour the tamarind mixture over the browned pork in the Instant Pot. Add 1/2 cup water. Secure the lid and set to pressure cook on high for 45 minutes.
  4. Step 4: When cooking is complete, perform a natural release for 10 minutes, then quick release remaining pressure. Remove pork and shred with two forks.
  5. Step 5: Optional: Spread shredded pork on a baking sheet and broil for 5 minutes to crisp edges. Serve on warm corn tortillas topped with 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Instant Pot Tamarind Pork Carnitas take to make?

Total time is about 65 minutes (15 min prep + 50 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 Tamarind Pork Carnitas?

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 tablespoons tamarind paste from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Instant Pot Tamarind Pork Carnitas?

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 Tamarind Pork Carnitas 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 Tamarind Pork Carnitas?

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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