These keto instant pot carnitas are the speedy (and easy!) version of this stellar Mexican dish.
Paleo, Whole30 & Keto Instant Pot Carnitas
i.e. Speedy! 🌮💨
You might not know this, but traditional Mexican carnitas are pork slow-fried in lard. But let’s face it, this is not the easiest process for the average home cook. So we’ll leave those for the taquerias, and use our instant pot to make us some (ultra speedy!) and ridiculously tender and tasty carnitas.
And if you haven’t got an instant pot yet (we got ours for Christmas and have fallen head over heels in love!), you can also use your slow cooker. Just omit the water and cook on low for 6 hours.
Serving Suggestions
Suggestion numero uno, our grain free keto tortillas. And if whole30 (or keeping it light on keto), go for a romaine lettuce taco. The freshness of the lettuce goes beautifully with the carnitas, and it’s definitely our top choice once temperatures begin to rise!
Additionally, (traditional Mexican) carnitas are garnished with a myriad of toppings. Anything from salsa verde (or roja), to minced onions, pickled jalapeños, chile habanero, fresh cilantro… i.e. you’ve got options.
Just whatever you do, don’t forget the limes!
Paleo, Whole30 & Keto Instant Pot Carnitas
These keto instant pot carnitas are the speedy (and easy!) version of this stellar Mexican dish. The result? ridiculously tender and tasty carnitas!
Ingredients
- 1 kg pork shoulder cut into large cubes
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 240 ml water
- 1 orange halved
- 2 limes juice of
- 1 jalapeño seeded and diced
- 1 onion diced
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper freshly ground
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
Serving suggestions
- fresh cilantro ribboned or minced
- lime wedges plenty!
- onion finely minced
- salsas of choice
- our grain free keto tortillas or romaine lettuce
Instructions
Pat meat dry and cut into large cubes. Season lightly with salt and freshly ground pepper. Set aside.
Set instant pot to Sauté and heat up olive oil, add meat (working in batches as needed) and sear meat for 3 to 5 minutes on each side until browned. Press Cancel to turn off the heat.
Add in all the remaining ingredients, squeezing the orange into the mix before adding it in (yes, you want the whole orange in the mix!). Toss to combine.
Lock lid in place, close pressure valve and press Meat. Adjust cooking time for 30 minutes and cook. Allow pressure to release naturally (roughly 20 minutes). Remove lid and shred meat with two forks (in the instant pot itself or a tray).
For crispy carnitas
Turn on oven broiler while carnitas are cooking. Once meat is shredded, transfer to a baking tray, along with some juice, and broil for 3-6 minutes until the edges begin to brown and crisp up.
Serve right away with desired toppings (limes are non-negotiable!).
Recipe Notes
Please keep in mind that nutrition facts for this recipe can vary widely. But, think anywhere from 1-3g net carbs per serving is a good rule of thumb.
Can I use a pork Loin roast?
OMG, I browned the meat in a skillet and actually draggged out my beast of a pressure cooker. The taste after browning and seasoning is divine! Can’t wait for it to come out of the pot!
I don’t know – I feel like the orange pith from the whole orange made the carnitas bitter. I tried to remove the orange but it just disintegrated. Next time I’ll try using just the juice and zest.
When you say throw the whole orange in, do you mean the peel as well?
Absolutely delicious! Thank you so much for sharing!! This is only the 2nd time using my instant pot and this dish will definitely be made again. And again. From youngest to oldest everyone at my table loved it, not an easy feat! Thank you!!!
is pork just high in sodium? why is the sodium so high?
Oh man I’m not sure why, could’ve been that the software picked up high sodium from the garlic powder or spices (some have added salt frequently).
I don’t have an instant pot, but I do have a traditional pressure cooker. I presume I can replicate this recipe in that?
For sure Tonka! xo!
I used a pressure cooker for 30 minutes. I think it could use a bit more liquid. Wound up with a serious crust in the bottom of the pot.
Could you please let me know if I could do the pork in a slow cooker? How long do you think?
Hi Alana! Please check out the slow cooker pulled skirt steak for reference on cooking time and liquid needed for the slow cooker xo!
Thanks Paola! Love your recipes!! 🙂
Are the macros available for this recipe, minus the tortillas?
Oh geez they didn’t post! Give me a few minutes to see what’s up!
Nutrition facts are now posted 😉 thanks for the heads up!
I just drooled a little…! Excuse me while I clean up my keyboard!