INSTANT POT CARNITAS
The Instant Pot or other pressure cooker makes the pork tender, and the broiler gives it the irresistible carmelization. TACO AF seasoning infuses this delicious dinner with flavor.
Just pile the tortillas and toppings on the table and let the gang go wild. If your guests are like mine, there will not be leftovers. |
We love the Instant Pot + SpicyMe combo for making EASY food that is so, so good. This pork is shredded and then put under the broiler to brown, so we don't even bother pre-browning the meat. Also, we pick whatever pork is on sale. A fatty roast or country-style ribs are both fine choices.
SERVES: 6
HANDS-ON TIME: 15 min TOTAL TIME: 60 min CARNITAS: 3 T. vegetable oil 2 1/2 or 3 lbs. raw pork 2 t. + 3 t. SpicyMe TACO AF seasoning 2/3 c. water or chicken stock CHOOSE YOUR OWN FLAVOR ADVENTURE: Tortillas, corn or flour, or Lettuce for wraps Cheese Cilantro, Jalapenos, Avocados, Olives, Lettuce, Tomato Guacamole, Sour Cream Hot Sauce, Salsa |
1. TENDER MEAT: Place oil into Instapot and add pork and 2t. of SpicyMe TACO AF. Close the lid and use the Meat setting to cook for 35 minutes.
After the cooking stops and the pot cools to opening, the meat will be much smaller and sitting in a colorful, oily broth. Separate the meat onto a cutting board or plate to cool some and save the liquid.
After the cooking stops and the pot cools to opening, the meat will be much smaller and sitting in a colorful, oily broth. Separate the meat onto a cutting board or plate to cool some and save the liquid.
|
2. SPICY FLAVOR: Once you can comfortably handle the meat, use two forks or scissors (or your fingers) to pull and shred the meat into the size that you desire. (We usually shred some up and leave some in nice, meaty chunks.) Mix in 3 t. of SpicyMe TACO AF.
3. CRISP IT UP: Place the shredded meat on a cookie sheet or shallow baking pan. Spoon 1/4 c. of the reserved juices over the meat. Place under the broiler for 4-10 minutes until it has the color and crispiness that you prefer. |
Our country-style ribs were put in to the Instant Pot whole.
Here they are after cooking. |
|
Once you pull the meat from the broiler, it will be tempting to eat it all with your fingers. standing in the kitchen.
We have done this. We also serve the Carnitas in tacos, burritos, quesadillas, enchiladas, nachos.... we could go on all day. |
+ Make-ahead: If we are not serving immediately, we put the shredded meat and broth (separately) into the fridge after Step 2. Then, later, go on with Step 3.
+ Small Batch: If we are just heating up one serving, we use a toaster oven to avoid heating up the oven broiler.
+ Small Batch: If we are just heating up one serving, we use a toaster oven to avoid heating up the oven broiler.