Citrus-Garlic Carnitas (No-Fuss)
Instant Pot pork carnitas flavored with orange juice and garlic, finished with a quick pan sear for extra texture.

Total
1h 15m
Prep
10 min
Cook
1h 5m
Serves
2
How many of these 10 ingredients are already on your shelf? That's the part we do — photograph your pantry and get a week of dinners built from what's already there.
Add to my week — freeServings
Recipe serves 2
Ingredients
- 1 lb pork shoulder (boneless), cut into 1-inch chunks
- 1/2 cup orange juice (fresh or bottled)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tsp orange zest(optional)
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- 1
Prep (10 minutes): Pat pork dry, then season all over with salt, black pepper, cumin, and chili powder. Mince garlic and zest the orange if using.
- 2
Instant Pot cook (65 minutes total): Add pork to the Instant Pot. Stir in orange juice, lime juice, garlic, and orange zest (if using). Lock lid and cook on High Pressure for 35 minutes, then allow a 10-minute natural release. Quick-release any remaining pressure.
- 3
Finish with pan sear (within remaining time): Transfer pork to a bowl and shred with two forks. Skim off excess liquid if needed, then heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high. Sear shredded pork in batches for 3–5 minutes until edges are browned and crisp, stirring occasionally. Serve hot with any juices from the pan.
Nutrition per serving
Calories
610
31% of a 2,000 kcal day
| Protein | 44 g |
| Carbohydrate | 10 g |
| Fat | 42 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugar | 6 g |
| Sodium | 920 mg |
Goes well with this
Mexican dishes that round out the meal.

Classic Mexican Red Rice
Traditional long-grain rice toasted and simmered in a fresh tomato and garlic puree.

Mexican Street Corn Tortilla
Spanish omelette base topped with roasted corn, lime, and cotija cheese.

Mexican Birria-Style Spaghetti Squash
Slow-braised beef short rib in a complex dried chili consommé served over oven-roasted spaghetti squash strands.
Similar Recipes

Pozole Rojo
A hearty, traditional soup made with hominy, pork, and a vibrant red chili broth.

Tres Leches Cake
A light sponge cake soaked in a sweet mixture of three different types of milk and topped with whipped cream.

Street Style Corn Tacos
Soft corn tortillas filled with seasoned grilled steak, fresh cilantro, and diced white onions.