Instant Pot Tequila Lime Carnitas Food

INSTANT POT CARNITAS

Steps:

• Put the pork shoulder, pork belly, lager, chili powder, cumin, coriander, 1 heaping tablespoon salt and 1 teaspoon black pepper in a 6-quart Instant Pot® and follow the manufacturer's guide for locking the lid and preparing to cook. Set to pressure cook on high for 60 minutes (see Cook's Note). After the pressure cook cycle is complete, follow the manufacturer's guide for quick release and wait until the quick release cycle is complete. Be careful of any remaining steam and unlock and remove the lid. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the meat to a small bowl, cover and set aside. Set the pot to saute on high and reduce the liquid until almost completely evaporated, 10 to 15 minutes. Set the pot to off and transfer the reduced sauce to the meat, then toss to coat and serve.
• For crispy carnitas (optional): Transfer the reduced sauce and cooked carnitas to a large nonstick skillet over high heat and cook, undisturbed, for 5 minutes. Toss and continue to cook for about 5 minutes more to crisp other side. Transfer to a paper towel lined platter, making sure to scrape up any browned bits from the skillet, and serve.
• Serve the carnitas with the tortillas, pico de gallo, lime wedges, guacamole, onion, cilantro and cabbage.

INSTANT POT TEQUILA LIME CARNITAS

Steps:

• Rub the pork pieces evenly with the chile-lime seasoning. Place the pork in the Instant Pot. Add the broth, tequila, and 2 tablespoons of the lime juice.
• Secure the lid on the pot and close the pressure-release valve. Set the pot to HIGH pressure for 60 minutes. At the end of the cooking time, use a natural release to depressurize.
• Using a slotted spoon, transfer the pork from the pot to a bowl. Use two forks to shred it into large bite-size pieces. Pour the cooking juices out of the pot into a separate bowl.
• Wipe out the pot. Select SAUTÉ and when the pot is hot, add 1 tablespoon of the avocado oil. Add about half of the pork to the hot oil and cook, stirring occasionally, until the pork is browned and slightly crisp in some places, about 15 minutes. Remove the pork from the pot. Repeat with the remaining pork and 1 tablespoon avocado oil. Return all the pork to the pot and season to taste with salt. Select CANCEL.
• Stir the cilantro, lime zest, and remaining 2 tablespoons lime juice into the pork. Skim the fat from the reserved cooking juices and add the cooking juices as desired to moisten the carnitas.
• Serve the carnitas with butter lettuce leaves and desired toppings.

INSTANT POT CARNITAS

Steps:

• In your Instant Pot, or in a saute pan over medium heat on the stovetop, heat the oil until shimmering and brown the pork on all sides, working in batches if needed. (Transfer the pork to the Instant Pot if you browned it on the stovetop.).
• Add all the remaining ingredients. Place the lid on the pot, turn the pot to the "sealing" position, and select Manual mode and set the time for 20 minutes. Once it finishes cooking after 20 minutes, allow the Instant Pot to manually release for 20 minutes.
• Take off the lid (if the steam valve hasn't dropped, make sure you move the steam value away from "Sealing"). Let the pork cool slightly, then use two forks to shred the meat. It may look like you have way too much liquid, but it will absorb it after you shred the pork.
• Once shredded, use the pork however you like. I like to toast a few tortillas and top them with the pork, pineapple salsa, fresh cilantro, and a squeeze of fresh lime juice. Carnitas make a great salad topping, and are also excellent mixed into rice, in a sandwich (try it! trust me!), or reheated until crispy and served with eggs and hot sauce and avocado.
• Note: If the pork is too liquid-y even after shredding and sitting, transfer it to a large pan and cook it on the stovetop until some of liquid evaporates. This is also an excellent way to get the meat golden and crispy (you can also spread it on a sheet pan and broil it for a minute or two)-for tacos and salads, I like to take this extra step to get those crunchy edges.