The BEST Whole30 Instant Pot Carnitas!

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Okay, I'm not an expert on the Instant Pot. In fact, I'd venture to say I'm awful at using it. But something in me sparked an idea and let me tell you, it paid off. These carnitas are SO GOOD and so easy. I didn't even start cooking until almost 8pm when I was feeling extra lazy and still made it happen.

I will also preface this by saying I didn't actually measure any of the ingredients the first time I made these, but this is a pretty good approximation of what I did. You can add more or less seasoning, whatever floats your boat. HOWEVER, the searing part and the broiling part are key, so don't skip those.

Whole30, Paleo, Keto Carnitas

To make these whole30, make sure your bone broth is complaint with no extra ingredients. Other than that, it should be smooth sailing! Serve as a burrito bowl with cilantro, diced onion, whole30 compliant salsa, and lime wedges.

If you're doing keto and tolerate dairy, add some organic sour cream from grass fed cows. For paleo, toss your carnitas on a grain free tortilla like my favorite cassava flour tortillas from Siete Foods.

Cooking Methods

I made my carnitas using the instant pot and oven, but you can use a slow cooker if you prefer. The instructions for the slow cooker version are in the recipe notes below. Enjoy!

The BEST Instant Pot Pork Carnitas

• 3 lb boneless pork butt (cut into large chunks)

• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

• 2 tsp salt

• 1 tsp black pepper

• 1 tsp cumin

• 1/2 tsp chili powder

• 1 white onion (sliced thin)

• 5 cloves garlic (roughly chopped)

• 2 tsp oregano

• 1.5 cups chicken bone broth

• 1 lime (juiced)

• cilantro and lime wedges for garnish

1. Mix together olive oil, salt, pepper, cumin, and chili powder in a bowl

2. Toss the pork chunks with the oil and seasoning mixture until coated

3. Set Instant Pot to "Sauté" mode, or use a pan on the stove

4. Lightly sear all sides of pork chunks

5. Return all meat to the Instant Pot and press "cancel" to end sauté mode

6. Add onion, garlic, oregano, and bone broth to the pot

7. Toss until mixed together

8. Lock the lid and set the Instant Pot to "Meat/Stew." Set time for 35 minutes (it will be longer to allow time for pressure to build).

9. Once done, turn off the Instant Pot and let it naturally release for 10-15 minutes, then quick release. Meanwhile, turn the broiler on high on the oven.

10. Using tongs or slotted spoon, remove meat and onions from the Instant Pot and place them on a baking sheet. Shred the meat with two forks, it should shred easily.

11. Broil the meat for 3-5 minutes to crisp the edges.

12. Serve with cilantro and lime wedges.

To make in a slow cooker, sear the meat in a pan on the stove and return to slow cooker. Cook on high for 4 hours or low for 6-8 hours. Shred the meat and broil as stated in the recipe. 

Have you made these carnitas? Share it with me below!