• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Keto Cooking Christian

  • Recipes
    • Dinner
    • Dessert
    • Sides
    • Breads
    • Breakfast
    • Air Fryer
    • Slow Cooker
    • Appetizers
    • Soups
    • Salads
    • Sauces & Condiments
  • Cookbooks
  • Free Meal Plan
  • Keto
  • Shop
  • Faith
menu icon
go to homepage
subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • Keto Cookbooks
  • Free Keto Meal Plan
  • Recipes
  • Shop
  • How to Start Keto
  • Keto Diet Articles
  • Faith
  • About
  • Work With Me
  • Subscribe
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
  • ×
    Home / Recipes / Dinner / Instant Pot Pork Carnitas

    Instant Pot Pork Carnitas

    February 16, 2019 by Keto Cooking Christian 6 Comments

    This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases, see Disclosure.
    2087 shares
    • Share
    • Tweet
    • Yummly
    • Email
    Jump to Recipe SaveSaved! Cookbooks

    Tender and juicy shredded pork made in the Instant Pot, served Mexican style with Pico de Gallo, fresh avocado, cilantro and a squeeze of fresh lime!

    Instant Pot Pork Carnitas Keto and Low Carb

    FREE KETO FAT BOMBS EBOOK

    DOWNLOAD NOW

    This recipe starts off with a pork shoulder, cut into large chunks and pressure cooked in an Instant Pot until it's falling apart and tender!

    pork carnitas in lettuce wrapped with sour cream drizzle on top salsa in background

    Flavored with citrus zest and juice, Mexican inspired spices, garlic, onion and jalapeño pepper, this pork tastes amazing!

    After it finished cooking in the Instant Pot, it's shredded and lighted crisped under the broiler for a few minutes to finish it off.

    closeup of pork carnitas in lettuce wrapped with sour cream drizzle on top

    Fresh, crispy romaine lettuce leaves cradle a helping of the pork, then topped with Pico de Gallo, diced avocado, sour cream and a squeeze of lime. This recipe takes a few easy steps to make, but it's so worth it!

    What's in Instant Pot Pork Carnitas

    • Boneless pork shoulder
    • Chicken stock
    • Onion
    • Garlic cloves
    • Jalapeño pepper
    • Orange
    • Limes
    • Ground cumin
    • Smoked paprika
    • Dried oregano
    • Bay leaf
    • Salt and pepper
    • Olive oil

    *Exact measurements are listed in the recipe card below.

    How to Make Instant Pot Pork Carnitas

    Set your Instant Pot to the sauté setting.

    Add the olive oil to the pot and sear each side of the pork, remove and set aside.

    Instant Pot Pork Carnitas - Keto and Low Carb

    Add in the onions, salt and pepper, then sauté for about 2 minutes, then add in the garlic and continue sautéing for another 20 seconds.

    Instant Pot Pork Carnitas - Keto and Low Carb

    Next, add in the cumin, oregano, smoked paprika and allow to toast while stirring for about 10 seconds.

    Instant Pot Pork Carnitas - Keto and Low Carb

    Stir in the chicken stock to deglaze the pot and scrape up the brown bits of flavor.

    Instant Pot Pork Carnitas - Keto and Low Carb

    Then stir in the lime and orange juice and zest and jalapeño pepper.

    Instant Pot Pork Carnitas - Keto and Low Carb

    Add the pork back in and place the bay leaf on top.  Lock the lid in place and set the valve to sealing.

    Instant Pot Pork Carnitas - Keto and Low Carb

    Turn the pressure cook/manual setting to high pressure for 90 minutes, then allow it to release the pressure naturally.

    If you're pressed for time, you can quick release after 5-10 minutes.

    Instant Pot Pork Carnitas - Keto and Low Carb

    Remove the pork and pull apart.

    Instant Pot Pork Carnitas - Keto and Low Carb

    You will not need a knife, it will fall apart easily!

    Instant Pot Pork Carnitas - Keto and Low Carb

    Place the shredded pork on a baking sheet in one single layer, pour some of the juices over the top and broil for 5-7 minutes or until the meat crisps up to your liking.

    Instant Pot Pork Carnitas - Keto and Low Carb

    You don't want to crowd the pan, otherwise it will steam instead of crisping up.  Keep a close eye on it, because it can go from crispy to burnt very quickly!

    Serve with a generous squeeze of lime in a Keto friendly tortilla, or lettuce cup.  Garnish with Pico de Gallo, avocado, sour cream and fresh chopped cilantro.

    Instant Pot Pork Carnitas - Keto and Low Carb

    What is Pork Carnitas?

    Carnitas means "little meats" in Spanish. It's type of braised or roasted pork in Mexican cuisine. Pork carnitas are traditionally made using the heavily marbled pork shoulder or Boston butt.

    Can I Make Pork Carnitas in a Slow Cooker?

    If you don't have an Instant Pot or pressure cooker, there's no reason for you to miss out on these fantastic Keto Carnitas.

    All you have to do to adapt this to a slow cooker recipe is, just sear the chucks of pork in a large cast iron or nonstick skillet. Be sure to get good color on all sides. Transfer the pork to your slow cooker and proceed with the same instructions give for the Instant Pot.

    Set your slow cooker on low and cook for about six hours or until the pork is tender.

    Instant Pot Pork Carnitas - Keto and Low Carb

    Are There Carbs in Pork

    Pork, like most meat, contain zero carbs. Because these Pork Carnitas are seasoned and cooked in citrus juice, it does add about 1 gram of carb.

    In addition to the seasonings and juice,you'll want to make sure your macros are calculated correctly, so be sure to adjust for any toppings you add.

    Are Pork Carnitas Keto?

    Pork, of course is Keto. Where you have to be careful with carbs is what you cook it in. For instance, a lot of seasoning blends have maltodextrin or other preservatives that are not Keto friendly, may cause inflammation or have hidden carbs.

    Instant Pot Pork Carnitas - Keto and Low Carb

    What Do I Serve with Pork Carnitas?

    • If you serve them as a lettuce wrap, you can add toppings to make it a complete meal.
    • Serve a helping of Keto carnitas over Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice for a wonderful full course meal.
    • Leftover low carb carnitas are perfect for meal prep. Serve over a green salad for a quick and easy lunch.
    • You can serve pork carnitas along side any Keto side dish- try it with Cheesy Roasted Asparagus, Mexican Cauliflower Rice or Easy Keto Coleslaw

    If you'd like more tips for meal prep, check out this article," 25 Keto Meal Prepping Ideas," for great inspiration.

    pork carnitas in lettuce wrapped with sour cream drizzle on top salsa in background

    Store leftovers in the fridge for a few days or freeze.

    closeup of pork carnitas in lettuce wrapped with sour cream drizzle on top

    Not a fan of lettuce wraps?  You can serve in these homemade Keto Tortillas instead!  

    More Keto Pork Recipes

    • Keto Fried Cabbage with Bacon
    • Pork Fried Cauliflower Rice
    • Bacon Wrapped Stuffed Pork Tenderloin
    • Thai Red Curry Coconut Pork
    • Roasted Cauliflower Ham and Cheese Casserole
    • Pork Chops with Bacon Mushroom Gravy
    • Easy Stir Fry Pork
    • Herb Crusted Pork Tenderloin with Mushroom Gravy

    The Instant Pot model that I have is the Instant Pot DUO80 8 Quart 7-in-1 Multi- Use Programmable Pressure Cooker, Slow Cooker, Rice Cooker, Steamer, Sauté, Yogurt Maker and Warmer

    Instant Pot DUO80 8 Qt 7-in-1 Multi- Use Programmable Pressure Cooker, Slow Cooker, Rice Cooker, Steamer, Sauté, Yogurt Maker and Warmer

    More Keto and Low Carb Instant Pot Recipes

    • Instant Pot No-Bean Chili
    • Easy Instant Pot "Roasted" Chicken
    • Instant Pot One Hour Chicken Stock
    • Instant Pot Butter Chicken
    • Instant Pot Chicken Marsala
    • Instant Pot Ropa Vieja
    • Instant Pot Baby Back Ribs
    pork carnitas in lettuce wrapped with sour cream drizzle on top
    20 Easy Keto Recipes Cover Thumbnail

    FREE 20 EASY KETO RECIPES EBOOK

    DOWNLOAD NOW
    pork carnitas in lettuce wraps with salsa in background

    Instant Pot Pork Carnitas

    Tender and juicy shredded pork made in the Instant Pot, crisped under the broiler and served Mexican style with Pico de Gallo, fresh avocado, cilantro and a squeeze of fresh lime!

    Recipe Video

    Print Pin SaveSaved! Rate
    Prep Time 10 mins
    Cook Time 1 hr 30 mins
    Total Time 1 hr 40 mins
    Author: Julianne
    Course: Main Course
    Calories: 312
    Servings: 8

    INGREDIENTS

    • 4 pound boneless pork shoulder, trimmed and cut into large chunks
    • ½ cup  chicken stock,  see my recipe
    • ½ onion, diced
    • 4 garlic cloves, diced
    • 1 jalapeño pepper, seeds and rib removed, finely diced
    • zest and juice of 1 large orange
    • juice and zest of 3 limes
    • 2 teaspoons ground cumin
    • 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
    • ½ teaspoon dried oregano
    • 1 dried bay leaf
    • salt and pepper to taste
    • olive oil

    INSTRUCTIONS

    • Set your Instant Pot to the sauté setting. Add the olive oil to the pot and sear each side of the pork, remove and set aside.
    • Add in the onions, salt and pepper, then sauté for about 2 minutes, then add in the garlic and continue sautéing for another 20 seconds.
    • Next, add in the cumin, oregano, smoked paprika and allow to toast while stirring for about 10 seconds.  Stir in the chicken stock to deglaze the pot and scrape up the brown bits of flavor.  Then stir in the lime and orange juice and zest and jalapeño pepper.
    • Add the pork back in and place the bay leaf on top.  Lock the lid in place and set the valve to sealing.
    • Turn the pressure cook/manual setting to high pressure for 90 minutes, then allow it to release the pressure naturally.  If you're pressed for time, you can quick release after 5-10 minutes.
    • Remove the pork and pull apart.  You will not need a knife, it will fall apart easily!  Place the shredded pork on a baking sheet in one single layer, pour some of the juices over the top and broil for 5-7 minutes or until the meat crisps up to your liking. You don't want to crowd the pan, otherwise it will steam instead of crisping up.  Keep a close eye on it, because it can go from crispy to burnt very quickly!
    • Serve with a generous squeeze of lime in a Keto friendly tortilla, or lettuce cup.  Garnish with Pico de Gallo, avocado, sour cream and fresh chopped cilantro.  Store leftovers in the fridge for a few days or freeze.
    Share on Instagramand tag @ketocookingchristian

    © Copyright for Keto Cooking Christian LLC. Please use the share buttons to share on social media, but please do not copy/paste the recipe.

    Keto eBook Mega Bundle
    Save 70% OFF 12 EBOOK BUNDLE
    Nutrition Facts
    Instant Pot Pork Carnitas
    Amount Per Serving
    Calories 312 Calories from Fat 126
    % Daily Value*
    Fat 14g22%
    Saturated Fat 5g31%
    Carbohydrates 2g1%
    Sugar 1g1%
    Protein 41g82%
    * Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

    *Nutritional data is provided as a courtesy and is accurate to the best of my knowledge. You can verify it using the nutrition calculator of your choice. All data is based on net carbs, without sugar alcohol- Swerve/Erythritol, Allulose, or Monk Fruit.

    NOTE: Recipes using Swerve/Erythritol can be substituted 1:1 with a Monk fruit/Allulose blend.

    Recipes You Might Like:

    • Slow Cooker Beef Barbacoa
    • Keto Reuben Sliders
    • Chicken Florentine
    • Slow Cooker Corned Beef and Cabbage
    2087 shares
    • Share
    • Tweet
    • Yummly
    • Email

    Filed Under: Dinner, Instant Pot, Mexican, Pork, Posts, Recipes Tagged With: best instant pot recipes, best keto instant pot recipes, best keto recipes, best low carb instant pot recipes, best low carb recipes, easy keto recipes, easy low carb recipes, gluten free recipes, Instant Pot Pork Carnitas, Instant Pot pork recipes, keto, keto diet, Keto Pork Carnitas, keto recipes, ketogenic diet, Low Carb Pork Carnitas, low carb recipes

    Bible verse of the day

    But above all things, my brethren, swear not, neither by heaven, neither by the earth, neither by any other oath: but let your yea be yea; and your nay, nay; lest ye fall into condemnation.
    James 5:12

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

      Leave a Comment or Review Cancel reply

      Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

      Recipe Rating




    1. Helene

      July 28, 2022 at 10:48 am

      Thanks for another great recipe. I plan on making this the next time I go shopping for my meal prep recipes. I love Mexican flavors.

      Reply
      • Keto Cooking Christian

        July 31, 2022 at 1:54 pm

        You are so welcome! I hope you'll enjoy it! The flavors are so good.

        Reply
    2. Jan3

      April 26, 2019 at 12:53 pm

      Did you give the carb count on this - I couldn’t find it. Also could you estimate how much of the meat is in one serving. We have been getting Chipotle keto bowl and I know it will be much better if I make it.

      Reply
      • Keto Cooking Christian

        April 26, 2019 at 2:08 pm

        I did actually, but my recipe cards plugin went through an update yesterday and lost the data. I have restored it now, sorry about that! On the serving size, I would say around 1/2-2/3 cup would be my best estimate.

        Reply
    3. Jane

      April 06, 2019 at 8:40 pm

      I have a 6 QT instant Pot - do I need to alter the recipe?

      Reply
      • Keto Cooking Christian

        April 06, 2019 at 8:42 pm

        Hi Jane,
        I think you should still be able to follow it without any problems.

        Reply

    Primary Sidebar

    Julianne Walser KCC

    I'm Julianne, welcome! I offer tasty and indulgent Keto and Low Carb recipes that will never leave you feeling deprived!

    More about me →

    Footer

    AS FEATURED ON

    As Featured On Banner
    As Featured On Banner

    •SUBSCRIBE

    •COOKBOOKS

    •SHOP

    •WEB STORIES

    •ABOUT

    •CONTACT

    •PRIVACY POLICY

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
    • TikTok
    • Amazon

    Copyright © 2023 Keto Cooking Christian® Registered Trademark | All Rights Reserved