Go Back

INSTANT POT OR SLOW COOKER PALEO CHIPOTLE PORK CARNITAS

Print Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 8 hours
Total Time 8 hours 15 minutes
Servings 10 people

Equipment

  • Instantpot or Slow Cooker

Ingredients
  

  • 3 - 3.5 Lbs Pork butt or shoulder
  • 2 tbsp avocado oil
  • 1 C yellow onion, sliced
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 4 cloves garlic
  • 1/4 C orange juice
  • 1 C beef or chicken stock
  • 1 chipotle pepper + 1 tbsp adobo sauce
  • 1 lime, juiced
  • 2 Tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1 Tbsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp oregano
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp pepper

Instructions
 

  • Begin by making the rub by combining the chili powder, cumin, oregano, garlic powder, salt and pepper.
  • Next divide up the pork into 3-4 inch sections. This just makes for easier handling when browning and placing in the slowcooker or instantpot. Then coat the pork with the dry rub mixture.
  • Brown the Meat:
    If using the Instant pot:  heat the avocado oil on the saute feature. Brown the pork on all sides, 3-5 minutes per side. This may gave to be done in batches. Once complete, remove & set aside.
    If using a slowcooker: heat the avocado oil in a large skillet over medium heat on the stove. rown the pork on all sides, 3-5 minutes per side. This may gave to be done in batches. Once complete, remove & set aside.
  • While the pork is browning, make the sauce: In a blender combine: garlic, OJ, stock, chipotle pepper, adobo sauce, lime juice and vinegar. Blend until smooth.
  • Add pork & onions to the slowcooker or instantpot along with any juices from the pan or plate the pork was resting on.
  • Pour sauce over the meat & close lid
  • For Instant Pot: Cook on manual for 45 mjnutes. After cook cycle has completed, manually release pressure.
    For Slow Cooker: Cook on Low for 6-8 Hours or High for 4-6 hours.
  • When cooking has completed, remove pork & shred with a fork.
  • For Crispy Carnitas (only complete this step when ready to serve):  In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add 1 tbsp of oil.– Add a single layer of carnitas to the skillet, do not overcrowd the pan. Allow meat to saute for at least 3 minutes before flipping, then repeat or until desired crispness is achieved.

Notes

To serve:
Add to a tortilla, serve over cauliflower rice or a baked sweet potato. Top with desired toppings. I suggest sliced cabbage, cilantro, red onion, avocado and a salsa verde or chipotle ranch.