Instant Pot Pulled Pork Tacos
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Pulled pork tacos are something that I used to make in my slow cooker fairly often, so I knew that they were something that I had to convert for the Instant Pot. To make these traditional carnitas, you could broil the pork at the end to get the crispy pieces, but I usually can’t wait to dig in. I made these Instant Pot Pulled Pork Tacos with a 2lb pork roast, but if you are using a 4lb roast, just cut it into similar sized pieces.
While I love a good, saucy BBQ pulled pork on a bun, I think there is something truly special about this carnitas style recipe for tacos. The balance of the spices, citrus, and beer is perfect, and almost makes is seem lighter than it’s BBQ counterpart. Give them a try and let me know what you think!
Sear the Meat
Cut the meat into approx 2″ chunks. I cut my 2lb roast into four pieces, if you are using a 4lb roast, cut it into eighths. Combine the spices for the rub in a bowl, and coat all sides of the meat.
Turn the Instant Pot to the Saute function, and turn up to More. Heat the oil, and sear the meat for approximately 2 minutes per side, or until browned.
Make the Sauce
Once the meat is browned, add the beer (or broth) to deglaze the pot, ensuring that everything is scraped off the bottom. Turn off the Saute function. Add the orange juice, lime juice, salsa and chipotle hot sauce. The chipotle hot sauce is optional, but I think it adds a wonderful flavour, without overpowering heat.
Put the lid on the Instant Pot, turn the knob to Sealing, and set to High Pressure for one hour.
Finishing the Pork
Once the time is up, allow to naturally pressure release or 10 minutes before venting. Remove the lid and transfer the pork to a bowl. Shred the pork using two forks (or shredding claws).
Turn the Instant Pot back to the Saute function, and allow the sauce to simmer for a couple of minutes before adding the pork back. Cook for an additional two minutes before removing to serving bowl. You could, at this point, broil the meat for traditional carnitas.
Assembling the Tacos
Corn tortillas would be wonderful for these, but they are very hard to find where I live, so we use flour. These are also awesome as lettuce wraps, and I have done that on many occasions.
You can top these Instant Pot Pulled Pork Tacos however you would like, but I like to top mine with sliced avocado, some cilantro, a squeeze of lime, and more chipotle hot sauce. The Little puts more traditional taco toppings on his (cheese, lettuce, sour cream), and I think he ate four of them last time.
Let me know what topping combinations you tried!
Feeling the Mexican-inspired vibes? Check out my Instant Pot Chili recipe!
Instant Pot Pulled Pork Tacos
Equipment
- Instant Pot
Ingredients
- 2-4 lb pork roast
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp oregano
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp cayenne
- 6 oz beer or chicken broth
- 1/4 cup orange juice
- 1/4 cup lime juice
- 1/4 cup salsa
- 1 tbsp chipotle hot sauce (optional)
- flour or corn tortillas (or lettuce wraps)
Toppings
- sliced avocado
- cilantro
- lime wedges
- chipotle hot sauce
Instructions
- Cut the pork into 2" chunks. Combine all the spices and evenly coat the meat.
- Turn the Instant Pot to Saute, and turn up to More. Heat the oil, and add the pork. Sear approx 2 minutes per side, or until browned.
- Add the beer or broth to deglaze the pot, making sure everything is scraped off the bottom. Turn off the Saute function.
- Add the remaining ingredients and stir. Put the lid on the Instant Pot, turn the knob to Sealing, and set to High Pressure for 1 hour.
- When the time is up, allow to naturally pressure release for 10 minutes before venting. Remove the lid and transfer the pork to a bowl. Shred using two forks.
- Turn the Instant Pot back to Saute. Allow sauce to reduce slightly for two minutes before adding the pork back. Cook for an additional two minutes, then transfer to serving dish.
- Serve on tortillas or lettuce wraps, topped with avocado, cilantro, a squeeze of lime, and more chipotle hot sauce if desired.
