Instant Pot Carnitas & Piñata Apple Salsa

This Mess Is Ours

I devised a time saving plan using my trusty Instant Pot to cook the meat to perfection, trust me you are going to want to use this recipe this week!

Is Carnitas the same as pulled pork?

They are virtually the same thing except for how they are finished. Carnitas are roasted in the oven at the end to create a crispier texture.

For the Instant Pot Carnitas – boneless pork shoulder – water – red onion, chopped – ground cumin – coarse kosher salt – Mexican oregano – ground chipotle pepper – Cara Cara orange – avocado oil, divided

Ingredients

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For the Piñata Apple Salsa – Stemilt Piñata apple – finely diced red bell pepper – jalapeño – fresh lime juice – finely diced red onion – minced fresh cilantro leaves – honey – coarse kosher salt – freshly ground black pepper

Ingredients

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What pork cut is used for carnitas?

Pork shoulder (or butt) is used for carnitas. It's the same cut used in pulled pork recipes.

What goes with carnitas meat?

Carnitas can be paired with anything that you'd normally eat with Mexican food, such as guacamole, rice, and beans. Pork also pairs well with sweet fruits like apples.

How do you repurpose carnitas?

If you have leftover carnitas, use them up the next morning. It can be put on top of Huevos Rancheros or simply mixed in with scrambled eggs.