Whole30 + Keto Instant Pot Carnitas
Whole30 + Keto Instant Pot Carnitas Recipe – instant pot Mexican pulled pork made in the instant pot, then broiled to get crispy and caramelized. Paleo, gluten free, grain free, dairy free, sugar free, clean eating, real food.
I must insist you stop everything you’re doing and add this whole30 + keto instant pot carnitas to your dinner menu ASAP. It is SO GOOD!
Even better? It makes a ton so you’ll have leftovers you can use for meal prep lunches!
Crispy Whole30 + Keto Instant Pot Carnitas
I’ve updated my slow cooker carnitas to work in the instant pot, and I love them even more!
The secret to these amazing carnitas is to broil them after they’re done cooking in the instant pot. This will get them crispy, and help caramelize the fat. The flavor is out of this world!
Whole30 + Keto Instant Pot Carnitas Ingredients
The amazing flavor is thanks to high quality pork butt. I get my humanely raised hormone + antibiotic free pork butt from ButcherBox (which I highly recommend!). An animal stores any toxins in it’s fat. Pork butt has a high amount of fat, so it’s important to get the highest quality pork.
To add even more flavor, I cook the pork butt with a mojo sauce of onions, orange juice, lime juice, chicken stock, cumin + oregano. After it’s done cooking in the instant pot, I boil down the cooking liquid and spoon it over the shredded carnitas before broiling. Keeps the meat juicy and flavorful.
Whole30 + Keto Instant Pot Carnitas Bowl
To serve, I love a delicious carnitas bowl with fajita veggies, cauliflower rice, salsa, guacamole and fresh cilantro.
This makes enough for 8 servings, so you can meal prep your leftover carnitas for lunches for the week!
Watch Carnitas Recipe Video (0:59 minutes)
Watch Carnitas Recipe Video Demo (4:16)
Whole30 + Keto Instant Pot Carnitas
- Prep Time: 5 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 1x
Ingredients
4-pound boneless pork butt, cut into 2″ chunks (I get my hormone + antibiotic free pork butt from ButcherBox, which I highly recommend!)
1 yellow onion, sliced
2 cups chicken stock
juice from 1 orange
juice from 2 or 3 limes
2 teaspoons cumin
1 teaspoon oregano
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon pepper
2 bay leaves
Instructions
In a large measuring cup, combine the chicken stock, orange juice, lime juice, cumin, oregano, salt + pepper. Stir to combine.
In your instant pot, add all the pork butt + raw onion. Pour over the chicken stock mixture and add in the bay leaves. Close with the lid, and make sure the vent is at SEALING.
Cook on HIGH PRESSURE for 30 minutes. Will take about 10-15 minutes to reach pressure, then it will start counting down from 30. After the 30 minutes is up, do a NATURAL RELEASE for 15 minutes. It will start counting up to 15. Then do a QUICK RELEASE, where you move the valve to VENTING to release any more steam. Once all the steam is gone, you can safely open the instant pot.
Set your oven to BROIL.
Gently remove all the carnitas and transfer to a rimmed baking quarter sheet. Discard the bay leaves. Shred the carnitas into bite size pieces using 2 forks. Pour 1/2 a cup of the sauce and onions over the carnitas.
BROIL the carnitas for 5 minutes, until crispy. If I have time, I like to turn the carnitas a few times and keep broiling in 5 minute increments. This really caramelizes the fat and gives it the most amazing texture and flavor.
Serve warm topped with chopped cilantro. Delicious in burrito/taco bowls with fajita veggies, cauliflower rice, guacamole + salsa. Can also serve in lettuce leaf tacos or as a salad.
Will keep in an airtight container for 5 days, or frozen for 6 months.
Notes
Meal Prep Instructions: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days in the refrigerator. I love these plastic ramekins to hold salsa or guacamole. HEATING: These are delicious cold served as a salad! Or, to heat, remove the salsa and/or guacamole ramekins, and either microwave until warm, about 3-5 minutes (I like to sprinkle in a little water to help it steam and prevent it from drying out). Or reheat in a 350ºF oven until warm, 10-15 minutes. Can also reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warm, about 5-10 minutes.
Slow Cooker: You can also make these in the slow cooker. Here is my slow cooker carnitas recipe.
I prefer pork butt, but you could also use pork shoulder. If you have bone in pork butt, just cut around the bone, then throw it in to the instant pot. The bone will add even more flavor!
I use yellow onion, but you could use white or red.
You don’t have to crisp them in the oven, but highly recommend you do!
FAQ’s about Whole30 + Keto Instant Pot Carnitas
Q. Have you done this in the crockpot/slow cooker?
A. Yes! Here is a link to the slow cooker version of this carnitas recipe!
Q. Which instant pot do you have?
A. I have this instant pot and LOVE it!
Q. Can you do something similar with beef?
A. Yes! That is barbacoa. Use a 4 pound chuck roast.
Q. If you freeze the leftovers, how would you defrost it?
A. Thaw completely in the fridge overnight. When ready to cook, heat on a rimmed quarter baking sheet at 350ºF for 15 minutes, or until warm. Then, broil for 3-5 minutes until crispy. Or, you can reheat it all in a cast iron skillet with some avocado oil. Will end up more shredded that way.
Q. Can you use other cuts of pork besides pork butt?
A. Yes, but pork butt (also called pork shoulder) is really the best since it has so much fat and gets so caramelized and crispy. But! You can use equal weight of pork tenderloin or pork loin and it will shred the same. Won’t get as crispy when broiling, but will still be delicious!
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119 Comments on “Whole30 + Keto Instant Pot Carnitas”
So simple and delicious! All of the ingredients, with the exception of the pork, are things I always have on hand. So nice to have an easy recipe on those busy weeknights the whole fam will love! Seriously, give this one a try!
★★★★★
I’m so happy to hear you liked it Cori! Thank you SO MUCH!
This recipe is AMAZING!! it was so good!! My 5 year old and my husband fought over the last bite ? Putting it under the broiler really makes it that much better!!
★★★★★
I love that your hubby and kiddo fought over the last bite of carnitas Melanie! That is definitely a mom win! Broiling it at the end is the key to it’s delicious texture!
This is Heavenly ??????????
★★★★★
Yea yea yea! I’m so happy to hear you love it as much as we do Malena!
This carnitas recipe is out of this world. Do yourself a favor and broil it for a few rounds and add a little extra fluid each time. Turns out amazeballs ? I cant wait to eat this all week. This is a home run Natalie, you’re simply the best!
★★★★★
Yea! I’m so happy you like it Erin! Isn’t it the best?! And yes, I broil it sometimes 2, 3 or 4 times, turning it in between. It takes more time, but adds SO MUCH more flavor! Love your idea of adding more cooking liquid each time. I’m going to try that next time! You are SO NICE! Thank you!
I made this recipe tonight. Turned out well. I am wondering about the protein grams. Your list says 56.7 grams for a half cup serving. I weighed a half cup of the pork and it was 3 ounces. A chart I have says pork roast has 7 grams per ounce, which adds up to 21 grams of protein. I am wondering how you came up with 56.7.
So glad you liked it! Thanks Chris! I use a recipe plugin that automatically calculates the nutrition information for me. Just like it says, it’s a rough estimate. You can always go off your own calculations to be sure it’s more accurate!
Holy delicious. I was nervous making this recipe but it was SO easy and SO flavorful. Broiling at the end adds so much flavor from caramelizing the fat. Make this now. SO good!
★★★★★
Heather – you’re so right, broiling the carnitas at the end is a MUST! Yum!
This recipe is SO good. I made it recently for the first time when we were having friends over for dinner. I thought maybe it was risky to try something brand new to me when I was going to serve it to others, but I’m so glad I took the chance! It’s delicious, tender, and I think the magic is sticking the meat under the broiler. I always wondered how to get the meat just a tad crispy on the edges, and that’s the trick! YAY! I’ll probably make this recipe again this week!
★★★★★
I am so glad this turned out great for you, especially when you were serving to company! I agree that broiling the carnitas is the most important step. LOVE those crispy edges!
This recipe quickly became a staple for me!! SO easy and delicious!! I love making this when I host, and love that it heats up so well for leftovers. One of my favorite recipes :) A total crowd pleaser!!!!!
★★★★★
I am so happy you like this Anna! I also love making this for company, it just works every time! You are right, it does make the BEST leftovers.
Loved hose easy this recipe was and how delicious the meat was at the end. Never thought I would be able to make my own Carnitas and this recipe has become a regular in my house.
★★★★★
I am so pleased that this is a regular in your house!
Made this last night and it was AMAZING! The instructions are easy to follow and I had all of the ingredients on hand. The meat was so tender and crisping it up in the oven made it even better. I served it with sautéed veggies, cauli rice, and avocado! We will definitely be making this again!
★★★★★
So please you liked this Janay! I agree that crisping the meat in the oven is key, brings out such flavor. I am so happy you will be making this again.
So easy and the time suggestions were right on! Had to adjust the acid for what I had on hand but still worked great! (ACV and some wine)
★★★★★
Hi Kelly – So glad you enjoyed these! I am happy they were easy to make and my time suggestions were right. Your tweaks of apple cider vinegar and wine sound yummy. So happy you enjoyed them and thanks so much for sharing.
Can you omit the bay leaves?
Hi Laura – Yes you can omit the bay leaves. Bay leaves add a unique flavor to soups and meats that I really enjoy. If you don’t like them or don’t have them on hand just leave them out. It will still be super tasty!
Could you do this if your pork butt is frozen?
Hi Amber – Since the meat needs to be cut into 2″ chunks, I think it would be difficult to cut up frozen meat. I would recommend using thawed meat.
Made this last night for the first time. Also the very first time using my Instant Pot (I had been super intimidated). THESE CARNITAS WERE AMAZING!!!! We had friends over and they all raved about it too. SUPER easy, the videos provided were extremely helpful to me as I became more familiar with my Instant Pot (which is easy… geesh!) The broil at the end made these SO CRISY and adding the broth to the pan also kept the meat so tender. This is on repeat!!!
★★★★★
Wow! Your comment just made my day Jen! I know exactly how you feel, I was so intimidated to use my Instant Pot the first time. Turns out it was so easy! I am so glad you made my carnitas and they turned out well for you and your guests! You’re right, broiling the carnitas at the end adds the best texture to the carnitas!
This is a family favorite! Tastes delicious
★★★★★
Thank you so much for letting me know that my carnitas are a family favorite Angie! I am so happy you found this recipe delicious! It sure means the world to me!
I made this recipe on Wednesday with my first Butcher Box order with your recommendation. This recipe was ssssoooo good!! It was juicy, tender and oh so flavorful! Definitely will make again and again!!
★★★★★
I am so happy you liked my carnitas Penny! That is so great that you have started getting Butcher Box meat. I think it is simply the best there is. So glad you enjoyed it!
My husband and I loved these carnitas! So easy and delicious! Plus plenty of leftovers to freeze for future meals.
★★★★★
I am so glad you liked my carnitas Marie! I am happy they were easy and delicious. Even better that they were hubby approved! I think leftovers are simply the best and I hope you enjoy them.
Oh my word! These carnitas are the best!!! I thought I had over-charred them, but nope! My husband loved them so much he raved about them at work & all the ladies wanted the recipe. ? Of course I shared it! Definitely making them again!
★★★★★
I am so happy you liked my carnitas Debbie! That is fantastic that your husband liked them so much he raved about them at work. I just LOVE that! I don’t think it is possible to over char them. The crispier the better!
I got the bone in pork butt in my butcher box and wanted to try and make this with it. Is there any way I could just cook it longer in the instapot since I won’t be able to cube it up beforehand? Thanks in advance! This looks amazing!!!
Thanks so much for the question Natalie. I think the bone in pork but would work. I would determine the cooking time by the weight of the roast and adjust accordingly. Sure hope this helps. Happy cooking!
I finally got around to making this tonight and like…. what… wow…. what just happened……. sooooo goooood…..mind blowing!!! It was super easy and completely impressed all of us that ate it…including me!!! It was even an exact butcher box roast! I’m excited about all the broth it made too! Now I have a delicious soup base for something this week!
Thank you so much for your very nice comment on my carnitas Sarah! I am so glad you liked them. Isn’t Butcher Box the best? It does make a delicious broth. That is a fantastic idea to make a soup with the broth.
Yum, another great recipe! Very tasty and already looking forward to eating leftovers…nachos tomorrow! Natalie, do you add more of the juice as you’re broiling they meat? Mine was a little dry.
★★★★★
I am so glad you liked my carnitas Heather! Sorry they turned out a little dry. I do add a 1/2 cup of cooking liquid to the meat prior to broiling. This will keep them nice and moist. Hope this helps!
I tried this the other night and they were seriously the best carnitas I’ve ever made! Thank you for the amazing recipe!! Highly recommend it!
★★★★★
Wow! I am so glad my carnitas were the best you have ever made Leslie! Yeah! That just makes my day.
made these in the slow cooker & they were AMAZING!!!
★★★★★
So glad you liked them Jessica!
So tasty! This was so simple to make and had great flavor. Ate these with Siete tortillas and lots of chopped onions on top! I love all your recipes!
★★★★★
That is fantastic that you liked my carnitas Dara. I am so happy they were easy to make and delicious!
Hi Natalie,
I’ve made carnitas before in the crockpot and didn’t like how mushy they turned out. I don’t have an instant pot, but I just tried putting the meat under the broiler after the crockpot as you suggested and it was fantastic! I couldn’t believe I made it! So good w the oven roasted fajita vegetables and I added some lime and cilantro to my cauliflower rice. So, so good – thanks for the recipe!!
★★★★★
I am so happy you liked my carnitas Laura! Broiling them at the end to crisp them up makes them so tasty it is unbelievable. Thanks for sharing that it worked with the crockpot method too! That is fantastic!
These are out of this world! I promise they are so good! I’ve made them for crowds for taco night several times and everyone always says they love them!
★★★★★
I am so glad you like my carnitas Katie! They are perfect for a crowd, they are always a hit!
OH. MY. GOODNESS Natalie!!! This is my new favorite recipe from you. These are just hands down THE BEST carnitas I’ve ever had. And so easy! My whole family came over for family dinner and they all loved it!! Thank you for all your hard work on this site! It’s so much appreciated. ?
★★★★★
I am so happy you liked my carnitas Dana! That is quite a compliment that they the best you have ever had. I love that you were brave enough to make them for your whole family. How fantastic that they loved it!
So good!
★★★★★
I am so happy you liked my carnitas Cassie! Thank you so much for the feedback, I really appreciate it!
So easy and so delicious! I didn’t have limes or cumin on hand and it was still so good!! I made a big batch and froze what we didn’t eat.
★★★★★
I am so happy you liked my carnitas Sara! So glad it was still tasty without limes and cumin. So many of us are having to just make do with what we have on hand these days, so that is good to know. So glad you now have extra in your freezer! It freezes beautifully!
I’ve made carnitas before but the recipe I followed was way more complicated. This was so easy + the pork was so easily shredded with a fork! Percectly cooked + full of flavour! Love how you broil the carnitas in the oven to get them crispy instead of in a pan. Much easier! This will be our go to recipe from now on. Thanks Natalie!
★★★★★
I am so happy you liked my carnitas Chantelle! I love hearing that they were easy to make and full of flavor. I agree, broiling them at the end to crisp them up makes them very yummy! I am so happy this will be a go to recipe for you.
This was dinner tonight! Hubby and I ate a good amount right off the pan before we plated it up!
★★★★★
I am so happy you liked my pot roast Lizabeth! It’s good to hear it turned out well for you even without thyme. During these quarantine days we are all having to improvise with what we have on hand. Thanks so much for the feedback, I really appreciate it.
So easy and so good! I used pork tenderloin, because it’s what I had on hand. Definitely will make it again!
★★★★★
I am so happy you liked my carnitas Jaime! I love that you and your hubby ate it right out of the pan before serving it. How fun!
I am so glad you liked my carnitas Jaime. I am so glad to hear it turned out well with pork tenderloin. These days we are all having to improvise with what we have available. I am so happy you will be making this again.
So good! Broiling makes a huge difference. Will definitely make this again.
I am so happy that you like my biscuits and gravy Hallie! Even better that your 5 year old loves it. That is always a win, win! I am so glad this recipe is part of your regular recipe rotation.
Great recipe. Made very few changes. Seared pork in olive oil first. Didn’t have limes, so I used 3tbs of white wine vinager. Didn’t have oranges, but used 1/3 c of orange juice. Added a tsp of liquid smoke. Then I used the liquid to deglaze the pot, added in the seared pork and layered the onion on top. Cooked on high for 30 min, slow released for 30 min…cooking this any longer would’ve turned the pork to mush. Took meat out and shredded, then broiled, mixed it up and broiled again. Finished by adding a little more broth in for moisture. Totally easy! Making carnita bowls and keto tortillas from gnom gnom paleo…hands down the best keto tortillas!
★★★★★
I am so happy you liked my carnitas Kelly. I love that you were able to adjust and adapt the recipe with the ingredients you had on hand. These days we are all having to improvise with recipes. Thanks for sharing your cooking tips, they are fantastic tips!
This was fabulous!!! I love making your recipes. Thank you for sharing so many delicious recipes. I also love watching your stories on IG. You are so inspiring.
★★★★★
Thank you so much for your very nice comment Cara! You absolutely made my day! I am so happy you liked my carnitas and other recipes. I love sharing tips and recipes and when they are well received, it sure makes it all worthwhile.
I am thrilled that you like my Instagram stories. Thank you so much for reaching out, it really means the world to me.
This was so delicious! It took quite a bit longer than the 35 minutes, but definitely worth it! I decided to give it three rounds in the broiler and I think it was a good choice. After I made this recipe, my boyfriend said, “You should make more recipes from her!” Which is a huge compliment!
★★★★★
So glad your boyfriend liked it Mackenzie! You’re right, that is quite a compliment!
This recipe is sooo good! It’s become a family favorite and that’s saying a lot as my kids are picky eaters.
★★★★★
I am so happy you like my carnitas Kira! Even better that your picky little eaters like it. It’s such a mom win when you find a recipe that is a hit!
Wow! Just made this for my own Mother’s Day lunch – super simple and came out looking exactly like the picture. It’s delicious! This is definitely going in my recipe rotation!
★★★★★
I love that you made your own Mother’s Day lunch Carollanne! Even better that it turned out delicious. I am so glad the carnitas will be part of your regular recipe rotation. I sure hope your Mother’s Day was lovely.
So delicious! Will be making this often for my family! Can the juice left over in the instant pot be used for something else?
★★★★★
I am so happy you liked my carnitas Natalie. That is fantastic that you will be making them again. In regards to the juice left in the pot you could use is as a substitute for any recipe that calls for broth. That would actually be delicious and flavorful.
Our family of six which includes four VERY picky kids had this for dinner last night. Wow! The kids went back for seconds and thirds…. the only bummer is I have no leftovers for lunch today!!!! So easy – like insanely easy to make. This will be in our regular dinner rotation!
★★★★★
I am so happy you liked my carnitas Colleen. Even better that your picky kids liked it so much they went back for more! That is such a mom win! I just love it when that happens. I am glad to hear that it was easy to make and you will be making it again.
Easy and deeeeeelicous! Will definitely put this into the weeknight rotation.
★★★★★
I love that you describe them as easy and delicious Carisa! That is exactly what I was striving for! I am glad you will be making them again.
Holy crap! Who knew Carnita’s were so easy to make with the Instapot and Broiler. Thank you Natalie. These are the the best and we get amazing Carnitas in San Diego. Depending on your oven, I did broil mine on high.
★★★★★
Ha! So happy you found the carnitas easy to make Kris. Isn’t it surprising how simple the recipe is? Broiling them at the end it the best. I love the crispy bits!
I have made this recipe so many times! Each time it just tastes better and better! My partner is of Mexican heritage and when he says “wow! this is really good!” you know its a winner! Thank you so much for sharing this delicious and super easy recipe.
★★★★★
It is fantastic that your partner loves it too Valentina! I am so glad you find the recipe easy and delicious. I love it!
We made this and loved it,!!!! now we have company coming into town and I wanted to double the meat, what should I increase the cook time to and would I double the broth and other ingredients?
★★★★★
I haven’t recipe tested this doubling the recipe so I am not sure how long the cook time would be. The general rule for Instant pot is 15 minutes per pound of pork. I sure hope this helps!
I’m going to make this this week, as I just got an Instant Pot for Christmas. Recipe looks great! Compared to my former fave slow cooker carnitas recipe from Tasty, the big difference is no garlic. Have you ever added garlic?
I haven’t tried it with garlic but I am pretty sure that would be a delicious addition
Amy! :)
Do the sugars form the orange and lime burn off?
I am not quite sure what you mean about the sugar in the orange and lime burning off Rebecca. They really add a tremendous amount of flavor to the dish. The total sugar in the recipe is 1.7g.
Can this be made in a slow cooker?
Yes you can cook the carnitas in the slow cooker Sarah. Here is a link to the instructions:
https://www.tasteslovely.com/street-style-crispy-carnitas-tacos/
This lives up to allll the hype! This recipe was a huge hit, and I’m eating leftovers for breakfast, lunch, and dinner!
★★★★★
Lucky you for having so many leftovers Angele. My favorite! :)
I love this recipe! I froze half to make after I had my baby. Once I thawed it put it under the broiler to heat it up and it was still perfection! So yummy! One of my absolute favorites. Thank you, Natalie!
★★★★★
Isn’t it fantastic how well the recipe freezes Katie? So glad you enjoyed them.
This recipe is delicious and it couldn’t be easier! I’ve tried several Whole30 compliant carnitas recipes and have always been disappointed but not with this one!! My newly picky 4 year old loved it and asked for seconds at dinner last night and then wanted it for breakfast this morning. My husband asked for it to be on a regular rotation!
★★★★★
I just love that you 4 year old asked for seconds and your husband wants you to make them regularly Heather. Yeah! It sure must have been a hit!
Insanely delicious. I love how it crisps up under the broiler. I’m already excited to eat the leftovers tomorrow!
★★★★★
I agree, the crisp you get from broiling it is so delicious Lynn. Glad you have plenty for leftovers. Yum!
SO SO GOOD! Thank you Natalie for another easy and delicious dinner that doubles as meal prep! Even my super picky husband and 3 year old ate on this all week!!
★★★★★
Yeah! I am so happy you liked my carnitas Meaghan! Isn’t it the best feeling when you make a new recipe and your family enjoys it? I am so glad your husband and little one liked it and ate it throughout the week. That is such a win! Love to hear that it was easy to make and delicious.
Four thumbs up from my family of four! I did the IP part on Saturday and the broiler part on Sunday when we actually ate them, but this recipe is quick and easy enough for a weeknight meal. Definitely making again!
★★★★★
Yeah! Four thumbs up is fantastic Barbara! I’ll take it! LOL! I have also done the instant pot part one day and broiled it the next. It works so well! Such a stress free way to cook. I am so glad you will be making it again!
I just love this recipe!! I’ve made it a dozen times, so much flavor!
★★★★★
I love that you have made the recipe a dozen times Hailey. So glad it has turned out flavorful for you.
So so so good!
I already put it on my list for next weeks dinners!
★★★★★
I love that you have already put it on next week’s menu Nicole. Must have been a hit! :)
Holy yum. This is SO good. I made tacos with the jicama wraps from Trader Joes and it was so perfectly crunchy/fresh/delicious. It makes a ton so it is perfect for meal prepping!
★★★★★
I just love the jicama wraps from Trader Joes Holland! What a fantastic way to serve it.
Made this tonight and it was amazing!! I’m Hispanic and this flavor and texture reminded me of my grandmas pernil. This is going in the rotation! Love your recipes.
I love that it reminded you of your Grandma Vanessa! What a wonderful memory food can be. So glad you will be making it again.
So good and so easy!!! Definitely want to make this when we have company again this year!!!
★★★★★
They are the perfect meal to serve to company Shire!
My husband is a picky eater. He likes very little and is always wanting to eat out. I made these and he was obsessed. They are now on a biweekly rotation in our home and I love them because they are so easy and delicious and I always have leftovers for lunch!
★★★★★
Yeah! I am so glad you enjoyed my carnitas Hope. Even better that your picky husband enjoyed them! That is fantastic! I love that you have added them to your regular recipe rotation.