Instant Pot Pork Carnitas with Mexican Corn Salsa (Easy Taco Night Recipe)
There is nothing like a homemade taco night that just feels like a small celebration in the middle of an ordinary week. For me, it my go-to celebration meal.
For Cinco de Mayo, I made these Instant Pot pork carnitas with a quick Mexican corn salsa, and it turned into one of those meals where everyone keeps coming back for just one more taco. The next-day leftovers were even more delicious than the night before!
It is simple, flavorful, and flexible enough to feed a crowd or make leftovers you will look forward to the next day.
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Instant Pot Pork Carnitas Ingredients
Pork
- 4 to 6 lb pork shoulder or pork butt (best for tender carnitas)
Or pork loin for a leaner version (just be careful not to overcook it or it can dry out. I would forego doing the broil method with this cut.)
Seasoning
- 1 tbsp garlic salt
- 1 tbsp cumin
- 2 tsp oregano
- 2 tsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp basil
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
Citrus and cooking liquid
- 2 oranges, sliced in half
- 1 lime, sliced in half
- 1 to 1.5 cups water (just enough for pressure cooking)
- Drizzle of Olive Oil (optional)
How to Make Instant Pot Carnitas
- Cut the pork into large chunks, about 6 to 8 pieces. This helps it cook evenly and absorb more flavor.
- Mix your seasoning blend and rub it all over the pork pieces until well coated.
- Place pork into the Instant Pot and then add:
- Orange halves, cut side down
- Lime halves, cut side down
- Water
- Cook on high pressure for about 60 minutes, depending on size of pork, then allow a natural release for 15 to 20 minutes.
- Remove pork and shred.
- Optional but highly recommended, crisp the shredded pork in a hot cast iron skillet or under the broiler for 5 minutes or so until edges caramelize.
Mexican Corn Salsa Ingredients
- 2 cans corn, drained
- 1/3 cup mayo
- 1/4 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tbsp taco seasoning (homemade or store-bought)
- 1 can Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies (drained or lightly drained depending on texture preference)
How to Make Corn Salsa
- In a mixing bowl, combine corn, mayo, sour cream or Greek yogurt, cheddar cheese, and Rotel.
- Add lime juice and taco seasoning (If you want a tasty option without all the fillers, try this one)
- Stir until everything is evenly coated and creamy.
- Chill slightly or serve immediately as a taco topping.
Instant Pot Pork Carnitas with Mexican Corn Salsa
Equipment
- 1 Instant Pot Pressure Cooker
Ingredients
For The Carnitas
- 4-6 lb Pork Shoulder or Pork Butt
- 1 TBSP garlic salt
- 1 TBSP cumin
- 2 tsp dried oregano
- 2 tsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp basil
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 2 oranges sliced in half
- 1 lime sliced in half
- 1-1 1/2 cups water
For The Corn Salsa
- 2 cans corn drained
- 1/3 cup Mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup Greek yogurt (can also use sour cream)
- 1 cup cheddar cheese shredded
- 1 TBSP lime juice
- 1 TBSP Taco Seasoning try my homemade version!
- 1 can Rotel drained or half drained
Serving Ingredients
- Tortillas can be corn or flour (I use sourdough)
- Queso Fresco
- fresh cilantro
- lime juice for drizzle
- chopped red onions
- shredded cabbage
Instructions
To Make The Carnitas
- Cut the pork into large chunks (about 6–8 pieces). This helps it cook evenly and absorb more flavor.
- Mix your seasoning blend and rub it all over the pork pieces until well coated.
- Place pork into the Instant Pot and add orange and lime peels (peel facing upwards), and water.
- Cook on high pressure for about 60 minutes (depending on size of pork), then natural release for 15–20 minutes
- Remove pork and shred.
- (Optional but highly recommended) Crisp the shredded pork in a hot cast iron skillet or under the broiler for about 5 minutes until edges caramelize.
To Make The Corn Salsa
- In a mixing bowl, combine corn, mayo, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), cheddar cheese, and Rotel.
- Add lime juice and taco seasoning.
- Stir until everything is evenly coated and creamy.
- Chill slightly or serve immediately as a taco topping or can serve with chips!
Assemble the Tacos
- Serve the shredded meat over a flour or corn tortilla and top with crumbly queso fresco, chopped onion, fresh lime juice, chopped cilantro, avocado or shredded cabbage for the ultimate taco night flavor. My homemade chipotle sauce and cilantro lime crema are also great toppings for these tacos. Enjoy!
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days or freeze for longer storage.
What to Serve with Carnitas (Taco Night Ideas)
One of the best things about carnitas is how easy it is to turn them into a full taco night spread. You do not need anything complicated, just a few fresh toppings and warm tortillas.
Here are some of our favorite ways to serve them:
- Warm corn tortillas (lightly pan-fried for extra flavor)
- Mexican corn salsa
- Sliced avocado
- Fresh cilantro
- Lime wedges for squeezing
- Queso fresco
- Cilantro lime crema (optional but adds a fresh tangy layer)
This is the kind of meal where everyone can build their own plate exactly how they like it.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use pork loin for carnitas?
Yes, you can. It is leaner than pork shoulder, so just be careful not to overcook it or it can become dry. Pork shoulder or pork butt will give you the most tender results.
Can I make carnitas ahead of time?
Yes. Carnitas actually reheat really well. Store shredded pork with a little cooking liquid to keep it moist, then reheat in a skillet for best texture.
Do I have to crisp the carnitas?
No, but it really improves the flavor and texture. Crisping adds those golden edges that make it taste more like restaurant-style carnitas.
Can I freeze leftover carnitas?
Yes. Let it cool completely, then freeze in portions with a little cooking liquid. Thaw and reheat in a skillet when ready to use.
What makes carnitas taste authentic?
It comes from layering flavor with citrus, warm spices, and finishing with a crispy texture after cooking.
How to Store and Reheat Leftover Carnitas
One of the best things about carnitas is how well they keep. In fact, the flavor often gets even better the next day as the spices and citrus continue to settle into the meat.
Storing in the Refrigerator
To store leftover carnitas, let the meat cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container.
For best results:
- Store the shredded pork with a little of the cooking liquid to keep it moist
- Refrigerate for up to 3 to 4 days
When reheating, warm it in a skillet over medium heat. If it seems a little dry, add a splash of the reserved cooking liquid or a little broth to bring it back to life.
Freezing Carnitas
Carnitas also freeze very well, making them a great meal prep option.
To freeze:
- Allow the pork to cool completely
- Portion into freezer-safe bags or containers
- Add a little cooking liquid to each portion to help prevent drying out
- Freeze for up to 2 to 3 months
When ready to use, thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
To reheat:
- Warm in a skillet over medium heat until heated through
- For best texture, crisp the pork in a hot pan after reheating
Bonus Tip
If you plan to freeze carnitas, it helps to slightly under-crisp the meat before storing. You can always crisp it fresh when serving, which gives you the best texture and flavor.
In Closing
This is one of those meals that proves simple and easy ingredients but can still feel special. The carnitas are tender and full of citrus-spiced flavor, and the corn salsa brings a creamy, slightly sweet kick that ties everything together. Trust me, one taste and you will be hooked! Whether you are making this for a holiday like Cinco de Mayo or just a regular weeknight at home, it is the kind of dinner that brings everyone to the table a little faster and keeps them coming back for seconds!
Happy Fiesta friend!
XO, Bri
More Delicious Taco Night Recipes
If you loved this taco night, here are a few more homemade favorites that pair perfectly with carnitas and keep taco night feeling fresh and fun.
More Cozy Instant Pot Dinner Recipes
If you love easy Instant Pot meals like these juicy pork carnitas, try these cozy pressure cooker recipes perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, and simple homemade dinners.
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