Instant-Pot Carnitas Lettuce Tacos

🎁 You have 30 days of free full access to every recipe. Join the Kitchen Club to keep it →
Angel of Independence

📍 Where this dish comes from: Mexico City · Angel of Independence
Discover the history of this region →
Instant-Pot Carnitas Lettuce Tacos, plated and ready to serve

Ingredients for Instant-Pot Carnitas Lettuce Tacos

Instant-Pot Carnitas Lettuce Tacos

Tender pork shoulder pressure-braised in zesty citrus and garlic turns irresistibly juicy, then gets a quick broil for those coveted crispy tips.
Print Recipe
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican
Servings: 5 servings
Calories: 310kcal

Ingredients

  • 2 lb pork shoulder cut in 2-inch cubes; sub: pork loin, boneless chicken thighs
  • 2 tsp sea salt sub: kosher salt
  • 1 tsp ground cumin sub: smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp dried oregano sub: Mexican oregano, Italian blend
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper sub: chipotle powder for heat
  • 4–5 fresh garlic cloves smashed; sub: 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 medium onion quartered; sub: 2 shallots
  • 1 orange halved, juice + spent halves; sub: 1/4 cup chicken broth + 2 Tbsp lime juice
  • 1 lime juiced; sub: lemon juice
  • 1/4 cup chicken broth sub: water
  • 12–16 large butter-lettuce leaves sub: romaine boats, iceberg cups
  • Garnish: diced onion cilantro, lime wedges; sub: radish, salsa verde

Instructions

  • Season & load: Toss pork cubes with salt, cumin, oregano, and pepper. Place in Instant Pot with garlic, onion, orange juice + spent halves, lime juice, and broth.
  • Pressure-cook: Seal and cook 35 min on High. Allow 10 min natural release, then quick-release.
  • Shred: Remove pork to a bowl and shred with two forks, discarding large fat pieces. Reserve ¼ cup cooking liquid.
  • Crisp, optional but authentic: Spread shredded pork on a rimmed sheet, drizzle with reserved liquid, and broil 5 min, stirring once, until edges caramelize.
  • Assemble: Spoon hot carnitas into lettuce cups. Top with diced onion, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 310kcal | Protein: 27g | Fat: 20g
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Cooking Instant-Pot Carnitas Lettuce Tacos in the kitchen

About This Dish

Tender pork shoulder pressure-braised in zesty citrus and garlic turns irresistibly juicy, then gets a quick broil for those coveted crispy tips. Pile the carnitas into cool butter-lettuce cups for classic street-taco flavor with almost no carbs.

Health Benefits

  • Butter lettuce replaces the tortilla, keeping this dish low-carb.
  • Pork shoulder provides the protein and fat that make these tacos filling.

Pairs Well With

  • Chayote “Noodle” Ensalada
  • Chorizo & Mushroom Sauté
Scroll to Top