QUICK COOK CARNITAS

Quick Cook Carnitas image

Provided by Valerie Bertinelli

Time 2h55m

Yield 4 to 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 25

Ingredients

1 tablespoon ground cumin
1 tablespoon kosher salt, plus additional as needed
1 teaspoon ancho chile powder
1 teaspoon paprika
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
One 3-pound boneless pork butt, trimmed and cut into 3-inch pieces (about 4 pieces)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium yellow onion, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 small jalapeno, seeded and minced
1 cup Mexican lager
1/4 cup fresh orange juice (from 1 navel orange)
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice (from 1 to 2 limes)
1/4 cup cornstarch
Lime wedges, for serving
Corn tortillas, for serving
Cotija cheese
Fresh cilantro leaves
Pickled Shallots and Red Onions (recipe follows)
Salsa
1/2 cup distilled white vinegar
2 tablespoons sugar
Kosher salt
1 small red onion, thinly sliced
1 shallot, thinly sliced

Steps:

Combine the cumin, salt, ancho chile powder, paprika and cayenne in a small bowl. Sprinkle over the pork, then drizzle on the oil and toss to coat. Set a 6-quart Instant Pot® to high saute and cook the pork in batches until all sides are golden brown, 3 to 4 minutes per side. Transfer the pork to a plate and set aside. Add the onions and cook until they begin to soften, about 2 minutes. Add the garlic and jalapeno and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add the beer, orange juice and lime juice and stir to combine, making sure the pork is mostly submerged in the liquid. Select the cancel button on the pot.
Follow the manufacturer's guide for locking the lid and preparing to cook. Set to pressure cook on high for 30 minutes. After the pressure-cook cycle is complete, follow the manufacturer's guide for natural release. After 15 minutes, being careful of any remaining steam, unlock and remove the lid. The pork should be tender and cooked all the way through. Transfer the pork to a large bowl and shred with two forks.
Set the Instant Pot® to high saute and bring the liquid to a boil. Mix together the cornstarch and 1/4 cup water in a small bowl until smooth. While whisking, pour the cornstarch mixture into the boiling liquid. Let boil until slightly thickened, 2 more minutes. Press the cancel button.
Ladle the cooking liquid over the pork and season with salt, to taste. Serve with lime wedges, tortillas and desired toppings.
Combine the white vinegar, sugar and 1 teaspoon salt in a small saucepan with 1/2 cup water. Bring to a simmer over medium-high heat. Add the onions and shallots to a pint jar and pour the liquid over the top. Let cool completely. Refrigerate up to 1 week.