Carnitas

CARNITAS
4-6 lbs. pork shoulder slightly trimmed of excess fat and cut into 2-inch cubes
1 Tablespoon garlic salt
1 Tablespoon cumin
2 teaspoon dried oregano
2 teaspoon brown sugar
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon ground coriander
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon paprika
2 oranges sliced in half
1 lime sliced in half
1 cup water

PICKLED ONIONS
1 red onion halved and thinly sliced halved and thinly sliced
1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
1/4 cup lime juice freshly squeezed
1/8 – 1/4 cup sugar
1/2 Tablespoon kosher salt
Pinch crushed red pepper flakes

INSTRUCTIONS

CARNITAS

1. Combine garlic salt, chili powder, dried oregano, dried basil, cumin, ground coriander, brown sugar, and sweet paprika.
2. Rub the spice mixture evenly over the pork pieces and place in Instant Pot.
3. Squeeze the juice from the oranges and limes over the pork. Place rinds pulp side down in Instant Pot and add 1 cup water.
4. Make sure your sealing ring is in place on the lid. Lock the lid onto Instant Pot and set the steam release knob to the “sealing” position.
5. Press the “manual” button and set Instant Pot for high pressure for 40 minutes. It will take about 10 minutes for Instant Pot to come to full pressure, then the display will show a countdown timer.
6. Once the 40 minutes are up, allow the pressure to release naturally for 15 minutes, then release any remaining pressure. Open the lid.
7. Preheat oven broiler. Use a slotted spoon to remove the pork, and place on a baking sheet. Use two forks to shred the pork.
8. Taste the pork for saltiness. You may want to sprinkle some additional salt on top. (I especially like using my homemade citrus salts at this stage of the recipe!
9. Place underneath broiler until tips of pork are browned and slightly crisp, about 3-5 minutes. (Don’t walk away from it. Keep an eye on meat to make sure it doesn’t burn or become overly browned).

PICKLED ONIONS

1. Add sliced onions to a medium bowl. Pour enough boiling water over them to fully cover and count to 10. Drain onions and place in jar or bowl.
2. Heat vinegar, lime juice, 1/8 cup sugar, chili flakes and salt in small saucepan over medium heat until sugar has dissolved, about 3 minutes.
3. Taste for sweetness and add more sugar as needed.
4. Pour vinegar mixture over onions.
5. Allow to stand at room temperature, until fully cooled. Cover and refrigerate up to 2 weeks.

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