If you like regular Instant Pot Pork Carnitas, you will love the bowl version. Carnitas are typically made to serve on tortillas like tacos. However, this recipe is great for leftover carnitas and makes meal prep a breeze. This is a great Instant Pot pork recipe to try!

I love a meal that I can cook one night and use for multiple dishes throughout the week. It’s my version of meal prepping. Make a large enough batch of something the whole family will enjoy and spread it out into creative leftovers during the week.

Carnitas are one of those recipes that are great the first day, and even better the next (or the next). They are easy to make, full of flavor and can be used in other recipes throughout the week. My Instant Pot carnitas bowls are just that – full of flavor, easy to make and great the next day!

What are Carnitas?

The word carnitas literally means “little meats.” They are a traditional Mexican meat that is made by simmering meats in oil. The oil helps to break down the meat leaving it tender, full of flavor, and delicious.

Typically, these meats are a soft base for tacos, enchiladas or other Mexican dishes. This recipe uses those “little meats” in a delicious Mexican bowl.

Carnitas Ingredients

To make your little meats, you will need the following ingredients:

• 3-4 pounds pork shoulder roast
• Chicken broth
• Orange juice
• Lime juice
• Spices
• Olive oil
• Onion
• Jalapeno
• Garlic

For a full list of ingredients, visit Instant Pot Pork Carnitas, scroll to the bottom for the recipe card.

Instant Pot Carnitas Bowl Ingredients

To complete your carnitas bowl, you will want to add the following ingredients to your “little meats.”

• 1 large avocado, sliced
• 1 c. black beans, warmed
• 2 large limes, cut into wedges
• 1 c. whole kernel corn, warmed
• 3 T. fresh cilantro, for garnish
• 1 cup white rice
• 1/2 cup pico de gallo

Feel free to add your favorite toppings as well!

How to Make an Instant Pot Carnitas Bowl

First, you will want to make your carnitas or “little meats.” You will make these in your Instant Pot.

Step 1 Make Marinade

In a medium bowl, whisk together the orange juice, chicken broth, lime juice and all the spices, except the salt and pepper. Set aside.

Step 2 Trim and Cut the Pork Shoulder

Trim and cut the shoulder roast into smaller chunks and meat. Season with the salt and pepper.

Step 3 Sauté Your Meat

Press the sauté button on your Instant Pot. Add oil. Sear your pork shoulder on both sides. When finished, add your marinade, onion, jalapeno, and garlic.

Step 4 Cook

Next, you will put your lid on your pot and set the valve to sealing. Press the manual or pressure cook button and set the time for 30-minutes. Once the time is up, do a natural release for 20 to 25-minutes.

Step 5 Crisp it Up

After your meat is done, you will want to add a little crisp to it. Pull your meat apart and transfer it to a baking sheet. Throw it in the broiler for about 4-5 minutes.

For full instructions, please visit Instant Pot Pork Carnitas.

Step 6 Assemble Instant Pot Carnitas Bowl

Once your carnitas are done, it’s time to make your bowls…

To assemble the burrito bowls, start by Dividing the shredded pork, Rice, Pico de Gallo, sliced avocado, black beans, and corn between 4 to 6 serving bowls.

To serve, top with chopped cilantro and fresh lime wedges, if desired. Enjoy!

Side Dishes

You can eat your Carnitas bowls by themselves, or you can add some of my favorite side dishes for a full Mexican style meal. These sides will go perfectly with your carnitas bowls:

• Homemade Guacamole Dip and tortilla chips
• Refried beans
• Homemade Peach Salsa and Chips
• Cucumber Salad

Other Pork Recipes to Try

If you are looking for other ways to use the pork you have, check out our favorite Instant Pot pork recipes below!

• Instant Pot Pork Chops
• Instant Pot Ham Pasta
• Baby Back Ribs
• Instant Pot Pork Tacos
• Chinese Pork in Your Instant Pot
• Instant Pot Pork Roast
• Kahlua Pork Roast

Don’t have time to make these easy Instant Pot Carnitas Bowls now? Pin this post to Pinterest so you can find it later!