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    Home » Recipes » Instant Pot

    Instant Pot Pork Tacos

    Published: Mar 16, 2022 Modified: Mar 30, 2023 by Karen Kelly This post may contain affiliate links.

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    instant pot pork tacos

    These Instant Pot Pork Tacos are perfect for a quick, easy, and healthy weeknight dinner. They are packed with flavorful Mexican spices, tender pork, and topped with all of your favorite taco toppings. Load them up with avocado, red onion, tomatoes, lime, and avocado crema for a delicious gluten-free, keto, and paleo meal (minus the tortilla shells).

    Instant Pot Pork Carnitas with avocado crema

    Why You'll Love This Recipe

    These tacos are healthy and delicious. Depending on the toppings used, these tacos are gluten-free, keto, paleo, and Whole30 compatible. Regardless of how you serve them, rest assured they'll be full of delicious flavor.

    This is a great recipe for meal prep. The instant pot pork makes tasty leftovers that can be used in a variety of ways - not just for tacos. I love making extra to have these pork carnitas in the fridge for quick and easy weeknight meals.

    The entire family will love these pork tacos. Because the topping options are endless, there is sure to be something here for everyone. These pork tacos make a great family-friendly meal that everyone will love.

    The instant pot makes this recipe effortless. This recipe requires only minimal prep work before the instant pot does all the work. I love using the instant pot for meals throughout the week for dinners like this Easy Instant Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup and this Instant Pot Lentil Soup.

    Instant Pot Pork Tacos with avocado and onion

    Ingredient Notes

    • pork tenderloin - see the notes below for the differences between pork tenderloin and pork butt.
    • apple cider vinegar - this can be substituted for orange juice or lime juice as well.
    • cumin
    • chili powder
    • onion powder
    • paprika
    • garlic - you can add more or less garlic based on your taste preference.

    How to Make Instant Pot Pork Tacos

    1. Use a paper towel to pat the pork dry.
    2. Mix all of the spices in a small bowl and rub all over both pieces of pork being sure to press the spices into the meat.
    3. Heat the Instant Pot to high heat and add the apple cider vinegar or other cooking liquid. 
    4. Carefully place the pork into the pot. Cut them in half if necessary.
    5. Set the cook time on the Instant Pot to 30 minutes on high pressure in the sealed position. When the timer goes off let the pressure naturally release then carefully remove the lid.
    6. Use tongs or a slotted spoon to remove the pork from the vinegar or citrus juices and shred it with two forks.  
    7. Serve the shredded pork on corn or flour tortillas with lime juice, cojita cheese, avocado, cilantro, red onion and jalapenos.  
    8. To make an avocado crema, mix all ingredients in a blender. Serve it on top of the tacos.

    Pork Carnitas Instant Pot with avocado and limes on a wooden board

    Tips For Instant Pot Tacos

    • For a little added flavor, sear the pork on the saute function with 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil before pressure cooking. You'll want to make sure each side is browned and seared in a single layer.
    • To make crispy carnitas, spread the shredded pork on a baking sheet and broil under the oven broiler for 5 minutes, watching it closely to ensure it doesn't burn.
    • When the pork has finished cooking make sure you allow for a natural release as opposed to a quick release. This will result in juicy pork carnitas rather than a tough cut of meat.
    • If you are gluten-free be sure to use gluten-free corn tortillas. I have answered all of your questions on "are corn tortillas gluten-free?" in this post.
    • To keep this instant pot pork keto and Whole30 compatible, I like to make burrito bowls and fill them with lettuce, veggies, and all of the compliant toppings.
    • If you're looking for an alternative to traditional yellow corn tortillas, give these Blue Corn Tortillas a try.
    • Top these with delicious Pickled Red Onions for some extra zing, and serve Tomatillo Red Chili Salsa alongside.  

    Leftovers and Storage

    This pulled pork will store well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days.

    What's the best way to serve leftover shredded pork?

    This instant pot pork can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some of our favorite ways:

    • on tostadas
    • on a sweet potato
    • in a salad
    • in a grain bowl
    • with scrambled eggs and avocado
    • on a flatbread
    • on pizza
    • added to pasta
    • on nachos
    • on a grilled cheese 

    What To Serve With Pork Tacos

    One of my favorite things about tacos is how versatile the toppings can be. These pork carnitas go great with everything from salsas to grains and even salads. Here are a couple great toppings and sides to serve with these carnitas tacos:

    • The mango salsa from these pork tostadas with mango salsa.
    • Rice or Quinoa - Here's a guide on how to cook quinoa.
    • Sunny Pico De Gallo with Yellow Tomatoes
    • Chickpea Salad

     

    pork tenderloin tacos instant pot in someones hand

    Recipe FAQ's

    Is pork tenderloin and pork butt the same?

    No, pork tenderloin and pork butt are not the same cuts of meat. Pork tenderloin is a much more lean cut of meat that is tender and more mild-flavored.

    Pork butt, also known as Boston butt, is a larger cut of meat that contains more marbling, or fat throughout the cut. It is flavorful, but it is a bit tougher than tenderloin making it a good choice for slow cooking.

    While you can use pork butt in place of tenderloin in this recipe, it will increase the fat content and calories of the meal.

    What are the best toppings for pork tacos?

    Toppings might just be the best part of tacos and the sky's the limit when it comes to toppings for these pork tacos. But here are some of our favorites:

    • cheese
    • sour cream
    • greek yogurt
    • cilantro
    • salsa
    • tomatoes
    • shredded lettuce
    • guacamole
    • hot peppers
    • onions
    • rice
    • quinoa
    • corn
    • beans
    • fresh squeezed lime juice

    Can I make these pork carnitas in the crock pot or slow cooker?

    You can make this shredded pork in the slow cooker, however, you will need to add more liquid to prevent it from burning during the look cook.

    Add enough apple cider vinegar mixed with equal parts water (or orange juice) to cover the bottom of the crock pot. Then cook on low for 6 hours or high for 4 hours until the pork is cooked thoroughly and shred.

    If you're looking for more slow cooker pork recipes, try this slow cooker balsamic pork or this three ingredient barbeque pork.

    More Healthy Instant Pot Dinners You'll Love

    • Instant Pot Orange Chicken
    • Instant Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup
    • Instant Pot Short Ribs

     

    Instant Pot Pork Tacos with avocado crema

    Instant Pot Pork Tacos

    These Instant Pot Pork Tacos are packed with lots of spices.  The pork is tender and great when served with corn tortillas and all the toppings.  {gluten free}
    4.94 from 61 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Dinner
    Cuisine: American
    Diet: Gluten Free
    Keyword: instant pot pork tacos
    Prep Time: 5 minutes
    Cook Time: 30 minutes
    Total Time: 8 minutes
    Servings: 6
    Calories: 529kcal

    Ingredients

    • 1.25 pork tenderloin (2 pieces)
    • ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
    • 1 tablespoon cumin
    • 1 tablespoon chili powder
    • 2 teaspoon onion powder
    • 2 teaspoon paprika
    • 3 garlic cloves, chopped
    • 1 teaspoon sea salt
    • ½ teaspoon pepper

    Avocado Crema

    • 1 avocado
    • ¼ cup whole greek yogurt, plain
    • 2 tablespoon chopped cilantro
    • 1 tablespoon lime juice
    • salt and pepper to taste

    Instructions

    • Mix all spices in a small bowl and rub all over both pieces of pork being sure to press those spices in.
    • Heat the Instant Pot to high and add apple cider vinegar.  Carefully place all pork into pot.  Cut them in half if necessary.
    • Set Instant Pot to cook on high for 30 minutes in the sealed position.  When timer goes off let the pressure release naturally.  (If you prefer more flavor you can saute the pork first.)  
    • Carefully remove lid, remove pork and shred with two forks.  
    • This pork has good flavor but you don't get a sauce.  My kids like it this way then I can add salsa and toppings as needed.  
    • Serve on a corn tortilla with lime juice, cojita cheese, avocado, cilantro, red onion and jalapenos.  
    • For avocado crema, mix all ingredients in a blender.  Serve on top of tacos.

    Notes

    WW Smart Points - 10
    Nutrition facts include the avocado crema but not other toppings.
    Keto, whole30 and paleo without toppings or corn tortillas.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 529kcal | Carbohydrates: 6g | Protein: 79g | Fat: 18g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Cholesterol: 245mg | Sodium: 612mg | Potassium: 1744mg | Fiber: 3g | Vitamin A: 835IU | Vitamin C: 4.8mg | Calcium: 50mg | Iron: 5mg
    Tried this recipe?Mention @seasonal_cravings or tag #seasonal_cravings and I will repost on my stories.

    About Karen Kelly

    Hi, I'm Karen Kelly a certified health coach, freelance food writer, and blogger. At Seasonal Cravings, you will find wholesome gluten-free recipes and healthy lifestyle tips.

    Reader Interactions

    If you make this recipe, be sure to tag #seasonal_cravings on Instagram.  Please leave a comment below and rate the recipe. Thanks so much!

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    Comments

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      Recipe Rating




    1. Emily

      March 20, 2018 at 4:14 pm

      5 stars
      I absolutely love the sound of this recipe, so simple and easy!

      Reply
    2. Stephanie@ApplesforCJ

      March 20, 2018 at 4:33 pm

      5 stars
      This is one more reason I need to own an Instant pot. So many good ideas how to use them and I'm loving the sound of tacos with avocado crema.

      Reply
    3. Catherine

      March 20, 2018 at 5:32 pm

      Perfect meal for busy weeknights! These look delicious!

      Reply
    4. Michelle @ Vitamin Sunshine

      March 20, 2018 at 7:06 pm

      5 stars
      Oh my goodness, Karen! These look amazing. I just love easy instant pot recipes -- such life savers!

      Reply
    5. georgie

      March 20, 2018 at 7:30 pm

      5 stars
      i should really invest in an instant pot! they look amazing! the taco meat looks so juicy and tender! loving it!

      Reply
    6. Janette | Culinary Ginger

      March 20, 2018 at 8:14 pm

      5 stars
      I love a fast prep taco and the pork seasonings are delicious.

      Reply
      • Karen Kelly

        March 22, 2018 at 2:08 pm

        Thanks Janette!

        Reply
    7. Raia Todd

      May 14, 2018 at 3:13 pm

      Love how light these tacos are! They look delicious!

      Reply
    8. Tessa the Domestic Diva

      May 14, 2018 at 3:59 pm

      5 stars
      I have never shredded a pork tenderloin before...curious! They sound really delicious!

      Reply
    9. Jean

      May 14, 2018 at 6:16 pm

      5 stars
      Another recipe to make in my Instant Pot! Looks so delicious and I love that you can eat it in so many different ways.

      Reply
    10. linda spiker

      May 14, 2018 at 7:21 pm

      5 stars
      Totally my kind of meal! Yum!

      Reply
    11. Monique

      May 15, 2018 at 8:25 am

      5 stars
      I love versatile recipes like this! So perfect for easy weeknight meals. And your photos are beautiful!

      Reply
    12. Lindsey Dietz

      May 15, 2018 at 12:02 pm

      5 stars
      Tacos are my love language, and the more toppings the better! These look absolutely fantastic!

      Reply
    13. Megan Stevens

      May 15, 2018 at 12:37 pm

      5 stars
      Yes, this is perfect for me: love pork and the IP so much!! My family will love this dinner!

      Reply
    14. Kari - Get Inspired Everyday!

      May 16, 2018 at 2:03 pm

      5 stars
      Tacos every. single. day! I love pork tacos too, so I can't wait to try these out!

      Reply
    15. John

      May 17, 2018 at 5:11 pm

      Cook time discrepancy, up top three minutes. In the instructions it says 30 minutes. Which is it?

      Reply
      • Karen Kelly

        May 17, 2018 at 5:13 pm

        Sorry John. You are right - it was missing a zero. Thanks for letting me know!

        Reply
    16. Cathy

      May 17, 2018 at 8:28 pm

      5 stars
      Isn't the Instant Pot great! I love finding recipes like this that have so many different ways of using leftovers.

      Reply
    17. Katie Beck

      May 20, 2018 at 8:29 pm

      5 stars
      Ok, I think I may have to get an instapot. I keep hearing such wonderful things coming out of them!

      Reply
    18. Meredith

      May 20, 2018 at 9:17 pm

      5 stars
      These tacos look delicious! I can't wait to try them with chicken! And I will definitely be keeping all sauces on the side too... a small price to pay to get the littles to try a new dish!

      Reply
    19. Jenny

      August 02, 2020 at 8:47 am

      I made this in the crock pot also. It worked great! Delicious and easy! Thank you!

      Reply
      • Karen Kelly

        August 03, 2020 at 8:19 am

        Thanks for letting us know! Glad it worked for you.

        Reply

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    Hello!

    I'm Karen Kelly a food and travel writer, health coach and recipe creator. At Seasonal Cravings you will find quick, healthy recipes and the best travel tips!

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