Ingredients and Weight:
- Pork shoulder or butt (4 pounds, about 1.8kg)
- Orange juice (1 cup)
- Brown sugar (1/4 cup)
- Honey (2 tablespoons)
- Chipotle chili powder (1 tablespoon) or more, according to taste preference
- Kosher salt (1 teaspoon)
- Black pepper (1 teaspoon, freshly ground)
- Bay leaves (2-3)
- Fresh lime juice (for serving, optional)
Preparation Time:
- Preparation: 15 minutes
- Cooking: 3-4 hours in Instant Pot
- Total: 3 hours 45 minutes to 4 hours 15 minutes
Difficulty Level: Level 3 (Moderate difficulty)
Preparation Method Steps:
- In a small bowl, mix brown sugar, honey, chipotle chili powder, salt, and pepper. Set aside.
- Cut the pork into large chunks and place in the Instant Pot.
- Pour orange juice and bay leaves over the pork.
- Spread the sugar mixture evenly over the pork.
- Set the Instant Pot to manual/high pressure for 90 minutes. Let the pressure naturally release for 20 minutes after the cooking time is up.
- Open the pot and shred the pork using two forks or your hands into smaller pieces. Mix well with the cooking juices.
- Serve with fresh lime juice squeezed over the top, if desired.
Nutritional Information: (Per serving, assuming 8 servings total)
Calories: Approx. 400-500 depending on the amount of pork and added lime juice. Fat content will vary based on the pork cut used.
Dish Characteristics:
- Rich and succulent meat that falls off the bone
- Sweet and spicy flavor combination that is typical of Americanized Mexican cuisine
- Can be served as a main dish or used in other dishes like tacos or salads
User Comments:
- "The flavor was amazing! The sweet and spicy combination was just perfect."
- "I loved how tender the meat was. It was so easy to make in the Instant Pot."
- "This dish is a great way to introduce my family to Mexican flavors. Everyone loved it!"
Special Precautions and Tips:
- Ensure that the pork is fresh and of good quality for best results.
- Adjust the chipotle chili powder according to your spice preference. If you want it spicier, add more. If you prefer it milder, reduce the amount.
- This dish is great for meal prep as it can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for several days. Reheat before serving.
- Be careful when opening the Instant Pot after pressure cooking as the steam can be hot.
