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Carnitas TostadaThis is a sponsored post by the National Pork Board.  All opinions are my own.  Thank you for supporting the brands that make this website possible. Carnitas Tostada

No silverware needed for these plump Carnitas Tostadas

Classic carnitas are perceived as being a difficult delicacy to prepare and a celebration dish served only at large gatherings or parties.  Well, I am here to change all of that.  Now you can cook your very own platter of carnitas in just under an hour for a casual mid-week family dinner.  This recipe for Carnitas Tostadas is the healthier version of the classic deep fried dish.  I am using a pressure cooker to make tender, off-the-bone chunks of carnitas for tostadas.  No frying necessary.  The pork loin is pressure cooked, and the tostadas are baked.  No oil or lard needed.

Related recipe: Achiote Pork Ribs

Pork is very versatile in flavor.  With a good seasoning or marinade, a large pork loin can be prepared many ways and included in a variety of endless dishes.  Little to no fat is needed when roasting or pressure cooking a pork loin.  The cooking process tenderizes with natural pork juices.  A healthy family meal to serve at any time. A little bit of carnitas goes a long way.  You can purchase a large pork loin at a low price and feed a crowd.  Carnitas also keep well as leftovers and can be served more than once a week. With the hustle and bustle of our everyday lives, this is a great way to meal prep for the week and save that precious time to spend with family. For more recipe inspiration and helpful tips visit PorkEsSabor.com. Or follow along on social media at @PorkEsSabor on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram and the hashtag #PorkEsSabor. Print
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Carnitas Tostadas

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  • Yield: Serves 6
Print Recipe

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 teaspoons garlic salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 2 teaspoons dried oregano
  • 2 teaspoons brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1.5 pounds boneless pork loin, cut in 2-inch pieces
  • 2 oranges, halved
  • 1 lime, halved
  • 1 cup water
  • 6 baked tostadas
  • 1 ½ cups mashed avocado
  • 2 Roma tomatoes, chopped
  • 3 radishes, sliced
  • ½ cup red onion slices
  • Cilantro for garnish
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Pickled jalapeño and carrots for serving

Instructions

  1. Combine garlic salt, cumin, oregano, sugar, paprika and chili powder in a small bowl.
  2. On a working surface or cutting board, season pork loin pieces with half the seasoning mixture.
  3. Place pieces of seasoned pork loin in a pressure cooker or an Instant Pot. Squeeze lemon juice and orange juice over pork loin pieces. Add the squeezed lemon halves, and 2 squeezed orange halves to the Instant Pot, add water and remaining season mix.
  4. Press Pressure Cook button and set the time for 40 minutes on high pressure.
  5. After pressure cooking for 40 minutes, allow for 30 minutes for natural pressure release. After 30 minutes of natural pressure release, you can release any remaining pressure by setting the knob to venting. Open Instant Pot and carefully remove pork loin pieces and place on a large plate to cool.
  6. Shred pork loin pieces using two forks.

To serve:

  1. Spread ¼ cup avocado on each tostada, top with carnitas, tomato, onion, radishes and cilantro, season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve with pickled jalapeños on the side.