Big Bold Beef Carnitas - A Mouthwatering Delight!
Today we're going to embark on a flavorful journey with a recipe that will tantalize your taste buds: Big Bold Beef Carnitas. Get ready for tender, juicy beef with a delightful crisp exterior, perfectly seasoned with a blend of spices and citrusy goodness. These carnitas are perfect for tacos, burritos, or simply enjoying on their own. So, let's dive right in!
To make this recipe, you'll need the following ingredients:
- 3 lbs. chuck roast, cut into 3-inch chunks, trimmed if needed
- 2 Tbs. olive oil
- 1 Tbs. kosher salt
- 2 tsp. ground cumin
- ½ tsp. smoked paprika
- 1 tsp. chili powder
- 2 tsp. oregano flakes
- 1 tsp. chipotle sauce or minced chipotles in adobo
- 1 yellow onion
- 3-4 cloves garlic, minced or crushed
- 1 cinnamon stick
- Zest of 1 orange
- ½ cup orange juice
- ½ cup lime juice (you can use lime zest too if you want)
Now that we have our ingredients ready, let's start cooking!
-
Set your electric pressure cooker (EPC) to the sauté setting. Add olive oil, kosher salt, ground cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, oregano flakes, and chipotle sauce. Once the mixture is nicely hot, add the cubed beef. Brown the beef in batches, removing each batch to a plate as you work.
-
Return all the beef to the EPC pot. Add the yellow onion, minced garlic, cinnamon stick, orange zest, orange juice, and lime juice. Cover the pressure cooker, lock the EPC lid into place, and choose the High Pressure setting for 45-50 minutes. Once the time is up, allow for a full natural release to let the protein fibers fully relax.
-
Remove the EPC lid and transfer the beef to a large cutting board. Shred the beef apart using two forks or your preferred method. Meanwhile, preheat a cast iron skillet and add a little oil. Once the skillet is hot, add the shredded beef and sear it over high heat just until it gets a good "crisp" on the outside. Be sure to watch carefully to prevent the beef from burning.
-
As the beef sears, add some of the cooking liquid from the pressure cooker, a little at a time, to keep the meat moist and flavorful.
-
Now it's time to assemble your delicious Big Bold Beef Carnitas. Serve the beef with warm corn or flour tortillas. Top it off with salsa fresca, sour cream, cilantro, and shredded cheese, as desired. The combination of flavors and textures will create a fiesta in your mouth!
There you have it! Big Bold Beef Carnitas that will leave you craving more. This recipe is perfect for gatherings with friends and family or even for a cozy night in. The tender beef, infused with aromatic spices and zesty citrus, combined with the crisp exterior, will make this dish an instant hit.
So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, fire up your electric pressure cooker, and let's make some mouthwatering Big Bold Beef Carnitas! Enjoy!