In a stand mixer using the paddle attachment, or by hand, shred the jackfruit. See pictures in post for reference on how you want the texture to look. In the stand mixer, this will only take 1-2 minutes.
Add the shredded jackfruit to an Instant Pot or a Crockpot. Add all of the marinade ingredients in the ingredient list and stir to combine (see post photos for reference). Slow cook on low for 8 hours.
After 8 hours, you can serve immediately from the slow cooker. Or, if you prefer crispier meat, transfer the meat to a small sheet pan and broil the jackfruit under the oven broiler for 10-15 minutes. Watch carefully to prevent burning.
Serve the jackfruit carnitas in warm corn tortillas with mango salsa, guacamole, lime juice, and cilantro. Enjoy!
Instant Pot Instructions
Add all ingredients to bottom of Instant Pot with 1/2 cup of water (this will prevent burning). Cook on manual high pressure for 15 minutes. Release remaining pressure, then turn on the "saute" function for 5-10 minutes to thicken up the sauce. Transfer to a sheet pan to broil or serve immediately right from the Instant Pot.
Storage Instructions
Store this jackfruit in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Freezer Instructions
How to freeze uncooked: Into a large gallon-sized freezer bag, add all of the taco meat ingredients. Seal, removing as much air as possible. Squish the ingredients around until well coated. Freeze flat in the freezer for up to 3 months.
How to freeze cooked: Portion leftovers into 1 or 2 cup portions using Freezer Cubes. Freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge overnight or dump frozen into the slow cooker and heat on low until warmed through again. Add additional liquid as needed.
You can cook this on the slow cooker setting in either an Instant Pot or Crockpot. You cannot however cook these carnitas in the Instant Pot on manual high pressure. There is not enough liquid and it will burn.
Make sure to use freshly squeezed orange juice - makes a huge difference! I juice citrus at home with this very affordable juicer.
This recipe is easily doubled or tripled. Adjust to your servings needs!