
Slow-braised pork shoulder gets an incredible transformation here — rubbed with turmeric, ginger, and oregano, seared until deeply golden, then coaxed into fall-apart tenderness with a braising liquid of fresh orange juice, lime juice, honey, and bone broth. The result is rich, citrusy, and layered with flavor in a way that feels far more impressive than the effort involved. That final broiler step is the real secret weapon, crisping the shredded meat into caramelized, crackling-edged pieces that are genuinely hard to stop eating. For anyone navigating a rice-free lifestyle, carnitas can sometimes feel like a dish that only works as a burrito bowl filler — but this version stands completely on its own. Pile it onto lettuce wraps, tuck it into grain-free tortillas, or serve it straight off the platter with a squeeze of lime and a handful of fresh cilantro. The braising juices are so good you'll want to spoon them over everything. Bone-in pork shoulder is the right cut for this low-and-slow method, breaking down the collagen into something silky and deeply savory. It's the kind of recipe that fills your kitchen with an aroma that makes everyone wander in asking when dinner is ready.
Fig is a food discovery app that helps you find foods and recipes that fit your dietary needs. Whether you have food allergies, intolerances, or follow a specific diet, Fig makes it easy to eat with confidence.
Learn more →6 servings















Heat the oven to 325°F (165°C). In a small bowl, combine the salt, turmeric, ginger, and dried oregano. Pat the pork shoulder chunks dry with paper towels, then rub the spice mixture evenly over all surfaces.
Heat the coconut oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat until shimmering. Working in two batches to avoid crowding, sear the pork pieces on all sides until deep golden brown, about 3–4 minutes per side. Transfer the seared pieces to a plate and repeat with the remaining pork.
Create a Fig account for step-by-step instructions, access to our full recipe library, and more!
