Wheat Free Cilantro-Lime Pork Carnitas
Slow-braised pork shoulder gets the full treatment here — seasoned with turmeric, ginger, and oregano, seared until deeply golden, then coaxed into tender, pull-apart perfection with citrus, garlic, and bone broth. The finishing move under the broiler is what sets these carnitas apart, crisping the shredded edges into caramelized, slightly charred bits that are genuinely hard to stop eating. Every ingredient in this recipe is naturally free of wheat and gluten-containing grains, so there's no need to audit labels or swap anything out — it's built that way from the ground up. The braising liquid does double duty, keeping the pork incredibly moist during the low-and-slow oven time before those juices get spooned back over the meat for the broil. Fresh cilantro, lime wedges, and thinly sliced red onion bring brightness that cuts right through the richness of the pork shoulder. This is the kind of recipe that fills your kitchen with an aroma that makes everyone wander in asking what's for dinner — and the answer is always worth the wait.
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Learn more →Ingredients
6 servings
For the pork
- 3 lb bone-in pork shoulder (boston butt), cut into 3-inch chunks
- 1 ½ tsp fine sea salt
- 1 tsp ground turmeric
- ½ tsp ground ginger
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- 2 tbsp coconut oil
For the braise
- 6 cloves garlic, smashed
- 1 medium white onion, roughly chopped
- ½ cup fresh orange juice (from about 2 oranges)
- ¼ cup fresh lime juice (from about 3 limes)
- 1 cup bone broth (homemade or aip-compliant brand)
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp honey
- 4 sprigs fresh thyme
- 2 bay leaves
For serving
- ½ cup fresh cilantro, roughly chopped
- 1 lime, cut into wedges
- ¼ cup thinly sliced red onion (optional)
Instructions
- 1
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.
- 2
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.
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