Barley Free Crockpot Pork Carnitas with Lime
Slow-cooked pork shoulder gets the full treatment here — rubbed in warm spices, braised low and slow with garlic, onion, and a bright hit of lime, then finished under the broiler until the edges go irresistibly crisp. The result is juicy, pull-apart meat with those caramelized, crackling bits that make carnitas worth every minute of the wait. The spice blend of turmeric, ginger, Ceylon cinnamon, oregano, and thyme sounds unexpected, but it builds a deeply savory, layered flavor that pairs beautifully with the tangy lime and apple cider vinegar in the braising liquid. Every single ingredient here is naturally grain-free, so there's no need to scrutinize labels or worry about hidden cereal-based fillers that sometimes sneak into spice blends or store-bought broth. Bone broth and coconut oil keep things rich without any problematic additives, and the whole process is mostly hands-off until that final broil. Pile the pork into tacos, bowls, or lettuce wraps and finish with a squeeze of fresh lime and a handful of cilantro — simple, satisfying, and completely worth making on repeat.
About FigFig 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 →Ingredients
6 servings
- 3 lb boneless pork shoulder, cut into 3-inch chunks
- 2 tsp fine sea salt
- 1 tsp ground turmeric
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- ½ tsp ceylon cinnamon
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 6 cloves garlic, smashed
- 1 medium yellow onion, roughly chopped
- ½ cup bone broth
- 3 tbsp fresh lime juice (from about 2 limes)
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 2 tbsp coconut oil
For serving
- 1 lime, cut into wedges (optional)
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro, roughly chopped (optional)
Instructions
- 1
In a small bowl, combine the salt, turmeric, ginger, Ceylon cinnamon, oregano, and thyme. Pat the pork shoulder chunks dry with paper towels, then rub the spice mixture evenly over all sides of each piece.
- 2
Scatter the smashed garlic and chopped onion across the bottom of a 6-quart slow cooker. Nestle the seasoned pork pieces on top in a single layer as much as possible.
Want the full recipe?
Create a Fig account for step-by-step instructions, access to our full recipe library, and more!