Caffeine Free Crockpot Pork Carnitas with Lime
Slow-cooked pork shoulder doesn't need much convincing, but this version — rubbed with turmeric, ginger, Ceylon cinnamon, oregano, and thyme — is genuinely something special. The crockpot does the heavy lifting over eight hours, breaking the meat down until it's impossibly tender, and then a quick run under the broiler crisps up the edges into those irresistible caramelized bits that make carnitas worth eating. Bone broth, fresh lime juice, and apple cider vinegar create a braising liquid that keeps everything juicy and bright, and a drizzle of coconut oil before broiling adds just enough richness to pull it all together. For anyone avoiding caffeine, this recipe is naturally in the clear — every ingredient is whole, straightforward, and free from the hidden stimulants that can sneak into spice blends, sauces, or store-bought marinades. Spooning a few tablespoons of that reserved braising liquid back over the crisped pork at the end is a small step that makes a huge difference, layering the flavors back in after the broiler does its work. Serve it with lime wedges and a handful of fresh cilantro and you've got a crowd-pleasing centerpiece that tastes like it took serious effort — even though your slow cooker handled most of it.
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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.
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