Citric Acid Free Crockpot Pork Carnitas with Lime
Slow-cooked pork shoulder gets an incredible transformation here — braised low and slow until it's fall-apart tender, then finished under the broiler so the edges turn irresistibly crispy and caramelized. The spice rub of turmeric, ginger, Ceylon cinnamon, oregano, and thyme builds deep, layered flavor without relying on any citrus-derived additives or preservatives that can sneak into store-bought seasoning blends. Fresh lime juice stands in as the bright, acidic note — a naturally occurring source that many people navigating citric acid sensitivities tolerate without issue, and it's used in a controlled, measured amount straight from the fruit. Bone broth and a splash of apple cider vinegar round out the braising liquid, keeping everything moist and savory throughout that long, hands-off cook. The final broiler step is what really sets this apart — drizzled with coconut oil and spread across a hot baking sheet, the shredded pork develops those golden, crackling bits that make carnitas worth making in the first place. A spoonful of the reserved braising liquid tossed back in at the end keeps the meat juicy even after crisping. Pile it into lettuce cups, serve it over rice, or eat it straight off the pan — no judgment.
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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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