Gluten 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 gives the meat a warmly complex flavor that goes way beyond your average taco night. Bright lime juice and apple cider vinegar cut through the richness of the pork, while a drizzle of coconut oil before broiling helps those gorgeous crispy bits develop. Every single ingredient here is naturally free of gluten, so there's no need to audit labels or worry about hidden thickeners sneaking into your braising liquid. The bone broth base keeps things deeply savory and satisfying without relying on any packaged seasoning packets that can be a minefield for sensitive eaters. A final splash of the reserved braising liquid ties everything together with a juicy, punchy finish. Pile it into lettuce cups, over rice, or straight onto a plate with lime wedges and cilantro — this one is a serious crowd-pleaser.
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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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