Legume Free Crockpot Pork Carnitas with Lime
Slow-cooked pork shoulder gets an incredible transformation here — braised low and slow until 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 warm, complex depth 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 shredded edges get that signature golden crunch. The whole braise happens in the slow cooker with bone broth, smashed garlic, and onion doing all the heavy lifting while you go about your day. That final step — spooning reserved braising liquid back over the crisped pork — is the move that ties everything together with a juicy, flavor-packed finish. Every single ingredient here is naturally free of legumes, so there's no need to audit labels or swap anything out; the recipe just works as written. Pile it onto lettuce wraps, rice, or roasted vegetables, and finish with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime for a meal that feels like a serious weekend project but barely asks anything of you.
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!