Low Iodine Crockpot Pork Carnitas with Lime
Slow-cooked pork shoulder braised with garlic, onion, and a bright hit of lime juice, then finished under the broiler for those irresistible crispy edges — this is the kind of deeply satisfying meal that makes a low-iodine approach feel anything but limiting. The spice rub leans on turmeric, ginger, Ceylon cinnamon, oregano, and thyme, building layers of warm, complex flavor without relying on any iodine-heavy ingredients like seafood, dairy, or iodized salt. Fine sea salt steps in as the seasoning base, which is a smart swap since standard table salt is typically iodized. Bone broth and apple cider vinegar keep the pork incredibly moist through the long, slow cook, while a final toss in coconut oil gives every shred a golden, lacquered finish under the broiler. The result is tender, juicy meat with caramelized, crackling bits throughout — the kind of texture contrast that makes carnitas so craveable. A squeeze of fresh lime and a handful of cilantro at the end brighten everything up and make it feel restaurant-worthy straight from your own kitchen.
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Learn more →Ingredients
6 servings
- 3 lb boneless pork shoulder, cut into 3-inch chunks
- 2 tsp fine sea salt
Chef's tipFine sea salt and table salt measure the same - no conversion needed. - 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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