Mushroom Free Crockpot Pork Carnitas with Lime
Slow-cooked pork shoulder gets a serious upgrade here, braised low and slow with garlic, onion, bone broth, and a bright hit of lime juice before hitting the broiler for those irresistible crispy edges. The spice rub — turmeric, ginger, Ceylon cinnamon, oregano, and thyme — builds layers of warm, complex flavor that make every bite feel anything but ordinary. For anyone navigating a mushroom-free lifestyle, this recipe is a natural fit: every ingredient is straightforward and plant-derived umami boosters like mushroom powder or Worcestershire-style sauces are nowhere in sight. The apple cider vinegar and lime juice do the heavy lifting in terms of brightness and depth, so there's no need for anything that could sneak in unwanted fungi-derived additives. After eight hours in the slow cooker, the pork shreds effortlessly, and a quick broil in coconut oil transforms it into something gloriously caramelized and crisp on the outside while staying juicy within. A spoonful of the reserved braising liquid tossed over the finished meat ties everything together beautifully. Serve it with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime, and you've got a crowd-pleasing centerpiece that's as easy as it is impressive.
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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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