Shellfish Free Ginger-Scallion Pork Carnitas
Slow-braised pork shoulder gets a bold, aromatic makeover here, layered with fresh ginger, scallions, garlic, and a savory-sweet braise built from coconut aminos, apple cider vinegar, and honey. The result is deeply flavorful pulled pork with caramelized, crispy edges that rival anything you'd find at a taqueria. The whole process is straightforward — sear, braise low and slow in the oven, shred, then hit it under the broiler for those irresistible crunchy bits. Every ingredient in the braise does real work, so the pork absorbs layer after layer of gingery, umami-rich flavor before it ever hits the broiler. Because the recipe relies entirely on whole, unprocessed ingredients, there's no need to scan labels for hidden shellfish-derived additives like certain fermented sauces or seafood-based flavor enhancers can sometimes contain. Finish it with fresh cilantro, a squeeze of lime, and extra scallions, and you've got a showstopper that works just as well for a weeknight dinner as it does for feeding a crowd.
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Learn more →Ingredients
6 servings
For the pork
- 3 lb bone-in pork shoulder (boston butt), cut into 3–4 large chunks
- 1 ½ tsp fine sea salt
- 1 tsp ground turmeric
- ½ tsp ground ginger
- 2 tbsp coconut oil
For the braise
- 6 scallions, cut into 2-inch pieces
- 6 garlic cloves, smashed
- 2-inch piece fresh ginger, peeled and sliced into coins
- 3 tbsp coconut aminos
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 cup bone broth (homemade or aip-compliant brand)
- ½ tsp fine sea salt
For serving
- 4 scallions, thinly sliced (optional)
- 1 lime, cut into wedges (optional)
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro leaves (optional)
Instructions
- 1
Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C). Pat the pork shoulder chunks thoroughly dry with paper towels. In a small bowl, combine the salt, turmeric, and ground ginger, then rub the mixture evenly over all surfaces of the pork.
- 2
Heat the coconut oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the pork chunks in a single layer — work in two batches if needed to avoid crowding — and sear undisturbed for 3–4 minutes per side until deep golden brown on all surfaces. Transfer the seared pork to a plate.
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