Walnut Free Ginger-Scallion Pork Carnitas
Slow-braised pork shoulder gets an 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 get from a taqueria. The whole process is straightforward — sear, braise low and slow in the oven, then finish under the broiler for that irresistible char. Every ingredient in the braise does real work, so nothing feels like filler. Tree nuts are nowhere near this recipe, which makes it a genuinely stress-free option for anyone navigating nut-free cooking without wanting to sacrifice bold, complex flavor. Finish the plate with sliced scallions, fresh cilantro, and a squeeze of lime, and you've got a dish that looks and tastes like you spent all day in the kitchen — because, honestly, you kind of did, and it was completely worth it.
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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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