AIP Friendly Slow-Braised Pork Carnitas in Lettuce Wraps

Slow-braised pork shoulder gets a serious glow-up here — rubbed with turmeric, ginger, and Ceylon cinnamon, seared until deeply golden, then braised low and slow in citrus juice and bone broth until it practically falls apart on its own. The finishing move is a quick run under the broiler, which crisps the edges into those irresistible caramelized bits that make carnitas worth every minute of the wait. Served in cool, crisp butter lettuce cups with avocado, red onion, and fresh cilantro, each bite is bright, rich, and satisfying all at once. This recipe makes four generous servings, so it's equally at home on a weeknight table or a casual weekend spread. Following the autoimmune protocol means navigating a long list of off-limits ingredients — nightshades, seed-based spices, grains, legumes — that knock out most traditional carnitas seasonings in one swoop. This version sidesteps all of that by leaning on warming AIP-compliant spices and a braising liquid built from fresh orange juice, lime, and bone broth, which together create deep, complex flavor without a single problematic ingredient. Every component on the ingredient list, from the coconut oil used for searing to the fresh herb sprigs tucked into the braise, is chosen with that framework in mind. It's the kind of dish that proves eating within strict guidelines doesn't have to mean eating boring food.

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