BHA & BHT Free Slow-Braised Pork Carnitas in Lettuce Wraps

Slow-braised pork shoulder gets a deeply flavorful treatment here, rubbed with turmeric, ginger, and Ceylon cinnamon before being seared in coconut oil and left to turn meltingly tender in a bright bath of orange juice, lime, and bone broth. The real magic happens at the end when the shredded meat hits the broiler — those caramelized, crispy edges are what make carnitas worth every minute of the braise. Spooned into cool, crisp butter lettuce leaves and topped with sliced avocado, red onion, and fresh cilantro, each bite is a genuinely satisfying mix of textures and flavors. For anyone navigating preservative sensitivities, packaged spice blends and store-bought broths are often where BHA and BHT sneak in unnoticed, but this recipe keeps things clean by relying entirely on whole spices, fresh citrus, and a broth you've either made yourself or sourced from a compliant brand. Every ingredient on the list is straightforward and real — nothing processed, nothing with a suspicious shelf-stable coating. It's the kind of dish that feels festive enough for a weekend gathering but is honestly simple enough to pull off any time you have an afternoon to let the oven do the heavy lifting.

About Fig

Fig is a food discovery app that helps you find foods and recipes that fit your dietary needs. Whether you have food allergies, intolerances, or follow a specific diet, Fig makes it easy to eat with confidence.

Learn more →