Honey Free Slow-Braised Pork Carnitas in Lettuce Wraps

Slow-braised pork shoulder gets an irresistible treatment here — rubbed with turmeric, ginger, and Ceylon cinnamon, seared until deeply golden, then coaxed into fork-tender submission in a bright bath of orange juice, lime, and bone broth. The final broil is the move that sets this recipe apart, crisping the shredded edges into caramelized, crackling bits that make every bite genuinely exciting. Spooned into cool butter lettuce cups and topped with creamy avocado, sliced red onion, and fresh cilantro, the whole thing comes together as something that feels both casual and impressive. Many carnitas recipes lean on sweeteners to build that sticky, caramelized crust, but here the citrus and natural pork fat do all that work without a drop of added sweetness. Every ingredient on the list is straightforward and easy to verify, so there's no second-guessing labels or scanning for hidden additives. This is the kind of hands-off, low-effort braise that rewards patience — most of the cook time is just the oven doing its thing while your kitchen fills with an incredible smell.

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 →