
Slow-braised pork shoulder gets a deeply aromatic treatment here, rubbed with turmeric, ginger, and Ceylon cinnamon before being seared in coconut oil and braised low and slow in citrus and bone broth until it practically falls apart. The real magic happens at the end when the shredded meat hits the broiler — those caramelized, crispy edges are what separate good carnitas from unforgettable ones. Butter lettuce leaves stand in for tortillas, keeping things fresh and light while still holding up to generous spoonfuls of the filling. Sliced avocado, red onion, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime round everything out into something that feels festive without requiring much fuss at the table. Every ingredient here is straightforward and whole-food, so there's no need to scrutinize labels for hidden nut-based oils or additives that can sneak into store-bought spice blends and broths. This is the kind of dish that rewards patience — the long braise does most of the work, and the payoff is pork that's tender, juicy, and packed with layered flavor in every bite.
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Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C). In a small bowl, combine the salt, turmeric, ginger, and Ceylon cinnamon. Pat the pork shoulder chunks dry with paper towels, then rub the spice mixture evenly over all sides.
Heat the coconut oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat until shimmering. Working in two batches to avoid crowding, sear the pork chunks on two or three sides for 3–4 minutes per side, until deep golden brown and releasing easily from the pot. Transfer the seared pieces to a plate and repeat with the remaining pork.
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