Low Carb Juniper Berry Pork Carnitas
Piney, citrusy juniper berries and tender pork roast meld together to create this tender, juicy, and amazingly delicious low carb pork carnitas recipe.
Diets: Dairy Free • Egg Free • Gluten Free • Keto • Low Carb • Nut Free • Sugar Free
THM Fuel: THM S
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 8 hrs
Total Time: 8 hrs 15 mins
Servings: 8 servingsIngredients
- 4 pounds pork roast (butt or shoulder), cut into 3-inch by 3-inch chunks (excess fat trimmed)
- 2 medium limes, zested and juiced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 jalapeño, chopped (remove seeds and membranes to lower the heat; to amp up the heat, chop up a tablespoon or two of jarred jalapeños instead)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
For the Rub
- 1 to 2 tablespoon chipotle chili powder
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon juniper berries
- 2 teaspoons mineral salt
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon THM Gentle Sweet (or equivalent sweetener of choice)
- 3 whole bay leaves
For Pressure Cooker (Omit for Slow Cooker)
- 1 cup chicken broth (for pressure cooker ONLY)
Instructions
Prep the Meat
- Place the pork chunks into the slow cooker or pressure cooker pot.
- Add the lime zest, lime juice, garlic, jalapeño, and Worcestershire sauce.
- In a small bowl, mix together all the rub ingredients.
- Dump the rub into the crock and, using your hands or tongs, mix everything together until all the meat is decently coated in the rub.
For Slow Cooker (Crock Pot)
- Pop the lid on the slow cooker. Allow to cook on LOW for 8 hours or on HIGH for 4 hours.
For Pressure Cooker (Instant Pot)
- Add the 1 cup chicken broth.
- Pop on the lid. Make sure the valve is set to seal. Set the timer to 45 minutes.
- Once done, release pressure naturally.
After Cooking
- Preheat your oven on the broil setting.
- Shred the meat with forks, Bear Claws, or a mixer.
- Spread the shredded meat over a silicone or parchment lined sheet pan.
- Lightly spray the top of the meat with nonstick cooking spray.
- Pop in the oven with the broil option on for 5 to 10 minutes, turning the sheet pan halfway through, or until desired crispiness is achieved. Be careful not to over-crisp or it will dry out.
- Serve with low carb tortillas with cilantro and/or any other toppings you like.
Nutrition
Serving: 1servingCalories: 308kcalCarbs: 11gProtein: 33gFat: 15gFiber: 1gSugar Alcohols: 1gNet Carbs: 9g
