Sweet Spicy Pineapple Pork Tacos (Printer-Friendly)
Pork and pineapple combine with chili and lime in vibrant Mexican-inspired tacos. Perfect for weeknight or festive meals.
# What You'll Need:
→ Pork Preparation
01 - 1.1 lb pork shoulder or loin, cut into small strips
02 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
03 - 1 teaspoon chili powder
04 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
05 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
06 - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
07 - 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper, adjust to taste
08 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
09 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
→ Pineapple Salsa
10 - 1 cup fresh pineapple, diced
11 - 1/2 small red onion, finely chopped
12 - 1 medium jalapeño, seeded and minced
13 - 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
14 - Juice of 1 lime
15 - Pinch of salt
→ Taco Assembly
16 - 8 small corn tortillas
17 - 1 small red cabbage, thinly sliced
18 - 1 avocado, sliced
19 - Fresh lime wedges, for serving
# How to Make It:
01 - Combine pork strips with olive oil, chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper in a bowl. Mix thoroughly and allow to marinate for at least 15 minutes.
02 - In a clean mixing bowl, combine diced pineapple, finely chopped red onion, minced jalapeño, chopped cilantro, lime juice, and a pinch of salt. Stir together and set aside.
03 - Preheat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place marinated pork in a single layer and cook for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pork is browned and fully cooked. Remove pork from skillet and keep warm.
04 - Wipe out the skillet and briefly toast corn tortillas on each side until warmed and flexible.
05 - Layer sliced red cabbage on each tortilla, add cooked pork, top with pineapple salsa, and garnish with avocado slices. Serve immediately with lime wedges.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- Sweet meets heat for mouthwatering flavor
- Ready in under an hour making weeknight meals easy
- Bright pineapple salsa lifts everything with freshness
- Uses affordable and accessible ingredients
- Crispy cabbage and creamy avocado balance the tacos beautifully
02 -
- High in protein for satisfying meals
- Dairy free and naturally gluten free if using pure corn tortillas
- Makes great leftovers for next day lunches
- Adjusts easily for vegetarian eaters using jackfruit or mushrooms
03 -
- Let pork marinate as long as practical to really get depth of flavor.
- Always toast your tortillas for authentic texture it is the little things that make tacos sing.
- If you want extra caramelization on pineapple toss pineapple cubes in the hot skillet for a minute before adding to salsa.
- I learned the hard way not to overcrowd the pan while cooking pork it browns much better with space.