Caribbean-Spiced Pork Tacos with Pineapple Salsa

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy pork seasoned with Caribbean spices and topped with a fresh pineapple salsa for a tropical twist on classic tacos. This Caribbean-inspired taco and burrito recipe, ready in about 30 minutes, pairs pork shoulder, thinly sliced, ground allspice, ground cinnamon for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Caribbean cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, combine 1 tsp ground allspice, 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp kosher salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Toss 1 lb thinly sliced pork shoulder with the spice mix until evenly coated.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned pork and cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pork is browned and cooked through.
  3. Step 3: In a separate bowl, mix 1 cup diced fresh pineapple, 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper, 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion, 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, 1 small minced jalapeño, and 2 tbsp lime juice. Stir well to combine the pineapple salsa.
  4. Step 4: Warm 8 small corn tortillas in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 30 seconds each side until pliable and slightly toasted.
  5. Step 5: Assemble tacos by dividing the cooked pork evenly among the tortillas and topping each with a generous spoonful of pineapple salsa. Serve immediately.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Caribbean-Spiced Pork Tacos with Pineapple Salsa take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Caribbean-Spiced Pork Tacos with Pineapple Salsa?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep pork shoulder, thinly sliced from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Caribbean-Spiced Pork Tacos with Pineapple Salsa?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Caribbean-Spiced Pork Tacos with Pineapple Salsa for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Caribbean-Spiced Pork Tacos with Pineapple Salsa?

Caribbean tacos & burritos like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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