Carnitas Tacos with Mango Salsa

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender slow-cooked pork tacos topped with a sweet and spicy mango salsa, served with lime and cilantro. This mexican-inspired mexican ready in about 150 minutes blends pork shoulder, olive oil, large onion into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 8, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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.

★ 4.1 (8 ratings) Prep: 30 min Cook: 120 min Serves 8 Mexican cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F). Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add 500g cubed pork shoulder and sear for 5-7 minutes until browned on all sides.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 diced onion and 3 minced garlic cloves. Cook for 2 minutes, then stir in 1 tsp cumin and 1 tsp oregano. Pour in 1 cup water, bring to a simmer, then transfer to the oven. Bake for 1.5-2 hours, or until the pork is tender and falling apart.
  3. Step 3: For the salsa, dice 2 peeled and seeded mangoes, 1/2 diced red onion, and 1 seeded and finely chopped jalapeño. Squeeze juice of 1 lime over the mixture, then stir in 1/4 cup chopped cilantro. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  4. Step 4: Warm 8 small tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave. Spoon pork into the tortillas, top with mango salsa, and serve with lime wedges on the side.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Carnitas Tacos with Mango Salsa take to make?

Total time is about 150 minutes (30 min prep + 120 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Carnitas Tacos with Mango Salsa?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Carnitas Tacos with Mango 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 Carnitas Tacos with Mango Salsa for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 8 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 8). 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 Carnitas Tacos with Mango Salsa?

Mexican mexican 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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