Chili-Lime Grilled Pork Tacos with Pineapple Salsa

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

Juicy pork marinated in chili and lime, grilled to perfection, then topped with a sweet and tangy pineapple salsa for a colorful taco night favorite. This mexican-inspired pork ready in about 25 minutes blends pork shoulder, thinly sliced, chili powder, ground cumin 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 6, 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 10 min Serves 6 Mexican cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, whisk together 2 tsp chili powder, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp paprika, 1 tsp garlic powder, 3 tbsp lime juice, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Add 1.5 lbs thinly sliced pork shoulder and toss to coat. Marinate for at least 30 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Grill pork slices for 3-4 minutes per side until nicely charred and cooked through.
  3. Step 3: Meanwhile, combine 1 cup diced pineapple, 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper, 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion, 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, and 1 minced small jalapeño in a bowl. Toss gently to make pineapple salsa.
  4. Step 4: Warm 12 small corn tortillas on the grill for 30 seconds per side. Assemble tacos by dividing grilled pork among tortillas and topping with pineapple salsa. Serve with lime wedges for squeezing over tacos.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Chili-Lime Grilled Pork Tacos with Pineapple Salsa take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (15 min prep + 10 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Chili-Lime Grilled Pork Tacos with Pineapple 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 Chili-Lime Grilled 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 Chili-Lime Grilled Pork Tacos with Pineapple Salsa for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). 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 Chili-Lime Grilled Pork Tacos with Pineapple Salsa?

Mexican pork 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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