Chipotle-Lime Marinated Pork Tacos with Quick Slaw

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

Tender pork tacos with smoky chipotle marinade and a refreshing lime-cabbage slaw for balanced flavor. This mexican ready in about 45 minutes pairs pork shoulder, chipotle powder, lime juice for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 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.

★ 4.0 (13 ratings) Prep: 35 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 Mexican cuisine 380 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Whisk 1 tsp chipotle powder, 2 tbsp lime juice, and 1 minced garlic clove in a bowl; toss with 1 lb sliced pork shoulder and marinate for 1 hour at room temperature.
  2. Step 2: Heat a dry skillet over medium-high heat; add marinated pork and cook for 5 minutes until browned, stirring occasionally until no pink remains.
  3. Step 3: While pork cooks, combine 2 cups shredded cabbage, 1 tsp lime zest, 1/4 cup sliced red onion, and 2 tbsp chopped cilantro in a bowl; toss to combine.
  4. Step 4: Warm corn tortillas in a dry skillet for 30 seconds per side, then fill with pork, slaw, and 1/2 diced avocado per taco.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Chipotle-Lime Marinated Pork Tacos with Quick Slaw take to make?

Total time is about 45 minutes (35 min prep + 10 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 Chipotle-Lime Marinated Pork Tacos with Quick Slaw?

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 from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Chipotle-Lime Marinated Pork Tacos with Quick Slaw?

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 Chipotle-Lime Marinated Pork Tacos with Quick Slaw 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 Chipotle-Lime Marinated Pork Tacos with Quick Slaw?

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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