Cilantro-Lime Grilled Pork Tacos with Pickled Onions

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

Tender grilled pork marinated in a zesty cilantro-lime mixture, served in warm tortillas topped with tangy pickled onions and fresh garnishes. This mexican-inspired pork ready in about 55 minutes pairs pork shoulder, thinly sliced, fresh cilantro leaves, chopped, 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.

Prep: 40 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Mexican cuisine 380 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a bowl, combine 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro leaves, 1/4 cup lime juice, 2 tbsp olive oil, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper to create a marinade.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 lb thinly sliced pork shoulder to the marinade, toss to coat evenly, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
  3. Step 3: Meanwhile, prepare pickled onions by placing 1 medium thinly sliced red onion in a jar with 1/2 cup white vinegar and 1 tbsp sugar. Stir until sugar dissolves and let sit at room temperature for 20 minutes.
  4. Step 4: Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Grill marinated pork slices for 3-4 minutes per side until nicely charred and cooked through.
  5. Step 5: Warm 8 corn tortillas on the grill for 30 seconds per side.
  6. Step 6: Assemble tacos by placing grilled pork on each tortilla, topping with pickled onions, 4 thinly sliced radishes, 1 thinly sliced jalapeño, and 1/4 cup crumbled cotija cheese. Serve with fresh lime wedges for squeezing over the top.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Cilantro-Lime Grilled Pork Tacos with Pickled Onions take to make?

Total time is about 55 minutes (40 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 Cilantro-Lime Grilled Pork Tacos with Pickled Onions?

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 Cilantro-Lime Grilled Pork Tacos with Pickled Onions?

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 Cilantro-Lime Grilled Pork Tacos with Pickled Onions 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 Cilantro-Lime Grilled Pork Tacos with Pickled Onions?

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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