Citrus-Spiced Caribbean Pork Tacos

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

Juicy pork marinated in bright citrus and warm spices, grilled and served in soft tortillas with fresh toppings for vibrant Caribbean tacos. This caribbean-inspired tacos & burritos ready in about 35 minutes pairs orange juice, lime juice, garlic cloves, minced for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 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: 20 min Serves 4 Caribbean cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup orange juice, 1/4 cup lime juice, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon ground allspice, 1 teaspoon ground cumin, 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1 tablespoon brown sugar, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper to create the marinade.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 pound cubed pork shoulder to the marinade and toss to coat thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to 4 hours to absorb flavors.
  3. Step 3: Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Remove pork from marinade and cook in batches for 5-7 minutes per batch, turning occasionally, until pork is browned and cooked through with a slight char.
  4. Step 4: Warm 8 small corn tortillas on a dry skillet or griddle until pliable, about 30 seconds per side.
  5. Step 5: Assemble tacos by dividing the cooked pork evenly among the tortillas, topping with 1/2 thinly sliced red onion, 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves, a dollop of 1/2 cup sour cream, and jalapeño slices if using.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Citrus-Spiced Caribbean Pork Tacos take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (15 min prep + 20 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 Citrus-Spiced Caribbean Pork Tacos?

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 orange juice from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Citrus-Spiced Caribbean Pork Tacos?

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 Citrus-Spiced Caribbean Pork Tacos 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 Citrus-Spiced Caribbean Pork Tacos?

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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