Citrus-Spiced Pork Tacos with Pickled Red Onion and Cilantro

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

Juicy pork tacos infused with bright citrus and warm spices, topped with tangy pickled red onions and fresh cilantro for a vibrant street food experience. This mexican-inspired tacos & burritos ready in about 60 minutes pairs pork shoulder, diced, orange juice, lime juice for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 400 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: 45 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Mexican cuisine 400 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, whisk 1/2 cup orange juice, 1/4 cup lime juice, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp ground coriander, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 lb diced pork shoulder to the marinade and toss to coat. Let marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours in the fridge.
  3. Step 3: Meanwhile, prepare pickled red onions by combining 1/2 cup white vinegar, 1 tbsp sugar, and 1/2 tsp salt in a small saucepan. Heat until sugar dissolves, then pour over 1 thinly sliced medium red onion in a jar. Let cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 20 minutes.
  4. Step 4: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add marinated pork and cook, stirring occasionally, for 10-12 minutes until browned and cooked through.
  5. Step 5: Warm 8 corn tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave.
  6. Step 6: Assemble tacos by dividing cooked pork among tortillas, topping with pickled red onions, 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, and optional thinly sliced jalapeño for heat.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Citrus-Spiced Pork Tacos with Pickled Red Onion and Cilantro take to make?

Total time is about 60 minutes (45 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 Citrus-Spiced Pork Tacos with Pickled Red Onion and Cilantro?

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, diced from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Citrus-Spiced Pork Tacos with Pickled Red Onion and Cilantro?

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 Pork Tacos with Pickled Red Onion and Cilantro 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 Pork Tacos with Pickled Red Onion and Cilantro?

Mexican 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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