Crispy Pork Tacos with Spicy Salsa
Crispy pork carnitas wrapped in warm corn tortillas, topped with a fiery salsa made from roasted tomatoes and jalapeños. This mexican-inspired mexican ready in about 75 minutes blends cubed pork shoulder, cooking oil, medium, diced onion 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 290 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.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs, cubed pork shoulder
- 2 tbsp cooking oil
- 1 medium, diced onion
- 3 cloves, minced garlic
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tbsp ground cumin
- 4, diced tomatoes
- 2, seeded and diced jalapeños
- 1, juiced lime
- 1/4 cup, chopped cilantro
- 12 pcs corn tortillas
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add pork cubes and cook for 5 minutes until browned. Add diced onion and cook for 5 minutes until softened.
- Step 2: Stir in garlic, chili powder, and cumin. Cook for 2 minutes until aromatic. Add diced tomatoes and jalapeños. Simmer for 20 minutes until pork is tender.
- Step 3: In a separate bowl, mix lime juice, cilantro, and 1/4 cup chopped onion. Set aside.
- Step 4: Warm tortillas in a skillet or microwave. Spoon 3 oz pork mixture into each tortilla, top with 1 tbsp salsa, and fold securely.
- Step 5: Serve immediately with extra salsa on the side.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Crispy Pork Tacos with Spicy Salsa take to make?
Total time is about 75 minutes (30 min prep + 45 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Crispy Pork Tacos with Spicy 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 Crispy Pork Tacos with Spicy 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 Crispy Pork Tacos with Spicy 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 Crispy Pork Tacos with Spicy Salsa?
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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Swapped butter for olive oil to keep it lighter. Still delicious.
- ★★★★☆
My family liked it. I personally would prefer more depth of flavor.
- ★★★★☆
Almost perfect — just needed a squeeze of lemon at the end.
