Cumin-Spiced Pork Tacos with Pickled Onions

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

Juicy pork seasoned with warm cumin and chili powder, served in soft tortillas with tangy pickled red onions and fresh cilantro. This Mexican-inspired taco and burrito recipe, ready in about 40 minutes, pairs pork shoulder, ground cumin, chili powder for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 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: 25 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Mexican cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a bowl, combine 1/2 cup white vinegar, 1 tbsp sugar, and 1/2 cup water. Add 1 medium thinly sliced red onion and let it sit for at least 20 minutes to pickle.
  2. Step 2: Toss 1 lb cubed pork shoulder with 2 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp chili powder, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
  3. Step 3: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned pork and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned and cooked through.
  4. Step 4: Warm 8 small corn tortillas in a dry skillet or wrapped in foil in a 350°F oven for 5 minutes.
  5. Step 5: To assemble tacos, divide the cooked pork evenly among the tortillas, top with pickled red onions and 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro. Serve with lime wedges for squeezing over the top.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Cumin-Spiced Pork Tacos with Pickled Onions take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (25 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 Cumin-Spiced 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 from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Cumin-Spiced 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 Cumin-Spiced 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 Cumin-Spiced Pork Tacos with Pickled Onions?

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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