Grilled Blackened Pork Tacos with Pineapple Salsa
Juicy pork grilled with a spicy blackening rub and topped with a fresh, sweet pineapple salsa for a vibrant taco experience. This mexican-inspired tacos & burritos ready in about 25 minutes blends paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder 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 340 calories and feeds 4, 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
- 1 lb pork tenderloin, trimmed and cut into 1-inch strips
- 2 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup fresh pineapple, finely diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
- 1 small jalapeño, seeded and minced
- 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
- 2 tbsp lime juice
- 8 small corn tortillas
Instructions
- Step 1: In a small bowl, combine 2 tsp paprika, 1 tsp cayenne pepper, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, 1/2 tsp dried oregano, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper to create the blackening spice mix.
- Step 2: Toss 1 lb pork tenderloin cut into 1-inch strips with 2 tbsp olive oil and the spice mix until each piece is thoroughly coated.
- Step 3: Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Grill the pork strips for 3-4 minutes per side until nicely charred and cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 145°F.
- Step 4: Meanwhile, in a bowl, combine 1 cup finely diced fresh pineapple, 1/4 cup finely diced red onion, 1 minced small jalapeño, 1/4 cup chopped cilantro, and 2 tbsp lime juice. Stir gently to mix and let sit to meld flavors.
- Step 5: Warm 8 small corn tortillas on the grill for 30 seconds per side until pliable. Assemble tacos by placing grilled pork strips in each tortilla and topping with pineapple salsa before serving.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Grilled Blackened Pork Tacos with Pineapple Salsa take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (15 min prep + 10 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Grilled Blackened Pork Tacos with Pineapple 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 Grilled Blackened Pork Tacos with Pineapple 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 Grilled Blackened Pork Tacos with Pineapple Salsa 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 Grilled Blackened Pork Tacos with Pineapple Salsa?
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.
Related recipes
Cilantro-Lime Grilled Pork Tacos
Grilled Ancho Chili Pork Tacos with Pineapple Salsa
Grilled Citrus-Marinated Pork Tacos with Pickled Red Onions
Street-Style Mexican Tacos with Citrus-Marinated Pork
Rio Metro Spiced Pork Tacos with Grilled Corn Salsa
Grilled Citrus-Marinated Pork Tacos with Avocado Crema
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
