Grilled Chipotle Pork Tacos with Avocado Crema
Smoky chipotle-marinated pork shoulder grilled to tender perfection, served with a cool avocado crema and fresh cabbage on warm corn tortillas. This mexican-inspired mexican ready in about 40 minutes pairs pork shoulder, chipotle paste, 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.
Ingredients
- 1 lb pork shoulder
- 3 tbsp chipotle paste
- 2 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 medium avocado
- 2 tbsp plain Greek yogurt
- 8 corn tortillas
- 1 cup shredded cabbage
- 1/4 cup red onion
- 2 tbsp fresh cilantro
Instructions
- Step 1: Combine 1 lb pork shoulder, 3 tbsp chipotle paste, 2 tbsp lime juice, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, and 1/4 tsp salt in a bowl. Mix until evenly coated, then cover and refrigerate for 1 hour.
- Step 2: Preheat grill to 375°F. Thread marinated pork onto skewers and grill for 8-10 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 145°F, turning once.
- Step 3: Mash 1 medium avocado with 2 tbsp Greek yogurt, 1 tbsp lime juice, and 1 tbsp chopped cilantro in a small bowl. Season with a pinch of salt.
- Step 4: Warm 8 corn tortillas in a dry skillet for 30 seconds per side. Assemble tacos with grilled pork, 1/4 cup shredded cabbage, 2 tbsp red onion, and 2 tbsp avocado crema per taco.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Grilled Chipotle Pork Tacos with Avocado Crema take to make?
Total time is about 40 minutes (20 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 Grilled Chipotle Pork Tacos with Avocado Crema?
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 Grilled Chipotle Pork Tacos with Avocado Crema?
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 Chipotle Pork Tacos with Avocado Crema 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 Chipotle Pork Tacos with Avocado Crema?
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
- ★★★★★
Loved the smoky chipotle flavor and the fresh avocado crema. Perfect for a weeknight meal.
- ★★★★★
My family devoured these tacos at dinner. The recipe is simple but the flavors are amazing. Will make again!
- ★★★★★
These tacos are a game-changer! The chipotle pork was perfectly grilled and the avocado crema added the creaminess I needed.