Grilled Cilantro-Lime Pork Tacos with Pickled Red Onion

By · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy grilled pork marinated in zesty cilantro and lime, served in warm corn tortillas with tangy pickled red onion for a fresh taco experience. This mexican-inspired tacos & burritos ready in about 50 minutes pairs packed fresh cilantro leaves, lime juice, olive oil 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: 40 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 Mexican cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a blender or food processor, combine 1/2 cup packed fresh cilantro leaves, 1/4 cup lime juice, 2 tbsp olive oil, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp chili powder, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Blend until smooth to create the marinade.
  2. Step 2: Place 1 lb sliced boneless pork shoulder strips into a large bowl and pour the marinade over them. Toss to coat evenly and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes or up to 4 hours.
  3. Step 3: Meanwhile, make pickled red onions by combining 1/2 cup white vinegar, 1/2 cup water, 1 tbsp sugar, and 1 medium thinly sliced red onion in a jar or bowl. Stir until sugar dissolves, then let sit for at least 30 minutes.
  4. Step 4: Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Thread pork strips onto skewers or grill directly, cooking for 3-4 minutes per side until nicely charred and cooked through.
  5. Step 5: Warm 8 small corn tortillas on the grill for 30 seconds each side. Assemble tacos by placing grilled pork on tortillas, topping with pickled red onions and fresh cilantro sprigs. Serve immediately.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Cilantro-Lime Pork Tacos with Pickled Red Onion take to make?

Total time is about 50 minutes (40 min prep + 10 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 Cilantro-Lime Pork Tacos with Pickled Red Onion?

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 packed fresh cilantro leaves from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Cilantro-Lime Pork Tacos with Pickled Red Onion?

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 Cilantro-Lime Pork Tacos with Pickled Red Onion 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 Cilantro-Lime Pork Tacos with Pickled Red Onion?

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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