Grilled Citrus-Lime Pork Tacos with Fresh Salsa
Tender grilled pork marinated in a bright citrus-lime blend, served in warm corn tortillas with a fresh tomato and cilantro salsa. This mexican-inspired tacos & burritos ready in about 30 minutes blends pork shoulder, thinly sliced, (about 2 limes) fresh lime juice, orange juice 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 350 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
- 1.5 lbs pork shoulder, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup (about 2 limes) fresh lime juice
- 1/4 cup orange juice
- 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 12 small corn tortillas
- 3 medium roma tomatoes, diced
- 1/2 medium red onion, finely chopped
- 1/3 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 small jalapeño, seeded and minced
- for serving fresh lime wedges
Instructions
- Step 1: In a bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup fresh lime juice, 1/4 cup orange juice, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp chili powder, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper to make the marinade.
- Step 2: Place 1.5 lbs thinly sliced pork shoulder in a large resealable bag or dish and pour the marinade over it. Seal and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably 4 hours to overnight for maximum flavor.
- Step 3: Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Remove pork from marinade, letting excess drip off, and grill slices for 3-4 minutes per side until nicely charred and cooked through.
- Step 4: While pork grills, combine 3 diced roma tomatoes, 1/2 finely chopped red onion, 1/3 cup chopped fresh cilantro, and 1 minced small jalapeño in a bowl to make fresh salsa.
- Step 5: Warm 12 small corn tortillas on the grill or skillet for about 30 seconds per side until pliable and slightly toasted.
- Step 6: Assemble tacos by layering grilled pork slices and fresh salsa in each tortilla. Serve immediately with lime wedges for squeezing on top.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Grilled Citrus-Lime Pork Tacos with Fresh Salsa take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Grilled Citrus-Lime Pork Tacos with Fresh 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 Citrus-Lime Pork Tacos with Fresh 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 Citrus-Lime Pork Tacos with Fresh 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 Grilled Citrus-Lime Pork Tacos with Fresh 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.