Grilled Citrus-Marinated Pork Tacos with Avocado and Pickled Onions

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy pork marinated in bright citrus juices and spices, grilled to perfection and served in warm tortillas with creamy avocado and tangy pickled red onions. This mexican-inspired tacos & burritos ready in about 30 minutes pairs fresh orange juice, fresh lime juice, minced garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 400 calories and feeds 6, 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: 20 min Cook: 10 min Serves 6 Mexican cuisine 400 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 1/2 cup fresh orange juice, 1/4 cup fresh lime juice, 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 tablespoon ground cumin, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 1/2 teaspoons salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Add 2 pounds pork shoulder strips and toss to coat. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, preferably 3 hours.
  2. Step 2: While pork marinates, prepare pickled onions: in a small bowl, mix 1/2 cup white vinegar, 1 tablespoon sugar, and a pinch of salt until sugar dissolves. Add 1 small thinly sliced red onion and let sit at room temperature for 30 minutes.
  3. Step 3: Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Thread pork strips onto skewers or place directly on grill grates. Grill for 3-4 minutes per side until nicely charred and cooked through.
  4. Step 4: Warm 12 small corn tortillas on the grill for about 30 seconds per side until pliable.
  5. Step 5: Assemble tacos by layering grilled pork strips, slices from 2 medium avocados, pickled red onions, 1/4 cup chopped cilantro leaves, and optional 1 thinly sliced jalapeño per taco. Serve immediately.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Citrus-Marinated Pork Tacos with Avocado and Pickled Onions take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (20 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 Citrus-Marinated Pork Tacos with Avocado and 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 fresh orange juice from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Citrus-Marinated Pork Tacos with Avocado and 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 Grilled Citrus-Marinated Pork Tacos with Avocado and Pickled Onions 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-Marinated Pork Tacos with Avocado and 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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