Grilled Citrus-Marinated Pork Tacos with Avocado Crema
Juicy pork marinated in a zesty citrus blend, grilled to perfection, and served in warm corn tortillas with a smooth avocado crema and fresh cilantro. This mexican-inspired tacos & burritos ready in about 50 minutes pairs pork shoulder, thinly sliced, orange juice, lime juice for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 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.
Ingredients
- 1 lb pork shoulder, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- 1/4 cup lime juice
- 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 8 small corn tortillas
- 1 large ripe avocado
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves
- 2 tbsp water
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Step 1: In a bowl, combine 1/2 cup orange juice, 1/4 cup lime juice, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp chili powder, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Add 1 lb thinly sliced pork shoulder and marinate for at least 30 minutes.
- Step 2: Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Remove pork from marinade, pat dry, and brush with 1 tbsp olive oil. Grill pork slices for 3-4 minutes per side until nicely charred and cooked through.
- Step 3: Meanwhile, in a blender, combine 1 large ripe avocado, 1/2 cup sour cream, 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves, and 2 tbsp water. Blend until smooth and creamy.
- Step 4: Warm 8 small corn tortillas on the grill or skillet for 30 seconds each side. Assemble tacos by layering grilled pork and topping with avocado crema and extra cilantro if desired.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Grilled Citrus-Marinated Pork Tacos with Avocado Crema 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 Citrus-Marinated 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, thinly sliced from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Citrus-Marinated 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 Citrus-Marinated 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 Citrus-Marinated Pork Tacos with Avocado Crema?
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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