Grilled Citrus-Marinated Pork Tacos with Pickled Red Onion and Avocado

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender grilled pork marinated in a bright citrus blend, served in warm tortillas with tangy pickled red onions and creamy avocado slices. This mexican ready in about 50 minutes pairs fresh orange juice, fresh lime juice, olive oil 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. 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 400 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup fresh orange juice, 1/4 cup fresh lime juice, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Add 1 lb thinly sliced pork and toss to coat. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Meanwhile, combine 1/2 cup white vinegar, 1 tbsp granulated sugar, and 1 small thinly sliced red onion in a jar or bowl. Let sit at room temperature for 20 minutes to pickle.
  3. Step 3: Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Grill the marinated pork slices for 3-4 minutes per side until nicely charred and cooked through.
  4. Step 4: Warm 8 small corn or flour tortillas on the grill for 30 seconds per side until pliable.
  5. Step 5: Assemble tacos by dividing grilled pork among tortillas, topping with pickled red onions, 1 large sliced avocado, 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, and jalapeño slices if using. Serve immediately.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Citrus-Marinated Pork Tacos with Pickled Red Onion and Avocado 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 Pickled Red Onion and Avocado?

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 Pickled Red Onion and Avocado?

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 Pickled Red Onion and Avocado 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 Pickled Red Onion and Avocado?

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.

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