Grilled Citrus-Marinated Pork Tacos with Pickled Red Onions

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

Juicy grilled pork marinated in a zesty citrus blend served in warm corn tortillas topped with tangy pickled red onions and fresh cilantro. This mexican ready in about 35 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 420 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: 20 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Mexican cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup orange juice, 1/4 cup lime juice, 2 tbsp olive oil, 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp chili powder, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Add 1.5 lbs thinly sliced pork shoulder and toss to coat. Marinate for at least 1 hour or up to 4 hours in the refrigerator.
  2. Step 2: Meanwhile, combine 1 medium thinly sliced red onion, 1 cup white vinegar, and 1 tbsp sugar in a jar or bowl. Let sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes to pickle.
  3. Step 3: Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Remove pork from marinade and 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 30 seconds each side. Assemble tacos by placing grilled pork slices on tortillas, topping with pickled red onions and 1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves. Serve with lime wedges for squeezing over.

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Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 35 minutes (20 min prep + 15 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 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 pork shoulder, thinly sliced from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Citrus-Marinated Pork Tacos with Pickled Red 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 Pickled Red Onions 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 Onions?

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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