Latin-Spiced Pork Tacos with Pineapple Salsa

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

Tender pork seasoned with warm Latin spices, served in soft tortillas topped with sweet and tangy pineapple salsa. This latin american-inspired tacos & burritos ready in about 25 minutes blends olive oil, ground cumin, smoked paprika 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 320 calories and feeds 4, 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 Latin American cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, toss 1 lb pork shoulder strips with 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp onion powder, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper until pork is evenly coated.
  2. Step 2: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the seasoned pork strips. Cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pork is browned and cooked through.
  3. Step 3: In a small bowl, combine 1 cup diced pineapple, 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion, 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro, 1 tsp minced jalapeño, and 2 tbsp lime juice to make the pineapple salsa. Stir gently to combine.
  4. Step 4: Warm 8 small corn tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave until pliable.
  5. Step 5: Assemble tacos by dividing the cooked pork evenly among the tortillas and topping each with a generous spoonful of pineapple salsa. Serve immediately.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Latin-Spiced Pork Tacos with Pineapple Salsa take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (15 min prep + 10 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Latin-Spiced Pork Tacos with Pineapple 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 Latin-Spiced Pork Tacos with Pineapple 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 Latin-Spiced Pork Tacos with Pineapple Salsa 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 Latin-Spiced Pork Tacos with Pineapple Salsa?

Latin American 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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