Mezcal-Marinated Pork Tacos with Pickled Red Onions

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

Juicy pork marinated in smoky mezcal and spices, grilled and served in soft corn tortillas with tangy pickled red onions and fresh cilantro. This mexican-inspired pork ready in about 35 minutes pairs pork shoulder, cut into 1-inch cubes, mezcal, garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 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 350 cal/serving
Build a week of meals around this recipe → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Affiliate disclosure: AislePrompt may earn a commission on qualifying purchases made through Amazon links, at no additional cost to you. See our policy →

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Cookware & pots → Shop all kitchen tools →

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 1/4 cup mezcal, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1 tbsp kosher salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Add 1.5 lbs cubed pork shoulder and toss to coat evenly. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or overnight.
  2. Step 2: Meanwhile, prepare pickled red onions by combining 1/2 cup white vinegar, 1/2 cup water, and 1 tbsp granulated sugar in a small saucepan. Heat until sugar dissolves, then pour over 1 thinly sliced medium red onion in a jar. Let sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes.
  3. Step 3: Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Thread marinated pork cubes onto skewers or grill directly, cooking for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until pork is charred on edges and cooked through.
  4. Step 4: Warm 12 small corn tortillas on the grill for 30 seconds each side until pliable and slightly toasted.
  5. Step 5: Assemble tacos by placing grilled pork pieces onto tortillas, topping with pickled red onions and 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro. Serve with 3 lime wedges for squeezing over tacos.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Mezcal-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 Mezcal-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 mezcal from drying out.

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

Mexican pork 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.

Related recipes