Orange-Spiced Mezcal Pork Tacos

By · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender pork marinated in smoky mezcal and orange liqueur, served in warm tortillas with fresh toppings for a flavorful taco night. This mexican-inspired tacos & burritos ready in about 82 minutes pairs Pork shoulder, cut into 1-inch cubes, Mezzaro artisanal mezcal, Ground cumin 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: 70 min Cook: 12 min Serves 4 Mexican cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 1 lb pork shoulder cubes with 1/4 cup Mezzaro artisanal mezcal, 2 tbsp Ferrand Dry Curaçao Yuzu Late Harvest orange liqueur, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Toss well to coat and marinate for at least 1 hour in the refrigerator.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the marinated pork cubes and cook for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until the pork is browned and cooked through with a slight caramelized crust.
  3. Step 3: Warm 8 small corn tortillas in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 30 seconds per side until pliable and slightly toasted.
  4. Step 4: Assemble tacos by dividing the cooked pork evenly among the tortillas. Top with 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro and 1/4 cup diced white onion. Serve immediately with 4 lime wedges for squeezing over the top.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Orange-Spiced Mezcal Pork Tacos take to make?

Total time is about 82 minutes (70 min prep + 12 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 Orange-Spiced Mezcal Pork Tacos?

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 mezzaro artisanal mezcal from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Orange-Spiced Mezcal Pork Tacos?

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 Orange-Spiced Mezcal Pork Tacos 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 Orange-Spiced Mezcal Pork Tacos?

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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