Pork Tacos with Spicy Cabbage Slaw
Tender pork tacos topped with a fresh and spicy cabbage slaw. This mexican-inspired tacos & burritos ready in about 30 minutes pairs pork shoulder, diced, olive oil, chili powder 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.
Ingredients
- 1 lb pork shoulder, diced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 cups small green cabbage, shredded
- 1/2 cup carrot, grated
- 1 jalapeño, finely chopped
- 2 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tsp salt
- 8 corn tortillas
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 lb diced pork shoulder, 1 tbsp chili powder, 1 tsp ground cumin, and 3 minced garlic cloves. Cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pork is browned and cooked through.
- Step 2: In a medium bowl, combine 2 cups shredded green cabbage, 1/2 cup grated carrot, 1 finely chopped jalapeño, 2 tbsp lime juice, and 1 tsp salt. Toss well to create a spicy slaw.
- Step 3: Warm 8 corn tortillas in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 30 seconds per side until pliable and slightly charred.
- Step 4: Assemble tacos by spooning the cooked pork onto each tortilla and topping with a generous portion of the spicy slaw. Serve immediately.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Pork Tacos with Spicy Cabbage Slaw take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (15 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 Pork Tacos with Spicy Cabbage Slaw?
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, diced from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Pork Tacos with Spicy Cabbage Slaw?
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 Pork Tacos with Spicy Cabbage Slaw 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 Pork Tacos with Spicy Cabbage Slaw?
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.
