Smoky Blackened Pork Tacos with Avocado Crema
Juicy pork seasoned with smoky blackening spices, seared to perfection, and served in warm tortillas topped with a smooth avocado crema. This Mexican-inspired taco and burrito recipe, ready in about 25 minutes, pairs paprika, ground cumin, garlic 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 tenderloin, trimmed and cut into 1/2-inch strips
- 2 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 8 small corn tortillas
- 1 whole ripe avocado
- 2 tbsp lime juice
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves
- 1/2 small red onion, finely diced
- 1 small jalapeño, seeded and minced
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Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: In a small bowl, combine 2 tsp paprika, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper to create the blackening spice mix.
- Step 2: Toss 1 lb pork tenderloin strips in the spice mix until evenly coated.
- Step 3: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned pork strips in a single layer and sear for 3-4 minutes per side until the edges are charred and pork is cooked through.
- Step 4: While the pork cooks, prepare the avocado crema by blending 1 whole ripe avocado, 2 tbsp lime juice, 1/4 cup sour cream, 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves, 1/2 finely diced red onion, and 1 small minced jalapeño in a food processor until smooth.
- Step 5: Warm 8 small corn tortillas in a dry skillet over medium heat for 30 seconds per side.
- Step 6: To assemble, spoon the blackened pork strips onto tortillas and top with a generous dollop of avocado crema. Serve immediately.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Smoky Blackened Pork Tacos with Avocado Crema take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (15 min prep + 10 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 Smoky Blackened Pork Tacos with Avocado Crema?
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 paprika from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Smoky Blackened Pork Tacos with Avocado Crema?
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 Smoky Blackened Pork Tacos with Avocado Crema 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 Smoky Blackened Pork Tacos with Avocado Crema?
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.
