Spicy Mexican Street-Style Tacos with Grilled Pork

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

Tender grilled pork marinated in smoky spices served on warm corn tortillas with fresh salsa and creamy avocado for an authentic street food experience. This mexican-inspired tacos & burritos ready in about 50 minutes pairs thinly sliced pork shoulder, chili powder, smoked paprika 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: 40 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 Mexican cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a bowl, combine 1 lb thinly sliced pork shoulder with 2 tsp chili powder, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp garlic powder, 2 tbsp olive oil, 2 tbsp fresh lime juice, and 1 tsp salt. Toss well to coat and marinate for at least 30 minutes.
  2. Step 2: While pork marinates, prepare salsa by mixing 2 diced medium tomatoes, 1/2 finely chopped red onion, 1 deseeded and finely chopped jalapeño, 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, and salt to taste in a small bowl. Set aside.
  3. Step 3: Heat a grill pan over medium-high heat. Grill the marinated pork slices for 3-4 minutes per side until nicely charred and cooked through.
  4. Step 4: Warm 8 small corn tortillas in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 30 seconds per side until pliable and slightly toasted.
  5. Step 5: Assemble tacos by placing grilled pork onto each tortilla, topping with fresh salsa, sliced 1 medium avocado, and a dollop of 1/4 cup sour cream.
  6. Step 6: Garnish with extra cilantro if desired and serve immediately for optimal flavor and texture.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Spicy Mexican Street-Style Tacos with Grilled Pork take to make?

Total time is about 50 minutes (40 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 Spicy Mexican Street-Style Tacos with Grilled Pork?

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 thinly sliced pork shoulder from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Spicy Mexican Street-Style Tacos with Grilled Pork?

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 Spicy Mexican Street-Style Tacos with Grilled Pork 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 Spicy Mexican Street-Style Tacos with Grilled Pork?

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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