Sweet and Spicy Grilled Pork Tacos with Pineapple Salsa

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

Tender grilled pork marinated in a sweet and spicy blend, topped with a fresh pineapple salsa for bright, tropical flavor. This mexican-inspired pork ready in about 50 minutes pairs pork shoulder, sliced thin, olive oil, paprika for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 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 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a bowl, combine 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp paprika, 1 tsp chili powder, 1/2 tsp ground cumin, 1 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Toss 1 lb thinly sliced pork shoulder in the marinade until evenly coated. Let marinate for 30 minutes at room temperature.
  2. Step 2: Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Grill the pork slices for 3-4 minutes per side until nicely charred and cooked through.
  3. Step 3: In a separate bowl, mix 1 cup diced fresh pineapple, 1/4 cup diced red onion, 2 tbsp chopped cilantro, 1 tbsp lime juice, and 1 small minced jalapeño (if using) for the pineapple salsa.
  4. Step 4: Warm 8 small corn tortillas on the grill for 20 seconds each side. Assemble tacos by layering grilled pork slices and pineapple salsa on each tortilla. Serve immediately.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Sweet and Spicy Grilled Pork Tacos with Pineapple Salsa 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 Sweet and Spicy Grilled Pork Tacos with Pineapple Salsa?

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, sliced thin from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Sweet and Spicy Grilled Pork Tacos with Pineapple Salsa?

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 Sweet and Spicy Grilled Pork Tacos with Pineapple Salsa 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 Sweet and Spicy Grilled Pork Tacos with Pineapple Salsa?

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.

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