Taco-Grilled Pork Shoulder with Pineapple Salsa

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

Juicy pork shoulder marinated in a zesty blend of spices and grilled to perfection, served with a fresh pineapple salsa that balances savory and sweet flavors. This Mexican-inspired barbecue recipe, ready in about 30 minutes, pairs pork shoulder, cut into 2-inch chunks, olive oil, chili powder for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 400 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: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Mexican cuisine 400 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 2 tbsp olive oil, 2 tsp chili powder, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Add 2 lbs pork shoulder cut into 2-inch chunks and toss to coat evenly. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or overnight.
  2. Step 2: Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Thread the marinated pork chunks onto skewers if using. Grill the pork for 10-12 minutes, turning every 3-4 minutes, until nicely charred and cooked through to 145°F internal temperature.
  3. Step 3: While the pork cooks, combine 1 cup diced fresh pineapple, 1/4 cup finely diced red onion, 1 minced jalapeño, 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro, and 2 tbsp fresh lime juice in a small bowl. Stir well and let sit for 10 minutes to meld flavors.
  4. Step 4: Serve the grilled pork with pineapple salsa on top or on the side, perfect for tacos or a fresh plate.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Taco-Grilled Pork Shoulder with Pineapple Salsa 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 Taco-Grilled Pork Shoulder 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 olive oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Taco-Grilled Pork Shoulder 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 Taco-Grilled Pork Shoulder 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 Taco-Grilled Pork Shoulder with Pineapple Salsa?

Mexican bbq & smoked 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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