Taco-Style Grilled Pork Shoulder with Pineapple Salsa

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy grilled pork shoulder rubbed with smoky spices and served with a vibrant pineapple salsa for a fresh, tangy contrast. This mexican-inspired pork ready in about 95 minutes blends pork shoulder roast (bone-in), olive oil, chili powder into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 6, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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: 20 min Cook: 75 min Serves 6 Mexican cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a small bowl, mix 3 tbsp olive oil, 2 tbsp chili powder, 1 tbsp ground cumin, 1 tbsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp garlic powder, 2 tsp salt, and 1 tsp black pepper to make a rub.
  2. Step 2: Rub the 3 lb pork shoulder roast all over with the spice mixture. Let rest at room temperature for 30 minutes.
  3. Step 3: Preheat a grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Grill the pork shoulder for 1 hour 15 minutes, turning every 15 minutes, until charred outside and internal temperature reaches 195°F for shredding.
  4. Step 4: While the pork cooks, combine 1 cup diced fresh pineapple, 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper, 1/4 cup finely diced red onion, 1 minced small jalapeño, 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, and 2 tbsp lime juice in a bowl. Stir well and chill.
  5. Step 5: Remove pork from grill and let rest 15 minutes. Shred pork with two forks.
  6. Step 6: Warm 12 corn tortillas on the grill for 30 seconds per side. Serve shredded pork on tortillas topped with pineapple salsa.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Taco-Style Grilled Pork Shoulder with Pineapple Salsa take to make?

Total time is about 95 minutes (20 min prep + 75 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Taco-Style Grilled Pork Shoulder with Pineapple Salsa?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Taco-Style 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-Style Grilled Pork Shoulder with Pineapple Salsa for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). 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-Style Grilled Pork Shoulder 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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