Taco-Style Grilled Pork with Citrus Slaw
Juicy grilled pork slices paired with a tangy, crunchy citrus slaw for a refreshing and satisfying taco filling without the tortillas. This mexican-inspired pork (low carb) ready in about 25 minutes pairs olive oil, ground cumin, chili powder for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 3, 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, sliced into 1/2-inch strips pork shoulder steak
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 cups shredded green cabbage
- 1 small, julienned red bell pepper
- 1 medium, shredded carrot
- 1/4 cup, freshly squeezed orange juice
- 2 tbsp, freshly squeezed lime juice
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
- 1 small, seeded and finely chopped (optional) jalapeño
Instructions
- Step 1: In a bowl, mix 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp chili powder, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Add 1 lb pork shoulder steak sliced into 1/2-inch strips and toss to evenly coat.
- Step 2: Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Grill the pork strips for 3-4 minutes per side until browned and cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 145°F. Remove and let rest.
- Step 3: In a separate bowl, combine 2 cups shredded green cabbage, 1 small julienned red bell pepper, 1 medium shredded carrot, 1/4 cup freshly squeezed orange juice, 2 tbsp lime juice, 1 tbsp honey, 1/4 cup chopped cilantro, and 1 small finely chopped jalapeño (if using). Toss well to make the citrus slaw.
- Step 4: Serve the grilled pork strips topped with generous portions of the citrus slaw for a fresh contrast in flavors and textures.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Taco-Style Grilled Pork with Citrus Slaw 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 Taco-Style Grilled Pork with Citrus Slaw?
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-Style Grilled Pork with Citrus Slaw?
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 with Citrus Slaw for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 3 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 3). 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.
Is Taco-Style Grilled Pork with Citrus Slaw low carb?
Yes — this recipe is tagged low carb based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
