Taco-Style Grilled Pork with Pineapple Salsa

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

Juicy grilled pork marinated with Mexican spices and topped with a fresh, tangy pineapple salsa for a perfect balance of smoky and sweet. This mexican-inspired pork ready in about 30 minutes blends (6 oz each) pork shoulder steaks, olive oil, ground cumin 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 400 calories and feeds 4, 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: 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 small bowl, combine 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp chili powder, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper to create a spice rub.
  2. Step 2: Rub this spice mixture evenly over 4 pork shoulder steaks and let marinate for at least 30 minutes at room temperature.
  3. Step 3: Meanwhile, prepare the pineapple salsa by mixing 1 cup diced fresh pineapple, 1/2 cup finely diced red bell pepper, 1/4 cup finely diced red onion, 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, 2 tbsp lime juice, and 1 small minced jalapeño in a bowl; refrigerate until ready to serve.
  4. Step 4: Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Grill the pork steaks for 5-6 minutes per side until nicely charred and internal temperature reaches 145°F.
  5. Step 5: Warm 8 corn tortillas on the grill for 30 seconds per side. Slice the grilled pork and serve on warm tortillas topped generously with pineapple salsa.

Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 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 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 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 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-Style Grilled Pork 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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