Taco-Style Grilled Pork with Spicy Salsa Verde

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy grilled pork marinated in smoky spices served with a vibrant and tangy salsa verde for classic taco flavors. This mexican-inspired pork ready in about 40 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 380 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: 20 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 Mexican cuisine 380 cal/serving
Plan a meal with the AI → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a small bowl, combine 3 tbsp olive oil, 2 tsp ground cumin, 1 1/2 tsp chili powder, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper to create a marinade.
  2. Step 2: Rub the marinade evenly over 4 pork shoulder steaks and let rest at room temperature for 15 minutes.
  3. Step 3: While pork marinates, preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Grill 6 husked and quartered tomatillos alongside 1 seeded and chopped jalapeño for 8-10 minutes until charred and soft.
  4. Step 4: Transfer grilled tomatillos and jalapeño to a blender. Add 1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves, 3 tbsp lime juice, and 1/4 cup chopped white onion. Blend until smooth to create salsa verde.
  5. Step 5: Grill the pork steaks for 5-6 minutes per side until cooked through and nicely charred on the outside.
  6. Step 6: Warm 8 corn tortillas on the grill for 1 minute per side. Slice pork thinly and serve in tortillas topped with generous spoonfuls of spicy salsa verde.

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Knives & cutting boards → Shop all kitchen tools →

Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 40 minutes (20 min prep + 20 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 Spicy Salsa Verde?

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 Spicy Salsa Verde?

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 Spicy Salsa Verde 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 Spicy Salsa Verde?

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.

Related recipes