Tamarind-Glazed Pork Tacos with Pickled Red Onion and Cilantro
Soft corn tortillas filled with tamarind-glazed pork shoulder, topped with tangy pickled red onions and fresh cilantro for a balance of sweet, savory, and bright flavors. This mexican-inspired tacos & burritos ready in about 45 minutes pairs pork shoulder, cut into 1-inch cubes, olive oil, tamarind paste for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 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.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs pork shoulder, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 tbsp tamarind paste
- 2 tbsp honey
- 3 cloves, minced garlic cloves
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 medium, thinly sliced red onion
- 1/2 cup white vinegar
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 8 small corn tortillas
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves
- for serving lime wedges
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium bowl, combine 1/2 cup white vinegar, 1 tbsp sugar, and 1 medium thinly sliced red onion. Toss and let sit at room temperature for at least 20 minutes to pickle.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1.5 lbs cubed pork shoulder and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned on all sides, about 8 minutes.
- Step 3: Add 3 tbsp tamarind paste, 2 tbsp honey, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp chili powder, 1 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper to the pork. Stir well to coat and cook for 10-12 minutes over medium heat until the pork is cooked through and the sauce is sticky and caramelized.
- Step 4: Warm 8 small corn tortillas on a dry skillet over medium heat for 30 seconds per side until pliable.
- Step 5: To assemble, divide the tamarind-glazed pork evenly among the tortillas. Top each with pickled red onions (drained lightly) and a generous sprinkle of 1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves. Serve immediately with lime wedges for squeezing.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Tamarind-Glazed Pork Tacos with Pickled Red Onion and Cilantro take to make?
Total time is about 45 minutes (25 min prep + 20 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 Tamarind-Glazed Pork Tacos with Pickled Red Onion and Cilantro?
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 Tamarind-Glazed Pork Tacos with Pickled Red Onion and Cilantro?
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 Tamarind-Glazed Pork Tacos with Pickled Red Onion and Cilantro 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 Tamarind-Glazed Pork Tacos with Pickled Red Onion and Cilantro?
Mexican tacos & burritos 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
Rio Metro Spiced Pork Tacos with Grilled Corn Salsa
Tamarind-Glazed Pork Tacos with Pickled Red Onion
Grilled Ancho Chili Pork Tacos with Pineapple Salsa
Grilled Citrus-Marinated Pork Tacos with Pickled Red Onions
Hidden Network Guava and Chili Pork Tacos
Grilled Citrus-Marinated Pork Tacos with Pickled Onion
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
