Tamarind-Lime Grilled Pork Tacos with Fresh Salsa

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

Tangy tamarind-marinated pork grilled to perfection and served in warm corn tortillas with a bright, fresh tomato and avocado salsa. This mexican-inspired tacos & burritos ready in about 30 minutes blends pork shoulder, thinly sliced, tamarind paste, lime juice 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 350 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: 10 min Serves 4 Mexican cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 2 tbsp tamarind paste, 3 tbsp lime juice, 3 minced garlic cloves, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Whisk to create the marinade.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 lb thinly sliced pork shoulder to the marinade and toss to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably 3 hours.
  3. Step 3: While pork marinates, prepare the salsa by mixing 2 diced medium tomatoes, 1 diced medium avocado, 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion, 1/4 cup chopped cilantro leaves, 1 minced small jalapeño, and 1/2 tsp salt in a bowl. Set aside.
  4. Step 4: Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Grill the marinated pork slices for 3-4 minutes per side until nicely charred and cooked through.
  5. Step 5: Warm 8 small corn tortillas on the grill for 30 seconds per side. Assemble tacos by placing grilled pork on tortillas and topping with the fresh tomato and avocado salsa. Serve immediately.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Tamarind-Lime Grilled Pork Tacos with Fresh Salsa take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (20 min prep + 10 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Tamarind-Lime Grilled Pork Tacos with Fresh 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 Tamarind-Lime Grilled Pork Tacos with Fresh 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 Tamarind-Lime Grilled Pork Tacos with Fresh 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 Tamarind-Lime Grilled Pork Tacos with Fresh Salsa?

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.

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