Tamarind-Spiced Pork Tacos with Pineapple Salsa
Juicy pork seasoned with a tangy tamarind spice blend served in warm corn tortillas topped with fresh pineapple salsa for a vibrant taco experience. This mexican-inspired tacos & burritos ready in about 32 minutes blends pork shoulder, cut into 1/2-inch cubes, tamarind paste, chili powder 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.
Ingredients
- 1 lb pork shoulder, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
- 2 tbsp tamarind paste
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 8 small corn tortillas
- 1 cup fresh pineapple, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 2 tbsp lime juice
- 1 small jalapeño, seeded and minced
- 1/4 tsp salt for salsa
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 1 lb 1/2-inch cubed pork shoulder with 2 tbsp tamarind paste, 1 tsp chili powder, 1 tsp ground coriander, 1 tsp ground cumin, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Toss to coat evenly and marinate for 15 minutes.
- Step 2: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated pork cubes and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned and cooked through.
- Step 3: In a separate bowl, mix 1 cup diced fresh pineapple, 1/4 cup finely diced red onion, 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, 2 tbsp lime juice, 1 small minced jalapeño, and 1/4 tsp salt to make the pineapple salsa.
- Step 4: Warm 8 small corn tortillas in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 30 seconds per side.
- Step 5: Assemble tacos by dividing the cooked pork evenly among the tortillas and topping each with a generous spoonful of pineapple salsa before serving.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Tamarind-Spiced Pork Tacos with Pineapple Salsa take to make?
Total time is about 32 minutes (20 min prep + 12 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Tamarind-Spiced Pork Tacos 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 Tamarind-Spiced Pork Tacos 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 Tamarind-Spiced Pork Tacos 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 Tamarind-Spiced Pork Tacos with Pineapple 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.
