Sweet Spicy Pineapple Pork Tacos (Printable Version)

Pork, pineapple, and salsa create delicious tacos with smoky heat, fresh flavor, and a lively Mexican-inspired touch.

# What You'll Need:

→ Pork Preparation

01 - 1.1 pounds pork shoulder or loin, cut into small strips
02 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
03 - 1 teaspoon chili powder
04 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
05 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
06 - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
07 - 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper, adjust to taste
08 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
09 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

→ Pineapple Salsa

10 - 1 cup fresh pineapple, diced
11 - 1/2 small red onion, finely chopped
12 - 1 medium jalapeño, seeded and minced
13 - 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
14 - Juice of 1 lime
15 - Pinch of salt

→ Taco Assembly

16 - 8 small corn tortillas
17 - 1 small red cabbage, thinly sliced
18 - 1 avocado, sliced
19 - Fresh lime wedges, for serving

# How to Make It:

01 - Combine pork strips, olive oil, chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder, cayenne, salt, and black pepper in a mixing bowl. Toss thoroughly to coat. Let rest for at least 15 minutes at room temperature.
02 - Mix diced pineapple, red onion, jalapeño, cilantro, lime juice, and a pinch of salt in a separate bowl. Set aside for flavors to meld.
03 - Heat a large skillet over medium-high. Add marinated pork in a single layer and sauté for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned and cooked through. Transfer pork to a plate and keep warm.
04 - Wipe out the skillet and toast the corn tortillas one at a time on both sides until warmed and flexible. Stack and keep covered.
05 - Top each warm tortilla with a layer of sliced cabbage, followed by the cooked pork, a generous spoonful of pineapple salsa, and avocado slices. Serve immediately with lime wedges.

# Expert Insights:

01 -
  • Uses lean pork strips for quick cooking
  • Layered flavors from tangy pineapple and smoky spices
  • Ready in under one hour
  • Naturally dairy-free and gluten-free if you use certified tortillas
  • The fresh pineapple salsa makes everything extra special
02 -
  • High in protein thanks to the pork
  • Fresh pineapple boosts digestion with its natural enzymes
  • Colorful vegetables add crunch and help balance the flavors
  • Corn tortillas keep these tacos gluten-free
  • The salsa holds up well in the fridge for next-day snacking
03 -
  • Cut pork evenly so every piece cooks at the same rate
  • Let pineapple salsa rest at least ten minutes for flavors to bloom
  • Always warm tortillas so they are tender and never crack I keep extras under a clean towel right until serving
  • For bolder flavor add ground coriander in the marinade or finish pork with smoked salt
  • If you want extra caramelization do not crowd the pan cook in two batches if needed

Go Back