Imagine a culinary journey where sweet, spicy, and tangy flavors collide in one epic taco experience! These Caramelized Pork Tacos with Pineapple Salsa are not just a meal, they're a flavor explosion that will transport your senses straight to the vibrant streets of Mexico. With perfectly caramelized pork, zesty pineapple salsa, and warm corn tortillas, this recipe is about to become your new obsession - guaranteed to impress friends, family, and even your most discerning foodie critics.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 500g pork shoulder, diced
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 8 small corn tortillas
- 1 cup pineapple, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, chopped
- 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
- Juice of 1 lime
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Begin by preparing the pork shoulder. Dice the pork into small, even pieces to ensure even cooking. This should yield about 500 grams of diced pork shoulder.
- In a medium bowl, combine the diced pork with the brown sugar, chili powder, cumin, and a pinch of salt. Mix well to ensure that all the pork pieces are evenly coated with the spice mixture. Let it marinate for about 10 minutes while you prepare the other ingredients.
- While the pork is marinating, prepare the pineapple salsa. In a separate bowl, combine the diced pineapple, chopped red onion, chopped cilantro, and lime juice. Mix well and season with salt to taste. Set aside to let the flavors meld.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the skillet is hot, add the marinated pork shoulder. Cook the pork for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pork is browned and caramelized on the outside and cooked through. Ensure that the internal temperature of the pork reaches at least 145°F (63°C).
- While the pork is cooking, warm the corn tortillas. You can do this by placing them in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 30 seconds on each side, or wrapping them in foil and placing them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes.
- Once the pork is cooked, remove it from the heat and let it rest for a few minutes. This will help retain its juices.
- To assemble the tacos, take a warm corn tortilla and fill it with a generous amount of the caramelized pork. Top with a spoonful of the pineapple salsa.
- Serve the tacos immediately, garnished with additional cilantro or lime wedges if desired. Enjoy your delicious Caramelized Pork Tacos with Pineapple Salsa!
Tips
- For maximum flavor, marinate the pork for at least 10 minutes, but if you have time, letting it sit for 30 minutes will intensify the taste.
- Use a cast-iron skillet if possible for the best caramelization - it provides even heat distribution and creates a beautiful golden-brown crust on the pork.
- Don't overcrowd the pan when cooking the pork. Cook in batches if necessary to ensure each piece gets crispy and caramelized.
- Check the internal temperature of the pork with a meat thermometer to ensure it's cooked perfectly and safely.
- For extra flavor, try toasting your corn tortillas directly over a gas flame for a few seconds on each side for a smoky char.
- Fresh ingredients are key - use ripe, sweet pineapple and fresh cilantro for the most vibrant salsa possible.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 85mg
