Sweet Spicy Pineapple Pork

Featured in: Weeknight Dinners

This dish features tender pork strips marinated with chili, smoked paprika, and cumin, cooked to perfection then topped with a fresh pineapple salsa. The sweet and spicy elements balance beautifully, enhanced by crunchy cabbage and creamy avocado slices on warm corn tortillas. Ideal for weeknight dinners or festive gatherings, it brings a delightful combination of textures and bold, lively flavors to your table.

Updated on Tue, 11 Nov 2025 13:15:00 GMT
Tender Sweet & Spicy Pineapple Pork Tacos topped with fresh avocado and vibrant salsa.  Save to Pinterest
Tender Sweet & Spicy Pineapple Pork Tacos topped with fresh avocado and vibrant salsa. | yummywithmia.com

Tender pork, caramelized pineapple, and a hint of heat come together in these vibrant tacos, perfect for a lively weeknight meal or a summer gathering.

This recipe has become a favorite in my household, offering a wonderful balance of flavors that always brings everyone to the table excited to eat.

Ingredients

  • Pork: 500 g (1.1 lb) pork shoulder or loin, cut into small strips, 1 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp chili powder, 1/2 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp ground cumin, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste), 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • Pineapple Salsa: 1 cup fresh pineapple diced, 1/2 small red onion finely chopped, 1 medium jalapeño seeded and minced, 1/4 cup fresh cilantro chopped, Juice of 1 lime, Pinch of salt
  • Tacos: 8 small corn tortillas, 1 small red cabbage thinly sliced, 1 avocado sliced, Fresh lime wedges for serving

Instructions

Marinate Pork:
In a bowl, combine pork strips with olive oil, chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Mix well and let marinate for at least 15 minutes.
Prepare Salsa:
While the pork marinates, prepare the pineapple salsa: In a separate bowl, mix diced pineapple, red onion, jalapeño, cilantro, lime juice, and a pinch of salt. Set aside.
Cook Pork:
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add marinated pork in a single layer and cook for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned and cooked through. Remove from heat and keep warm.
Toast Tortillas:
Wipe out the skillet and briefly toast the corn tortillas on each side until warm and pliable.
Assemble Tacos:
Place some sliced cabbage on each tortilla, top with pork, spoon over pineapple salsa, and add avocado slices. Serve immediately with lime wedges.
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| yummywithmia.com

This recipe always sparks lively conversations and brings our family together, creating memories beyond the delicious meal.

Notes

Serve with a chilled Mexican lager or a fruity white wine to complement the flavors perfectly.

Required Tools

Large skillet, mixing bowls, sharp knife, cutting board, tongs

Allergen Information

Contains none of the major 8 allergens (milk, eggs, fish, shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, soy). Corn tortillas are naturally gluten-free but check packaging if you are highly sensitive.

Savory Sweet & Spicy Pineapple Pork Tacos garnished with zesty cilantro and lime wedges.  Save to Pinterest
Savory Sweet & Spicy Pineapple Pork Tacos garnished with zesty cilantro and lime wedges. | yummywithmia.com

These tacos bring a perfect blend of sweet, spicy, and savory in each bite.

Common Recipe Questions

What cut of pork works best?

Pork shoulder or loin cut into strips offers a tender texture and absorbs the marinade flavors well.

Can I adjust the heat level?

Yes, modify cayenne pepper amount or add hot sauce to suit your preferred spiciness level.

How do I make the pineapple salsa?

Combine diced fresh pineapple, red onion, jalapeño, cilantro, lime juice, and a pinch of salt for a refreshing topping.

What tortillas are recommended?

Small corn tortillas are ideal for their authentic flavor and ability to complement the filling perfectly.

Are there suitable protein alternatives?

Chicken or jackfruit can replace pork for a different texture or a vegetarian-friendly option.

Sweet Spicy Pineapple Pork

Tender pork and caramelized pineapple combine with spices for vibrant, flavorful tacos perfect for summer meals.

Prep Time
20 minutes
Cooking Duration
30 minutes
Overall Time
50 minutes
Created by Mia

Recipe Type Weeknight Dinners

Skill Level Medium

Culinary Origin Mexican-Inspired

Total Output 4 Portion Size

Dietary Preferences Dairy-Free, Gluten-Free

What You'll Need

Pork

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

Pineapple Salsa

01 1 cup fresh pineapple, diced
02 1/2 small red onion, finely chopped
03 1 medium jalapeño, seeded and minced
04 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
05 Juice of 1 lime
06 Pinch of salt

Tacos

01 8 small corn tortillas
02 1 small red cabbage, thinly sliced
03 1 avocado, sliced
04 Fresh lime wedges for serving

Steps to Follow

Step 01

Marinate Pork: Combine pork strips with olive oil, chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper in a bowl. Mix well and let marinate for at least 15 minutes.

Step 02

Prepare Pineapple Salsa: Mix diced pineapple, red onion, jalapeño, cilantro, lime juice, and a pinch of salt in a separate bowl. Set aside.

Step 03

Cook Pork: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add marinated pork in a single layer and cook for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned and cooked through. Remove from heat and keep warm.

Step 04

Toast Tortillas: Wipe out the skillet and briefly toast the corn tortillas on each side until warm and pliable.

Step 05

Assemble Tacos: Place sliced cabbage on each tortilla, top with pork, spoon over pineapple salsa, and add avocado slices. Serve immediately with lime wedges.

Tools Required

  • Large skillet
  • Mixing bowls
  • Sharp knife
  • Cutting board
  • Tongs

Allergy Warnings

Please review individual ingredients for potential allergens and reach out to a healthcare professional if unsure.
  • Contains no major allergens such as milk, eggs, fish, shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, or soy. Corn tortillas are naturally gluten-free, verify packaging if highly sensitive.

Nutritional Info (per serving)

These details are for reference only and shouldn't replace professional medical consultation.
  • Calories Count: 390
  • Fats: 14 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 41 grams
  • Proteins: 27 grams