Spicy Pork Tacos
Quick and easy spicy Pork Tacos Recipe is healthy and delicious. 8 Ingredients. 20 Minutes. Gluten-Free. Low-Carb. Keto. Paleo. Whole 30.
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Of course, even though slow cooked pulled pork is the absolute best, it’s definitely not a thing you can decide to throw together last minute when a craving sets in. Our Spicy Pork Tacos might not be slow cooked, but they definitely still pack a punch in the flavor department.
I took inspiration from an old Carnitas recipe to give these tacos awesome flavor, while cutting down on the cooking time in a BIG way. Fresh orange juice really brings some light and bright notes to and awesome subtle flavor.
While we use this recipe as healthy lettuce wraps, trust me, it is heavenly eaten with regular flour tortillas also. Check out our Cilantro Apple Slaw to perfectly complement this recipe.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
Bold flavor: The mix of chili powder, cumin, and orange zest gives these tacos a spicy-citrus kick.
Quick to make: Ready in about 20 minutes for a fast, flavorful dinner.
Customizable: Adjust the heat level by adding or reducing jalapeño.
Perfect for gatherings: Great for taco nights, parties, or meal prep.
Fresh and zesty: The orange juice brightens up the rich, savory pork for a balanced bite every time.
Ingredients to Make Spicy Pork Tacos:
- ground pork. Rich and flavorful, it absorbs spices beautifully and stays juicy while cooking.
- onion. Adds sweetness and depth, yellow or white onions both work well.
- fresh jalapeño. Provides a moderate heat; keep the seeds for extra spice or use half for a milder flavor.
- garlic cloves. Enhances the savory base and balances the citrus.
- orange juice and zest. Add brightness and a hint of sweetness that complements the smoky spices.
- cumin. Brings warm, earthy notes that tie the flavors together.
- chili powder. The main spice blend giving these tacos their signature heat and color.
- oregano. Adds a subtle herbal layer that rounds out the seasoning mix.
How to Make Spicy Pork Tacos:
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the ground pork. Cook for 5–6 minutes, breaking it apart as it browns.
- Add the diced onion and jalapeño to the skillet. Sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened.
- Stir in the minced garlic, cumin, chili powder, and oregano. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the orange juice and zest to the pan, stirring to combine. Simmer for 3–4 minutes until most of the liquid has reduced.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Serve the spicy pork in warm tortillas with your favorite toppings such as avocado, lime, cilantro, or shredded cabbage.
Recommended Equipment
Recipe Notes & Tips:
- Use fresh citrus: Freshly squeezed orange juice and zest bring out the best flavor, bottled juice won’t give the same brightness.
- Don’t skip sautéing the spices: Letting the cumin, chili powder, and oregano cook for a minute deepens their aroma and richness.
- Control the heat: For spicier tacos, leave the jalapeño seeds in or add a dash of cayenne pepper. For milder flavor, remove all seeds and white membranes.
- Add a little broth if needed: If the pork mixture gets too dry, splash in a tablespoon or two of chicken broth or water to loosen it.
- Use warm tortillas: Briefly toast corn or flour tortillas in a dry skillet or over a flame to make them pliable and flavorful.
- Topping ideas: Try shredded cabbage, avocado slices, cilantro, lime wedges, or a drizzle of Greek yogurt or sour cream.
- Make it a bowl: Skip the tortillas and serve the spicy pork over rice or cauliflower rice with fresh toppings.
Serving Suggestions:
- Mexican Coleslaw
- Chimichurri Roasted Vegetables
- Chopped Mexican Salad
- Guacamole
- Loaded Sweet Potato Fries
How to Store:
Refrigerator: Store leftover pork filling in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze the cooled pork mixture in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating: Warm in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or broth until heated through. Avoid microwaving too long, as it can dry out the pork.
FAQs:
Yes! Simply reduce the jalapeño or leave it out entirely. You can also substitute with mild green chiles for a softer heat.
Ground turkey, chicken, or beef all work well, just adjust the cooking time slightly to ensure they’re fully cooked.
Try shredded lettuce or cabbage, diced avocado, fresh cilantro, lime wedges, crumbled cotija cheese, or a drizzle of sour cream.
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Spicy Pork Tacos
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground pork
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 fresh jalapeño, seeded and diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 orange, juiced and zested
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
Instructions
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the ground pork. Cook for 5–6 minutes, breaking it apart as it browns.
- Add the diced onion and jalapeño to the skillet. Sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened.
- Stir in the minced garlic, cumin, chili powder, and oregano. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the orange juice and zest to the pan, stirring to combine. Simmer for 3–4 minutes until most of the liquid has reduced.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Serve the spicy pork in warm tortillas with your favorite toppings such as avocado, lime, cilantro, or shredded cabbage.
Nutrition
Notes
- Use fresh citrus: Freshly squeezed orange juice and zest bring out the best flavor, bottled juice won’t give the same brightness.
- Don’t skip sautéing the spices: Letting the cumin, chili powder, and oregano cook for a minute deepens their aroma and richness.
- Control the heat: For spicier tacos, leave the jalapeño seeds in or add a dash of cayenne pepper. For milder flavor, remove all seeds and white membranes.
- Add a little broth if needed: If the pork mixture gets too dry, splash in a tablespoon or two of chicken broth or water to loosen it.
- Use warm tortillas: Briefly toast corn or flour tortillas in a dry skillet or over a flame to make them pliable and flavorful.
- Topping ideas: Try shredded cabbage, avocado slices, cilantro, lime wedges, or a drizzle of Greek yogurt or sour cream.
- Make it a bowl: Skip the tortillas and serve the spicy pork over rice or cauliflower rice with fresh toppings.
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Very yummy and quick to make!