It’s summer in the South with its oppressive heat and humidity. If you’ve ever wondered what that feels like, imagine standing inside someone’s mouth. That’s the way it was once described to me. I can’t say I disagree. Who wants to cook in that kind of heat? Not me. Instead, I turn to easy recipes I can whip up using the grill. And, when I say I, I mean the grillmasters in our family, my husband and son. I hand whatever meat we’re having over to them while I prepare the rest of the meal in the air-conditioned kitchen. Even better! One of my favorite easy and quick recipes is this Pork Tacos Recipe with Avocado-Mango salsa.
Pork Tacos with Avocado-Mango Salsa
This recipe was inspired by some of our Guatemalan friends who serve us tacos prepared the traditional way with homemade corn-tortillas and toppings. I’ve simplified this recipe to make it super speedy to prepare, while still capturing some of the traditional flavors. Did I mention this is also gluten-free?
Speed Cooking Secret
Purchase meat that is already pre-seasoned. If you want the authentic Guatemalan/Mexican experience, go to your nearby Loa or Carniceria and pick up fresh beef carne asada. If you want the easy way, stop by your local grocery store and purchase a seasoned pork roast. No need to spice and season the meat ourselves. It’s already done for us. Handy, right?
My top picks for seasoned boneless pork roast:
- Smithfield Marinated Pork in Roasted Garlic and Herb or Smoked Mesquite flavors.
- Carnitas Seasoned Boneless Pork Shoulder Roast (from Aldi)
- I like to choose a 2 to3 pound pork roast to serve 6 people.
How to Make the Tacos Taste Authentic
Purchase the traditional ingredients for toppings. Here’s a list of things you’ll need (with substitutions if you can’t find the traditional ingredients.) If you don’t like some of the ingredients, feel free to leave them off your taco.
- Mexican Crema- a slightly thinner, tangier, and saltier version of sour cream (Can Substitute Sour Cream)
- Queso Fresco or Cotija- Queso Fresco is a mild cheese used to balance spicy foods while Cotija is a crumbly, dense cheese with a strong, salty flavor. (Substitute shredded Mexican 4-cheese blend)
- Fresh tortillas (can use packaged from the grocery shelf)
- chopped cilantro
- fresh limes, cut into wedges
- lettuce
- tomato
- onion
Heat the Tortillas
Before serving the tortillas, heat them using this simple process. Place two tortillas in a skillet. Warm the tortillas over medium heat for 20 to 30 seconds. Flip the tortillas and warm them for an additional 10 to 20 seconds. Remove the tortillas from the skillet and place them in a clean dishtowel. Cover the tortillas with a towel to keep them warm. Repeat the process until the tortillas are warm.
How to Prepare the Pork
Grilled Version– For whole tenderlion-Place the uncut pork tenderloin onto the grill. Cook the tenderloin for 20 to 30 minutes, turning every 5 minutes, or until the tenderloin reaches an internal temperature of 145 degrees.
Faster Grilled Version-For pork medallions- Slice the pork into 1 to 1 1/2 inch pieces. Place the pieces on the grill. Grill for five to six minutes and flip the pieces. Grill for an additional 5 to 6 minutes on the other side. Again, you want the pork to reach an internal temperature of 145 degrees.
Broiler Version– Slice the pork into 1-inch thick pieces. Place the pork on a broiler sheet and cover it with aluminum foil. Broil on high heat for 5 to 7 minutes. Remove the pork from the oven, flip the pork, and broil for an additional 5 to 7 minutes, covered. The pork should have an internal temperature of 145 degrees.
When the pork is done, slice it into thin strips, dice it, or cube it, however you prefer.
Ingredients for Avocado-Mango Salsa
- Avocado
- Mango
- Lime
- Salt
- Cilantro (can be omitted if you don’t like the taste)
It’s super simple to make the salsa. Mix together the chopped avocado, the chopped mango, salt, lime juice, and cilantro. Serve immediately.
Printable Recipe:
Easy Pork Tacos Recipe with Avocado-Mango Salsa
6
servingsIngredients
1 seasoned pork roast (around 2 pounds)
12 corn tortillas
1/2 cup crema or sour cream
1/2 cup Queso Fresco
2 limes, quartered
1/4 cup chopped cilantro
1 tomato, chopped
1 onion, diced
1 cup of chopped lettuce
FOR THE AVOCADO-MANGO SALSA
1 avocado, peeled, cored, and diced
1 mango, peeled and diced
1 lime, juiced (or about 1/4 cup fresh lime juice)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup chopped cilantro
Directions
- Grill pork for approximately 20 to 30 minutes or until it is no longer pink on the inside and the internal temperature reaches 140 to 145 degrees. Remove from heat. Slice into strips, dice, or cube.
- Warm the tortillas following the tip below or in the microwave for 30 seconds.
- Divide the pork evenly among the tortillas and top with the toppings of your choice.
- To Make The Salsa- Cut the avocado and the mango into chunks. Place them into a medium bowl. Add the salt, lime juice, and cilantro, if desired. Stir gently until blended.
Notes
- Before serving the tortillas, heat them using this simple process. Place two tortillas in a skillet. Warm the tortillas over medium heat for 20 to 30 seconds. Flip the tortillas and warm them for an additional 10 to 20 seconds. Remove the tortillas from the skillet and place them in a clean dishtowel. Cover the tortillas with a towel to keep them warm. Repeat the process until the tortillas are warm.
If you’ve never had pork tacos (or even if you have!), give this recipe a try. The pork is tender, the toppings are amazing, and the blend of avocados and mangos in the salsa gives it that slight gourmet touch. Hopefully, you will love this as much as our family does. What is your favorite summer dish?
