Smoky Pork Street Tacos

Pork street tacos with tomato salsa, chopped onion, cilantro, and queso fresco on corn tortillas. — Juicy pork street tacos topped with fresh tomato salsa, cilantro, chopped onion, and queso fresco on FoodForYourGood.com

Smoky Pork Street Tacos bring irresistible flavor straight to your kitchen with just a few fresh ingredients and bold spices. These tacos are layered with juicy, skillet-seared pork, vibrant tomato salsa, and a touch of queso fresco for that perfect balance of smoky, tangy, and fresh. Whether it’s taco night at home or a casual weekend dinner, these tacos always impress.

What makes them special is the balance of textures and flavors. The pork is spiced with smoky paprika, cumin, and chili powder, then seared until caramelized and tender. The tomato salsa adds refreshing brightness with juicy tomatoes, lime, and jalapeño. Tucked into warm corn tortillas and finished with cilantro, onions, and queso fresco, every bite is colorful and satisfying.

Interestingly, tacos have been a staple in Mexican street food culture since the 18th century, where miners wrapped their meals in tortillas for easy eating. Today, tacos remain a beloved comfort food worldwide. And with this recipe, you’ll have restaurant-style flavor at home.

Recipe Yield: 4 servings

INGREDIENTS

8 small corn tortillas, warmed
1 lb pork shoulder, thinly sliced
1 cup fresh tomato salsa (see below)
½ cup crumbled queso fresco
½ cup thinly sliced red onion
¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp chili powder
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp onion powder
1 tsp sea salt
½ tsp black pepper
Lime wedges, for serving

Tomato Salsa:
2 cups ripe tomatoes, finely diced
1 small jalapeño, seeded and minced
2 tbsp red onion, finely minced
2 tbsp fresh lime juice
1 tbsp olive oil
½ tsp sea salt
2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Make the salsa:
In a medium bowl, combine tomatoes, jalapeño, red onion, lime juice, olive oil, salt, and cilantro. Stir well, then chill while preparing pork.

2. Season the pork:
In a large bowl, toss sliced pork with olive oil, smoked paprika, cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.

3. Cook the pork:
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add pork in a single layer and cook for 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until caramelized and fully cooked.

4. Warm the tortillas:
Quickly warm tortillas in a dry skillet or over an open flame until lightly charred and pliable.

5. Assemble the tacos:
Fill each tortilla with pork, a generous spoonful of tomato salsa, red onion, queso fresco, and cilantro. Serve with lime wedges.

Helpful Tips to Perfect This Recipe

Char the Tortillas: Lightly toasting tortillas over an open flame adds smoky depth and keeps them from tearing.
Marinate for Flavor: Letting the pork rest in the spice mix for 20 minutes before cooking enhances flavor.
Balance with Freshness: Always finish with lime juice and fresh cilantro to brighten the richness of the pork.

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