Trim and Cut the Pork

If you’re using pork shoulder, trim any excess fat off the meat. For pork tenderloin, just remove any silver skin. Then, cut the pork into 1-inch chunks or strips for easy cooking and flavor absorption.

Season the Pork

In a small bowl, combine cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Rub this spice mixture evenly over all sides of the pork pieces. The spices will give the pork a deep, savory flavor.

Marinate (Optional)

If you have time, let the pork sit in the fridge for 15-30 minutes to marinate in the spices. If not, you can skip this step and move ahead!

Heat the Skillet

Place your skillet on medium-high heat and add the olive oil. Allow the oil to get hot but not smoking.

Sear the Pork

Pro Tip: If you're using a cast iron skillet, the pork will develop a rich crust that adds tons of flavor.

Finish Cooking

Once the pork is nicely seared, reduce the heat to medium-low and continue cooking for another 5-7 minutes, or until the pork reaches an internal temperature of 145°F. If you don’t have a thermometer, the pork should feel firm but still juicy when pierced with a knife.

Rest the Pork

Once the pork is cooked, remove it from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes. This helps the juices redistribute, keeping the pork tender and flavorful.

Prepare the Mango

Peel the mango and cut it into small cubes. Be sure to cut around the pit in the center. If you're not sure how to do this, there are plenty of "how to cut a mango" tutorials online!

Chop the Veggies

Dice the red onion and jalapeño (if using). Chop the cilantro finely for the salsa.

Mix it Together

In a small mixing bowl, combine the diced mango, red onion, cilantro, and jalapeño. Squeeze the lime juice over the mixture and stir everything together. Taste and add salt as needed.

Pro Tip: If you prefer a less spicy salsa, make sure to remove the jalapeño seeds or skip them altogether. The sweetness of the mango is the star here!

Heat the Tortillas

While the pork rests and the salsa is coming together, warm your tortillas. You can heat them in a dry skillet for about 30 seconds on each side, or microwave them for 15-20 seconds, covered with a damp paper towel.

Keep Them Warm

Once heated, cover the tortillas with a clean kitchen towel to keep them warm while you assemble the tacos.

Build the Taco

Take a warm tortilla and add a few pieces of the cooked pork. Top it with a generous spoonful of the mango salsa. If you like, you can add a little sour cream or shredded cheese for extra creaminess.

Serve and Enjoy

Once all your tacos are assembled, serve immediately while they’re warm and juicy. I love pairing these tacos with a side of chips or a light salad!