BBQ Pork Loin Tacos
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
5 mins
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Cook Time
35 mins
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Total Time
40 mins
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Servings
4 (3 tacos each)
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Calories
478 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
Mexican
BBQ Pork Loin Tacos
Description
BBQ Pork Loin Tacos showcase pork tenderloin seasoned with chili powder, garlic powder, sugar, and kosher salt, then baked until juicy and cooked through. The pork is chopped into bite-sized pieces and tossed with barbecue sauce, creating a smoky, slightly sweet base. A pineapple salsa made from diced pineapple, jalapeño, red bell pepper, red onion, and lime juice adds a fresh, bright contrast with subtle heat and citrus notes.
The tacos are built on small corn tortillas, warmed in the oven, and layered with the barbecue pork, shredded red cabbage for crunch, and pineapple salsa. Optional toppings like fresh jalapeños, cilantro, Maldon sea salt, and lime wedges allow for customization of heat and flavor. This combination creates tacos with a pleasing mix of tender meat, tangy sauce, crisp vegetables, and tropical sweetness.
This recipe works well for casual meals or gatherings where handheld, flavorful food is welcome. The components can be prepared separately and assembled quickly, making it practical for weeknight dinners or entertaining. Using prepared barbecue sauce and a simple spice rub keeps prep manageable while still offering complexity in flavor.
The notes suggest you can substitute homemade corn tortillas if preferred, giving flexibility for varying taste or dietary preferences. This recipe serves about 12 small tacos, fitting for several people or leftovers.
Ingredients
Pork Tenderloin
- 1-2 pound pork tenderloin trimmed
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
Pineapple Salsa
- 1 cup pineapple chopped into bite-size pieces
- 2 tablespoons jalapeño seed and minced
- 2 tablespoons red bell pepper seeded and minced
- 2 tablespoons red onion minced
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
For Tacos
- 12 corn tortillas small
- 2 cups red cabbage shredded
- jalapeño optional, fresh
- cilantro optional
- lime optional, wedges
- sea salt optional, Maldon
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Coat a baking dish with cooking spray.
- In a small bowl, combine chili powder, garlic powder, sugar and Kosher salt in a small bowl.
- Pat pork loin dry with a paper towel and crust with spice mixture.
- Bake for 25-35 minutes or until pork reaches an internal temperature of 145 degrees. Remove to a cutting board and allow to rest for 5 minutes before chopping into bite-size pieces.
- Transfers to a mixing bowl and toss with BBQ sauce.
- Meanwhile, prepare pineapple salsa by combining all ingredients in a bowl and tossing. Set aside until it's time to assemble tacos.
- Wrap corn tortillas in aluminum foil and place in hot oven for 5 minutes.
- Assemble tacos by dividing BBQ pork, red cabbage and pineapple salsa in each corn tortilla. Garnish with fresh jalapenos, cilantro, Maldon sea salt and lime wedges, if desired.
Notes
- Homemade corn tortillas can be used instead of store-bought for fresher flavor and texture.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4(3 tacos each)
Amount Per Serving
Calories 478 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 478kcal | 24% |
| Carbohydrates | 76g | 25% |
| Protein | 29g | 58% |
| Fat | 6g | 9% |
| Saturated Fat | 1g | 5% |
| Cholesterol | 73mg | 24% |
| Sodium | 2012mg | 84% |
| Potassium | 956mg | 20% |
| Fiber | 7g | 28% |
| Sugar | 32g | 64% |
| Vitamin A | 1055IU | 21% |
| Vitamin C | 62.9mg | 70% |
| Calcium | 119mg | 12% |
| Iron | 3.1mg | 17% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.