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Mini Tacos with Carnitas & Pineapple Salsa

Yields20 ServingsPrep Time20 minsCook Time30 minsTotal Time50 mins

These Mini Tacos with Carnitas & Pineapple Salsa feature tender, crispy pork carnitas tucked into warm mini tortillas and topped with a fresh, sweet-and-tangy pineapple salsa. Perfect for parties, taco bars, or festive appetizers with bold Mexican-inspired flavors.

These Mini Tacos with Carnitas & Pineapple Salsa feature tender, crispy pork carnitas tucked into warm mini tortillas and topped with a fresh, sweet-and-tangy pineapple salsa. Perfect for parties, taco bars, or festive appetizers with bold Mexican-inspired flavors.

Makes 16–20 mini tacos
For the Carnitas
 1 ½ lbs pork shoulder or pork butt, cut into chunks
 1 tbsp olive oil
 1 tsp ground cumin
 1 tsp dried oregano
 1 tsp smoked paprika
 ½ tsp chili powder
 1 tsp salt
 ½ tsp black pepper
 3 cloves garlic, smashed
 Juice of 1 orange
 Juice of 1 lime
For the Pineapple Salsa
 1 ½ cups fresh pineapple, finely diced
 ¼ cup red onion, finely diced
 1 small jalapeño, minced (seeded for less heat)
 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
 Juice of 1 lime
 Salt to taste
For Assembly
 20 mini corn tortillas
 Fresh cilantro (extra, for garnish)
 Cotija or queso fresco, crumbled (optional)
 Lime wedges
Cook the Carnitas
1

  • Heat oil in a heavy skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.

  • Add pork, spices, garlic, orange juice, and lime juice.

  • Cover and simmer over low heat for 25–30 minutes until tender.

  • Remove lid, increase heat, and cook until liquid evaporates and pork crisps.

  • Shred lightly with forks and keep warm.

Make the Pineapple Salsa
2

  • In a bowl, combine pineapple, red onion, jalapeño, cilantro, lime juice, and salt.

  • Mix well and chill until ready to use.

Warm the Tortillas
3

  • Heat tortillas briefly in a dry skillet or wrapped in foil in the oven until soft and pliable.

Assemble the Mini Tacos
4

  • Fill each tortilla with a small amount of carnitas.

  • Top with pineapple salsa.

  • Garnish with cilantro and cheese if using.

  • Serve immediately with lime wedges.

Pairing Suggestions
5

  • Drinks:

    • Classic or spicy margarita

    • Paloma (grapefruit & tequila)

    • Mexican lager with lime

    • Pineapple agua fresca (non-alcoholic)

  • Other Bites to Pair With:

    • Mini Elote Cups

    • Corn Cakes with Jalapeño & Lime Crema

    • Avocado Tostadas

Tips & Notes
6

  • Make ahead: Carnitas can be cooked 2–3 days in advance and crisped just before serving.

  • Extra crisp: Spread shredded pork on a baking sheet and broil for 3–5 minutes.

  • Heat control: Swap jalapeño for serrano or add hot sauce for more kick.

  • Tortilla tip: Lightly brush tortillas with oil and warm for extra flavor and flexibility.

Nutrition Facts

20 servings

Serving size