Kimchi carnitas tacos with pineapple salsa on a rustic wooden table

Kimchi tacos

kimchi carnitas tacos with pineapple salsa

By:

Savory Touch

Published:

24 Apr 2025
These Kimchi Carnitas Tacos with Pineapple Salsa are a flavor explosion! I was inspired to create this dish after a trip to Korea, where the vibrant flavors and textures completely blew me away. One of my friends, Mark, even recommended I try this, combining Mexican and Korean flavors! I tweaked the recipe a few times to get it just right for my taste. Now you can experience the magic for yourself!
Close-up shot of Kimchi Carnitas Tacos
The sweet and spicy carnitas are slow-cooked to perfection, allowing the pork to become incredibly tender and infused with the savory depth of kimchi. The bright, tangy pineapple salsa cuts through the richness, offering a refreshing counterpoint. Each taco is a carefully constructed balance of textures and tastes; soft tortillas, tender pork, a burst of fresh fruit, and the pleasant heat of kimchi and jalapeño.
Tacos served on a rustic platter, garnished with cilantro
This recipe is easy to follow, even if you're a beginner in the kitchen. Don't be afraid to experiment; add a squeeze of lime, or substitute ingredients according to what you have. Make it your own! What's your favorite type of taco? Maybe you have an amazing salsa that would pair well with this. Let me know in the comments!
A person taking a bite of a kimchi carnitas taco

Required Equipments

  • Large bowl
  • Food processor or blender
  • Large skillet
  • Small saucepan
  • Tortillas
  • Serving platters

Kimchi Carnitas Tacos with Pineapple Salsa

Get ready for a culinary adventure with these Kimchi Carnitas Tacos! Sweet and spicy pork, a zingy pineapple salsa, and the perfect combination of Mexican and Korean flavors make this dish unforgettable. Trust me.

⏳ Yield & Time

Yield: 4 servings

Preparation Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 120 minutes

Total Time:

🍽 Ingredients

📖 Instructions

  1. First, let's tackle the carnitas. Brown 2 lbs of pork shoulder in batches in a large skillet. Don't overcrowd the pan, or your pork will steam instead of browning beautifully. Season generously with salt and pepper. We're aiming for a deep, rich flavor here, so don't be shy with the seasoning!
  2. Next, throw in 1 cup of kimchi, finely chopped. I like to use a food processor for this part for a smoother texture. But honestly, if you're feeling hand-chopping ambitious, go for it! Add 1/2 cup of chicken broth and 1/4 cup of soy sauce to the skillet. Then, we'll add 2 cloves of minced garlic and a tablespoon of gochujang (Korean chili paste) for a serious kick. Stir it all together, bringing the lovely mixture to a simmer.
  3. Now comes the slow part—but trust me, it's worth it! Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let the pork braise for about 2 hours, or until it's fork-tender. This is a great time to make the pineapple salsa, or maybe catch up on your favorite podcast. Seriously, step away from the stove! You've earned a break.
  4. While that's simmering, let's whip up the pineapple salsa. Dice 1 cup of fresh pineapple, 1/2 red onion (thinly sliced), and 1 jalapeño (finely chopped and seeded if you want less heat). In a small bowl, combine those ingredients with 1/4 cup chopped cilantro, 2 tablespoons of lime juice, and a pinch of salt. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Some people like their salsa super tangy, others prefer a milder flavor. It's all about what your taste buds tell you!
  5. Once the pork is tender, shred it with two forks. Stir it back into the braising liquid, letting it all mingle and absorb those gorgeous flavors for another 10 minutes or so. Mmm, delicious!
  6. Time to assemble your tacos! Warm up your tortillas, either on a dry skillet or in the microwave. Fill each tortilla with a generous portion of the kimchi carnitas, top with the vibrant pineapple salsa, and maybe some extra cilantro for good measure. Serve immediately and enjoy! They're amazing, trust me.
  7. Note: If the pork braising liquid seems a little thin, you can simmer it uncovered for a few minutes to reduce and thicken it. Also, don't be afraid to adjust the amount of gochujang according to your spice preference. I tend to go a little overboard, but you do you!

📝 Notes

  • For best results, use a high-quality kimchi.
  • Adjust the amount of jalapeño to your desired spice level.
  • Feel free to add other toppings, such as shredded lettuce, or sour cream. Or not! It's your taco!
  • Make extra pineapple salsa! Seriously, it's THAT good.
  • I've had good luck with this recipe using bone-in pork, but feel free to substitute boneless if you prefer

🍎 Nutrition

Calories: 400kcal

Protein: 30g

Fat: 25g

Carbohydrates: 20g

Fiber: 5g

Calcium: 75mg

Frequently Asked Questions

The kitchen is where I find my peace. It's a place of creativity, flavor, and delicious chaos. Embrace the mess; the results are worth it.

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