Pork loin fajitas with pineapple and corn salsa and guacamole
The corn and pineapple salsa, with its sweet, sour and hot punch of flavour, elevates this Tex-Mex classic like nothing else. After all, fajitas are simply grilled strips of meat accompanied by peppers and onion and served in tortillas. There are quite a few ingredients here, but there's nothing tricky about the preparation and it makes a great spread for a Saturday night dinner (or even a midweek one if you're feeling organised, as the spice mix can be made ahead of time).
Ingredients
½ white salad onion, finely sliced into half moons
3 sweet banana peppers, sliced into rings
800g pork loin, sliced into strips 1cm thick, at room temperature
2 tbsp white wine vinegar
½ bunch of coriander, leaves and fine stems picked
16 small soft tortillas (use corn tortillas for gluten-free)
250ml sour cream
your favourite hot sauce, to serve
For the spice mix
2 tsp soft brown sugar
2 tsp ground fennel
2 tsp ground coriander
2 tsp dried oregano (Mexican, if you can get it)
2 tsp sweet paprika
1½ tsp ground black pepper
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp cayenne pepper
1 tsp smoked paprika
For the grilled corn and pineapple salsa
2 corn cobs
½ under-ripe pineapple, peeled and core removed, cut into wedges lengthways
extra virgin olive oil
salt flakes and freshly ground black pepper
1 white onion, finely diced
2 long green chillies, finely diced
½ bunch of coriander, leaves and stems finely chopped
For the salsa dressing
2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1½ tbsp white wine vinegar
1 tbsp soft brown sugar
2 tsp fish sauce (check gluten-free if required)
¼ tsp ground black pepper
For the guacamole
5 makrut lime leaves
1 tsp salt flakes
2 tbsp lime juice
2 large ripe avocados, roughly diced
1½ tbsp extra virgin olive oil
2 tsp green Tabasco
Method
Step 1
Preheat a barbecue on high.
Step 2
For the salsa, grill the corn cobs on all sides until scorched and tender (about 5-7 minutes), then slice the kernels off the cobs and add to a medium bowl.
Step 3
Meanwhile, lightly oil the pineapple, season with salt and pepper and grill on all sides to scorch (about 2 minutes a side). Cut the pineapple into 1cm dice and add to the corn bowl.
Step 4
Combine the dressing ingredients in a small bowl, then add to the corn bowl with the onion, chilli and coriander. Toss through and let stand for 5-10 minutes before using (this is best used on the day).
Step 5
To make the guacamole, cut the veins out of the lime leaves, then slice very finely. Add to a mortar with the salt and grind to a fine powder. Stir in the lime juice, then scrape into a large bowl. Add the avocado, oil and Tabasco and stir vigorously. Transfer to a serving bowl.
Step 6
If your barbecue has a flat plate, heat it on high. Alternatively, place a large frypan over high heat for several minutes. While it's heating, combine the spices for the spice mix in a bowl.
Step 7
Add a splash of oil to the grill or pan and cook the onion and banana peppers for about 3 minutes, then lightly oil the pork and add so it maintains good contact with the cooking surface. Season with salt and cook for about 4 minutes undisturbed, then stir, sprinkle over the spice mix, and cook for 3-4 minutes. Plate the mix, splash over the vinegar and sprinkle the coriander on top.
Step 8
To serve, wrap the tortillas in foil and heat in a moderate oven. Serve with the pork, guacamole, salsa, sour cream and hot sauce.
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Original URL: https://www.smh.com.au/goodfood/recipes/pork-loin-fajitas-with-pineapple-and-corn-salsa-and-guacamole-20220623-h24mkl.html