Jackfruit Tacos
Tender, shredded jackfruit simmered in smoky spices, creating a perfect plant-based pulled pork alternative. These vegan tacos are packed with flavor and ready for your favorite fresh toppings, making for a fun and satisfying weeknight meal.
For 4 servings
5 steps. 25 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare the Jackfruit
- b.Drain the canned jackfruit and rinse thoroughly under cold running water to remove all brine.
- c.Place the jackfruit pieces on a cutting board. Trim off and discard the tough, pointed core from each piece.
- d.Roughly chop the remaining tender parts and gently break them apart with your fingers or a fork.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Sauté Aromatics and Spices
- b.Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat.
- c.Add the finely chopped onion and cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and translucent.
- d.Stir in the minced garlic, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and oregano. Cook for 1 minute more, stirring constantly, until fragrant.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Simmer and Shred the Jackfruit
- b.Add the prepared jackfruit to the skillet along with the salt and pepper. Stir well to coat the jackfruit with the spices.
- c.Pour in the vegetable broth, BBQ sauce, and soy sauce. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- d.Cover the skillet, reduce the heat to low, and let it cook for 15 minutes, allowing the jackfruit to become very tender and absorb the flavors.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Reduce and Crisp the Filling
- b.Uncover the skillet. Use two forks to shred the jackfruit directly in the pan until it has a 'pulled' texture.
- c.Increase the heat to medium-high and continue to cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- d.Allow most of the remaining liquid to evaporate and let the edges of the jackfruit become slightly browned and crispy.
- e.Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the fresh lime juice.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Assemble the Tacos
- b.Warm the corn tortillas one by one in a dry skillet over medium-high heat for about 30 seconds per side, or until pliable and lightly toasted.
- c.Fill each warm tortilla with a generous portion of the shredded jackfruit filling.
- d.Garnish with your favorite toppings, such as sliced avocado, fresh cilantro, and thinly sliced red onion.
- e.Serve immediately for the best taste and texture.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Rinsing the jackfruit thoroughly is the most important step to remove any 'canned' or briny taste.
- 2For extra crispy bits, spread the shredded jackfruit on a baking sheet and broil for 2-3 minutes before serving.
- 3Don't skip warming the tortillas! It makes them pliable, prevents them from breaking, and enhances their flavor.
- 4The filling can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in a skillet before serving.
- 5For a deeper flavor, allow the jackfruit to marinate in the spice blend for 30 minutes before cooking.
Adapt it for your goals.
Spicy Kick
Add 1 finely chopped chipotle pepper in adobo sauce along with the garlic for a smoky, spicy flavor.
Creamy Slaw ToppingCreamy Slaw Topping
Top the tacos with a quick slaw made from shredded cabbage, vegan mayo, lime juice, and cilantro for a creamy, crunchy contrast.
Asian Inspired TwistAsian-Inspired Twist
Swap the BBQ sauce and chili powder for teriyaki sauce, a teaspoon of grated ginger, and a splash of sesame oil.
Add BeansAdd Beans
Stir in a can of rinsed and drained black beans during the last 5 minutes of cooking for added protein and fiber.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent Plant-Based Alternative
Jackfruit provides a meaty, shreddable texture, making it an outstanding low-fat and cholesterol-free substitute for pulled pork in vegan and vegetarian diets.
Rich in Dietary Fiber
This dish is high in fiber from jackfruit, onion, and avocado, which aids digestion, promotes a feeling of fullness, and supports overall gut health.
Supports Heart Health
By using plant-based ingredients and healthy monounsaturated fats from avocado and olive oil, these tacos are low in saturated fat, helping to support cardiovascular wellness.
Frequently asked questions
A serving of three Jackfruit Tacos contains approximately 380-450 calories, depending on the specific brands of BBQ sauce and tortillas used, and the amount of toppings.