This Jackfruit Tacos recipe is an amazing plant based taco recipe for anyone to enjoy. Young jackfruit takes on all of the taco seasoning spices for a flavorful meat substitute, and it’s ready in about 30 minutes! Vegan, paleo and gluten free friendly.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Plant-based and vegan, but so hearty and meaty!
- Colorful, creative and an easy dinner to serve any night of the week.
- Ready in 30 minutes, and leftovers can be stored, frozen and reheated!
Big fan of jackfruit? Check out these BBQ Jackfruit Sandwiches!
What is Jackfruit
Jackfruit, or jack tree, is related to the mulberry, fig and breadfruit family, and is a tropical fruit native to Asia. Jackfruit is often used in South Asia and Southeast Asian cuisines, and unripe jackfruit (young green jackfruit, often canned) has become quite popular in Western culture.
It’s fibrous consistency is similar to shredded chicken or pulled pork, making it a great meat substitute for anyone looking to add more plants to their diet. But the best part – it’s mild flavor takes on so many savory flavors for delicious vegan tacos.
Check out this article to learn more about this fun fruit!
Ingredients You Will Need
These jack fruit tacos are made with simple ingredients, many of which you probably already have on hand. I give notes on where to find canned jackfruit below. We will need:
- extra virgin olive oil – for buttery richness. Avocado oil can also be used.
- onions + garlic – savory aromatics give the jack fruit a nice punch of flavor.
- canned young jackfruit – look for canned jackfruit, or jackfruit meat, in places like Whole Foods or specialty Asian markets. While fresh jackfruit can be spotted in large grocery stores, it’s best to use canned jackfruit for the most convenient option, especially if you are working with it for the first time. If you can’t find it in store, you can find it on Amazon.
- taco seasoning – either make this quick and easy taco seasoning blend, or use your favorite store bought jar.
- adobo sauce – for a nice kick of spice. Substitute with one chipotle pepper in adobo for even more heat.
- salt + pepper – to enhance all those spicy, savory flavors.
- water – use either water or vegetable stock to create a sauce, which the jackfruit will simmer in and create a texture akin to carnitas recipes.
- lime juice – for a final pop of acidity and to waken up all those spices.
Find the full detailed instructions with measurements in the recipe card below, at the end of this post.
How to Prepare Jackfruit
If you haven’t worked with jackfruit before, no worries – it’s not too intimidating. Check out the images below for a better visual. When you begin working with canned jackfruit, you’ll feel the hard core pieces and remove those. Then as you begin working the jackfruit pieces with your fingers, you’ll find it starts to shred.
Rinse Jackfruit
Rinse the canned jackfruit under cold running water, then pat dry.
Remove Cores
Slice away the cores – the really tough ends.
Shred
Use your fingers to shred the jackfruit into little pieces.
NOTE: You’ll notice there are little bean-like pods when shredding the jackfruit. You can keep those pieces and cook them, or if you prefer, you can toss them. They are edible, it might just depend on your texture preference.
How to Make Jackfruit Taco ‘Meat’
Now, on to the cooking process! It’s all fairly easy from here on out, all it takes is one large skillet and some simmering time on the stove. Ready in about 30 minutes and absolutely delicious! Simply:
Sauté Aromatics
In a large skillet over medium heat, add oil, onion and garlic to pan. Cook until fragrant, stirring occasionally, about 4-5 minutes.
Prepare Jackfruit
As noted in the directions above, strain, rinse and pat dry the canned jackfruit. Remove the cores and begin shredding the soft centers (you can keep the pod-like centers if they’re small or discard large ones). Once all shredded, pat dry again.
Cook Jackfruit
We’re going heavy on the taco seasoning here because we want *lots* of flavor to absorb into the jackfruit. I also like to add a little adobo sauce, or 1 chipotle pepper canned in adobo sauce for some heat.
Once you coat the jackfruit with the taco seasoning and adobo sauce, allow to cook for 3-4 minutes, then add in water (or vegetable broth) and simmer for about 20 minutes for maximum flavor.
Vegan Taco Toppings
As the jackfruit is simmering on the stove, I like to prepare all my taco toppings and set them up into individual small bowls. These are some of my favorite vegan taco toppings to go along with the vegan taco meat:
- avocado slices, of course
- diced red bell peppers
- shredded red cabbage
- fresh cilantro
- pico de gallo
- vegan sour cream
- vegan cheese, if you’d like.
- hot sauce
Taco Shells
You can’t have Taco Tuesday without taco shells. Feel free to use your favorite, like corn tortillas to keep it gluten-free or flour tortillas if that is your preference.
If you’re looking for grain-free and paleo shells, I love Siete Foods brand!
Serving Suggestions
The best part about jackfruit taco meat is it’s versatility! Once the shredded jackfruit is prepared, you can use it for tacos, burrito bowls, nachos, salads and so much more. Some of my favorite ways to enjoy include:
- Tacos / Burritos: Stuff it into taco shells or a soft burrito-size flour tortilla for a taco night to call your own.
- Nachos: Add it on top of tortilla chips, along with black beans, refried beans, thin slices of red onion and mango avocado salsa.
- Salads / Grain Bowls: Top it on all of your taco salads or take some inspo from this Vegan Burrito Bowl for vegan tacos in a bowl.
How to Store, Freeze & Reheat
Leftover jackfruit carnitas will keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Freezer: Cool completely, then freeze in a freezer safe container or plastic bag for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
Reheating Instructions: Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can you make with jackfruit?
Because it has such a similar texture to shredded chicken or pulled pork, jackfruit can be used as an ingredient for tacos, BBQ sandwiches, nachos, salads, pizza, stir fry – really any recipe where you want a shredded meat replacement.
Is jackfruit healthier than meat?
Jackfruit is a fruit after all, so it comes packed with plenty of water, fiber, vitamins and minerals, and just so happens to be cholesterol-free. But “healthier” is very subjective so it just depends on how you look at it and where you source meat from.
How do you use jackfruit?
Young green jackfruit, found in a can packed in water or brine (not syrup), is unripe and starchy, and makes a wonderful shredded meat substitute in savory applications. When ripe, jackfruit is soft and sweet, and can be eaten like any other fruit.
Can you make jackfruit taste like meat?
Because of it’s mild, neutral flavor, jackfruit is a blank canvas of sorts that takes on anything you season it with. A quick sauté with onions, garlic and taco seasoning, and you are good to go.
More Vegan Taco Recipes You’ll Love:
If you make this Jackfruit Tacos recipe, be sure to leave a comment and star rating on the blog! I love hearing from you, and it helps others learn more about the recipe too. Xx Ashley
Vegan Jackfruit Tacos
Ingredients
Jackfruit Taco Meat
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil, or avocado oil
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 4 medium garlic cloves, minced
- 2 (14 ounce) can young jackfruit, in water or brine, see notes
- 2 tablespoons Taco Seasoning, see notes
- 2 teaspoons adobo sauce, or 1 chipotle pepper in adobo sauce
- ½ teaspoon salt, to taste
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup water or broth
- 3 tablespoons lime juice, about 1-2 limes
Taco Toppings
- favorite taco shells
- shredded purple cabbage
- shredded romaine
- diced red bell pepper
- sliced avocado
- sliced jalapeño pepper
Instructions
- Saute aromatics: In a large skillet over medium heat, add oil, onion and garlic to pan. Cook until fragrant, stirring occasionally, about 4-5 minutes.
- Prepare jackfruit: Strain, rinse and pat dry the canned jackfruit. Remove the cores and begin shredding the soft centers (you can keep the pod-like centers if they're small or discard large ones). Once all shredded, pat dry again.
- Cook jackfruit: Add shredded jackfruit into skillet, sprinkle on taco seasoning, adobo sauce, salt and pepper. Stir to coat and cook over medium heat for 3-4 minutes.
- Add liquids: Then add in water and juice of 1 lime. Stir and simmer for 20 minutes. Now your jackfruit taco meat is ready for tacos, burrito bowls, nachos, salads and more.
- Serve jackfruit as you would for tacos, using your favorite shells and adding your favorite toppings. Enjoy!
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