Looking for a delicious plant-based taco option that’ll satisfy even the most dedicated meat lovers? These vegan jackfruit tacos are a game-changer. The meaty texture of jackfruit combined with bold Mexican-inspired seasonings creates an incredibly satisfying dish that’s both healthy and flavorful. I’ve perfected this recipe through countless tests to ensure you get that authentic taco experience while keeping it completely plant-based.
Ingredients
- 2 20-oz cans young green jackfruit in water or brine (drained and rinsed)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon oregano
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 12 corn tortillas
- Salt and pepper to taste
For serving:
- Diced avocado
- Fresh cilantro
- Lime wedges
- Pickled red onions
- Vegan sour cream (optional)
Instructions
- Drain and rinse the jackfruit thoroughly. Using your hands or two forks, shred the jackfruit pieces, removing any tough cores.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Stir in the shredded jackfruit, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and oregano. Cook for 2-3 minutes to toast the spices.
- Pour in the vegetable broth, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 15-20 minutes until the liquid is mostly absorbed and the jackfruit is tender.
- Use a fork to shred the jackfruit further as it cooks, creating a texture similar to pulled meat.
- Turn up the heat to medium-high and cook for an additional 5 minutes to create some crispy edges.
- Warm the tortillas and assemble your tacos with the jackfruit filling and your chosen toppings.
Cook Time and Serving Size
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4-6 (makes 12 tacos)
Recipe Notes
- Make sure to use young green jackfruit in water or brine, not ripe jackfruit in syrup.
- Remove the tough core pieces of the jackfruit before cooking for the best texture.
- For extra crispy jackfruit, spread it on a baking sheet after cooking and broil for 3-5 minutes.
- These tacos keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Simply reheat the filling in a skillet.
- To make this recipe spicier, add a diced jalapeño with the onions or include a pinch of cayenne pepper with the spices.
- The jackfruit filling can be made ahead and reheated when needed, making it perfect for meal prep.
These vegan jackfruit tacos are versatile enough to customize with your favorite toppings while maintaining that authentic taco experience you’re craving. The key is in properly seasoning and cooking the jackfruit until it reaches that perfect, meaty texture. Give them a try for your next Taco Tuesday – I’m confident they’ll become a regular in your meal rotation!
Vegan Jackfruit Tacos
Ingredients
- 2 20- oz cans young green jackfruit in water or brine drained and rinsed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion diced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon oregano
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 12 corn tortillas
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Diced avocado
- Fresh cilantro
- Lime wedges
- Pickled red onions
- Vegan sour cream optional
Instructions
- Drain and rinse the jackfruit thoroughly. Using your hands or two forks, shred the jackfruit pieces, removing any tough cores.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Stir in the shredded jackfruit, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and oregano. Cook for 2-3 minutes to toast the spices.
- Pour in the vegetable broth, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 15-20 minutes until the liquid is mostly absorbed and the jackfruit is tender.
- Use a fork to shred the jackfruit further as it cooks, creating a texture similar to pulled meat.
- Turn up the heat to medium-high and cook for an additional 5 minutes to create some crispy edges.
- Warm the tortillas and assemble your tacos with the jackfruit filling and your chosen toppings.