Discover the magic of plant-based eating with these incredibly flavorful Jackfruit Tacos! The ‘meaty’ texture of jackfruit makes it a fantastic substitute for pulled pork or chicken, and when seasoned to perfection, it creates a taco filling that will impress even the most dedicated carnivores.
Paired with a fresh and zesty avocado salsa, these tacos are a vibrant, healthy, and satisfying meal perfect for any night of the week. Get ready to elevate your taco game with this simple yet impressive recipe that comes together in under 40 minutes.
Table of Contents
Ingredients Required
Here’s everything you’ll need to create these mouthwatering tacos.
For the Jackfruit Filling:
- 2 cans (20 ounces each) young green jackfruit in brine or water, drained and rinsed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium red onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce or tamari
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup or agave nectar
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
For the Avocado Salsa:
- 2 ripe avocados, diced
- 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 jalapeno, seeded and minced (optional, for a spicy kick)
- Juice of 1 lime
- Salt to taste
For Serving:
- 8-10 small corn or flour tortillas
- Shredded red cabbage
- Pico de gallo
- Vegan sour cream or regular sour cream
- Extra lime wedges
How to cook Jackfruit Tacos? Step By Step Instruction
Follow these simple steps to create the perfect jackfruit tacos.
Step 1: Prepare the Jackfruit
After draining and rinsing the jackfruit, use your hands or two forks to shred it. It should resemble the texture of pulled meat. Set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Jackfruit Filling
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped red onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Add the shredded jackfruit to the skillet along with the chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder, and onion powder. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the jackfruit starts to brown and get slightly crispy.
Step 3: Add the Sauce
Stir in the BBQ sauce, soy sauce (or tamari), and maple syrup (or agave). Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 5-10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 4: Make the Avocado Salsa
While the jackfruit is simmering, prepare the avocado salsa. In a medium bowl, combine the diced avocados, chopped red onion, cilantro, and jalapeno (if using). Squeeze the lime juice over the top and gently toss to combine. Season with salt.
Step 5: Assemble the Tacos
Warm the tortillas according to the package directions. Fill each tortilla with a generous scoop of the jackfruit filling. Top with the avocado salsa, shredded red cabbage, pico de gallo, and a dollop of sour cream. Serve immediately with extra lime wedges on the side.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does jackfruit taste like?
Young green jackfruit has a very neutral flavor and a stringy, meat-like texture, which makes it an excellent canvas for absorbing the flavors of spices and sauces. It doesn’t have the sweet taste of ripe jackfruit.
Where can I buy canned jackfruit?
Canned young green jackfruit can be found in the international aisle of most major grocery stores, at Asian markets, or online. Make sure to buy jackfruit packed in water or brine, not syrup, as the latter is sweet and not suitable for savory dishes.
Is this recipe spicy?
This recipe has a mild level of spice from the chili powder and paprika. For a spicier kick, you can add a minced jalapeno to the avocado salsa or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the jackfruit filling.
Can I make this ahead of time?
The jackfruit filling can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The avocado salsa is best made fresh, as the avocado will brown over time.
Pro-Tips for Perfect Tacos
- Toast your tortillas: For the best flavor and texture, toast your corn tortillas in a dry skillet for about 30 seconds per side until they are warm and slightly charred.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan: When cooking the jackfruit, make sure it’s in a single layer to allow it to brown and get crispy. If your skillet is too small, cook it in batches.
- Get creative with toppings: Feel free to add other toppings like roasted corn, black beans, or a drizzle of your favorite hot sauce.
