Vegan Jackfruit Taco Recipe: The Delicious Meat Alternative 🌮🌱

Tacos Made with Fresh or Canned Jackfruit

Vegan tacos are absolutely delicious, especially when you follow this easy Jackfruit Taco recipe!

Whether you use fresh or canned jackfruit, this filling is perfect for those who don’t eat meat, and the carnivores in the family will love it, too.

The flavor is great, and when shredded, the jackfruit even mimics the texture of meat, making it a satisfying substitute for carnitas or carne asada.

Jackfruit has a mild flavor and readily absorbs the bold seasonings, onion, and lime juice used in this recipe, delivering a fantastic savory punch with every bite!

Understanding and Preparing Jackfruit 🍍

Jackfruit is a very large fruit grown in tropical climates, but it makes an excellent savory meat substitute when prepared correctly.

Fresh vs. Canned Jackfruit

The Key is ‘Young Green’: For savory dishes like tacos, you must use young green jackfruit that is not packed in sugary syrup (which is for desserts). Check the label carefully!
Flavor Profile: Jackfruit is mild, allowing it to absorb the flavors of the taco seasonings, much like meat absorbs a marinade.
Texture: The fruit can be cut into chunks or shredded (recommended for tacos) to give it a meatier texture that mimics shredded pork or beef.

Assembling Your Tacos and Toppings 🌶️

This recipe makes enough filling for about 10 to 12 street tacos (or fewer full-size tacos or burritos) and is easily doubled to feed a crowd.

Topping Ideas

You can easily keep your tacos vegan or add traditional toppings:

Vegan Options: Plant-based cheese shreds, lettuce, salsa, and guacamole (like my Fresh Orange Guacamole).
Classic Options: Sour cream, cotija cheese, or your favorite mild or spicy sauce.
Bare: The jackfruit filling is so flavorful on its own that you can enjoy it without any additional toppings!

Flexibility and Customization

The recipe is very flexible, allowing you to easily adjust the amount of onion, garlic, or lime to suit your preference.

Feel free to add chili powder or cumin to the skillet for a deeper, more traditional taco seasoning flavor!

🌮🌱 Jackfruit Taco Filling Recipe

⏱️ Prep Time: 5 Minutes | Cook Time: 5–10 Minutes | Yield: Filling for 10–12 Street Tacos

🌮 Ingredients

14 oz. can Young Green Jackfruit (or 1 ¾ cups fresh), shredded or chopped
2 T Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1/2 Small Onion, chopped
2 cloves Garlic, minced
1 T Lime Juice
Salt to Taste
Tortillas or Taco Shells (for serving)

🛠️ Supplies

Chef Knife
Skillet (or frying pan)
Silicone Turner Spatula

📝 Instructions

Heat Oil: Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
Sauté Aromatics: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Stir occasionally for a few minutes until the onion begins to soften.
Add Jackfruit: Add the shredded or chopped jackfruit to the skillet and cook, stirring frequently, until it is heated through and begins to get slightly crispy.
Season: Pour the lime juice on top of the jackfruit mixture. Stir and add salt to taste.
Assemble: Warm your tortillas or taco shells. Fill them with the jackfruit mixture and top with your favorite taco toppings. Enjoy!

Ready to Try the Jackfruit Revolution? ⬇️

This easy, quick-cooking recipe is a delicious way to enjoy taco night with a satisfying, savory, and plant-based twist!