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You are here: Home / Easy Vegan & Plant-Based Recipes / Best Vegan Jackfruit Taco Recipe

Best Vegan Jackfruit Taco Recipe

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This vegan jackfruit taco recipe is topped with purple cabbage and filled with smokey, spicy, and sweet flavors. Whether you are making jackfruit in an instant pot or stovetop you will love this recipe for sure.

jackfruit taco recipe  on tortillas with cilantro and purple cabbage

Where to buy jackfruit

I always purchase my canned jackfruit from Trader Joe’s or I get the Aroy-D Young Green Jackfruit from Amazon. When buying canned jackfruit go for jackfruit in brine or water. Brine means salt water. I would not get jackfruit in syrup as it’s just sugar water. If you get jackfruit in brine you’ll want to rinse out the salt.

How to cook this vegan jackfruit taco recipe

  • In a large bowl, rinse and drain the jackfruit. The jackfruit pieces will be chunky or in a triangular form. Use your fingers to remove the cores.
  • Next, you can shred and/or chop them into smaller pieces. Pull the pieces apart so that it mimics the appearance of a “meat-like” texture. Rinse the jackfruit again and dry.
  • In a large skillet, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the onions and sauté for about 5 minutes or until the onions start to brown. Add the garlic and ginger, and sauté for an additional 2 minutes.
vegan jackfruit taco meat in a saucepan with cilantro
  • Add cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, tamari, water, and lime juice. Reduce the heat, cover with a lid, and cook for about 20 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure nothing sticks to the pot.
  • Adjust seasonings as needed and turn up the heat to get some extra color for 2-3 minutes. Heat your tortillas. Top with mango salsa, purple cabbage, and lime wedges. Or, feel free to top it with other ingredients you enjoy such as vegan cheese, cilantro, vegan sour cream, salsa, or hot sauce. Find more suggestions below!
  • Finally, your vegan jackfruit tacos are ready to eat! Alternatively, you can use this recipe to make a jackfruit taco bowl.

Common Questions about Jackfruit

What is jackfruit?

Jackfruit (also known as jack tree or yaca in Spanish) is a tropical fruit eaten in sweet and savory dishes. The texture is similar to pulled pork and shredded chicken. Jackfruit is a huge prickly fruit that grows on a tropical tree that can reach a height of 80 feet. It grows in tropical Asian regions and is most common in Asian and vegetarian cuisines. Jackfruit has become increasingly popular in vegan & plant-based recipes and is used as a substitute for meat. Click on the link for more information about this tropical fruit.

Can you cook jackfruit like meat?

You can simmer it in a sauce, sauté, or roast jackfruit. The longer it cooks with spices it will take on the flavor of what you add to it.

What do you do with canned jackfruit?

You can use jackfruit in several recipes including jackfruit “pulled pork,” carnitas, sandwiches, on pizza, bbq jackfruit, curry, stir-fries, nachos, burgers, and tacos al pastor, etc.

What Tools Do You Need To Cook Jackfruit?

Sheet pan
Nonstick skillet
Sheet pan

What does Jackfruit taste like

Jackfruit, as is, does not taste like meat. In my opinion, jackfruit is sweet and tastes similar to mango or banana. However, it can take on a meat-like taste with a variety of seasonings.

Is Jackfruit a good source of protein

Jackfruit is an excellent source of vitamin C, antioxidants, and fiber. It has about 2.84 grams of protein.

What’s good to serve with jackfruit tacos

  • Black beans
  • Avocado
  • Guacamole
  • Tortilla chips
  • Rice (white, brown, or black)
  • Pico de gallo
  • Plantain chips
  • Sauteed peppers
  • Quinoa
  • Roasted sweet potatoes
  • Corn

How to store & reheat these jackfruit tacos

Store these vegan tacos in an airtight container for up to 5 days. To reheat, add the jackfruit to a pan over medium heat and stir occasionally until it’s warmed through.

jackfruit taco recipe on tortillas with cilantro and purple cabbage

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE:

  • Brussels Sprout Tacos with Peanut Sauce
  • Mushroom Tacos
  • Chipotle-Inspired Burrito Bowl
  • Crispy Potato Tacos

Leave a comment below and tag me on Instagram and let me know if you cooked this easy jackfruit taco recipe.

jackfruit tacos on tortilla with cilantro and purple cabbage

Best Vegan Jackfruit Taco Recipe

Shana Thomas
These vegan jackfruit tacos are a great meat-like alternative. This Mexican-inspired shredded jackfruit recipe is easy to make and can be enjoyed in a burrito bowl, wrap, & tacos. Make them for meatless Monday, taco Tuesday, or any day of the week.
5 from 5 votes
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes mins
Cook Time 20 minutes mins
Course Main Course
Cuisine American, Mexican-Inspired
Servings 8
Calories 170 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cans (20-ounce) jackfruit in brine or water use more as needed
  • 2 tbsp grapeseed oil
  • 1 large onion thinly sliced
  • 4 garlic cloves minced
  • 1 inch piece fresh ginger grated or minced
  • 3 tbsp lime juice 
  • 1 tbsp tamari or low sodium soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tbsp cumin
  • salt & black pepper to taste
  • 2 tsp chili powder
  • 1/2 cup water
  • mango salsa optional
  • lime wedges
  • 3 cups purple cabbage thinly sliced
  • 12 taco shells hard or soft

Instructions
 

  • In a large bowl, rinse and drain the jackfruit. The jackfruit pieces will be chunky or in a triangular form. Use your fingers to remove the cores.
  • Shred and/or chop them into smaller pieces. Pull the pieces apart so that it mimics the appearance of a "meat-like" texture. Rinse the jackfruit again and dry.
  • In a large skillet, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the onions and sauté for about 5 minutes or until the onions start to brown. Add the garlic and ginger, and sauté for an additional 2 minutes.
  • Add cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, tamari, water, and lime juice. Reduce the heat, cover with a lid, and cook for about 20 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure nothing sticks to the pot.
  • Adjust seasonings as needed and turn up the heat to get some extra color for an additional 2-3 minutes. Heat your tortillas. Top with mango salsa or *pico de gallo, purple cabbage, and lime wedges.
  • Voila! Your vegan jackfruit tacos are ready to eat!

Video

Notes

Pico De Gallo Recipe*

  • 1 serrano pepper, finely minced (use jalapeño for a milder version or de-seed the pepper)
  • 3/4 cup white or red onion  diced
  • 2 1/2 tbsp fresh lime juice plus more to taste
  • 3/4 tsp kosher salt plus more to taste
  • 12 oz tomatoes (good-quality) diced
  • 1/2 cup fresh cilantro chopped
  • freshly cracked black pepper to taste
Keyword jackfruit tacos, jackfruit tacos recipe,, jackfruit vegetarian recipes, mexican jackfruit tacos, spicy jackfruit tacos, vegan jackfruit tacos,, yaca

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Filed Under: Easy Vegan & Plant-Based Recipes, Vegan Lunch Recipes, Vegan Main Dish Recipes Tagged With: jackfruit chicken tacos, jackfruit pulled pork tacos, jackfruit tacos recipe

About

Hey there, I’m Shana Thomas, food photographer, home cook, and writer behind, Im-Worthy.com. Since 2019, my goal has been to inspire you to live energetic and healthy lives with my easy vegan recipes & wellness tips.

Previous Post: « Vegan chickpea salad sandwich
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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Savannah

    February 22, 2023 at 2:17 am

    5 stars
    These jackfruit tacos were a hit with my family. Thanks, Shana!!

    Reply
    • Shana Thomas

      February 22, 2023 at 2:18 am

      Hi Savannah, so glad you and your family enjoyed the recipe.

      Reply
      • Tina Thomas

        March 26, 2023 at 8:35 am

        5 stars
        Thanks Shana they turned out great.

        Reply
    • Selenna

      March 26, 2023 at 6:04 pm

      5 stars
      I just love love love tacos thanks for always having healthy recipes that I can incorporate when I meal prep.

      Reply
      • Shana Thomas

        March 26, 2023 at 6:05 pm

        You’re welcome!!

        Reply
  2. Tina Thomas

    March 26, 2023 at 8:36 am

    5 stars
    Thanks Shana they turned out great

    Reply
    • Shana Thomas

      March 26, 2023 at 6:03 pm

      So glad these tacos turned out well.

      Reply
    • Deana

      March 26, 2023 at 6:04 pm

      5 stars
      Really great recipe that’s full of flavor loved these so much. 😋

      Reply
      • Shana Thomas

        March 26, 2023 at 6:05 pm

        So happy you enjoyed them!!

        Reply

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Hi, I’m Shana

The creative soul behind Im-Worthy.com. I'm here to capture the beauty of life through food stories, sharing my journey as a food photographer and writer. My mission is to empower busy women like you to embrace vibrant, healthy living with my easy plant-based recipes.

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