Indulge in the delightful blend of smoky, spicy, and sweet flavors with these vegan jackfruit tacos, crowned with vibrant purple cabbage.

Jackfruit 101
- Jackfruit, a tropical fruit with a texture akin to pulled pork and shredded chicken, is a versatile delight.
- A nutritional powerhouse, jackfruit is a good source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
- Surprise your taste buds with its protein-packed goodness, making it a fantastic plant-based alternative.
- Experience the joy of transforming jackfruit into tacos, where its unique texture absorbs delightful flavors, offering a delicious and satisfying meal with a subtle sweetness and mild taste.
How to cook these vegan jackfruit tacos
- 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.

- 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.
Jackfruit Tacos Q&A
A versatile tropical fruit, seasoned and cooked to perfection.
Yes, jackfruit has a remarkable ability to mimic the texture of meat, making it a popular plant-based meat substitute.
Jackfruit carnitas are typically made from shredded jackfruit seasoned with a flavorful blend of spices.
While jackfruit doesn’t exactly taste like chicken, its neutral flavor allows it to absorb the delicious seasonings and spices, creating a satisfying culinary experience.
Recipe Pairing Options
- Elevate your taco experience with a side of cilantro lime cauliflower rice for a fresh and zesty complement.
- Try a refreshing avocado and black bean salsa to add a creamy texture and hearty kick to your taco night.
- Add sweet & tangy mango salsa or the vibrant freshness of pico de gallo.
- Explore the richness of a creamy vegan chipotle sauce, adding a smoky touch to your vegan tacos.
- Transform your meal with a side of roasted sweet potato wedges, bringing a hint of sweetness to the savory mix.
How to store & reheat these vegan 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.

More Mexican-Inspired Recipes:
- 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.
30-Minute Vegan Jackfruit Tacos
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
- 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 15-20 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!
Notes
- Ensure to properly season the jackfruit for a flavorful and savory taco experience.
- Use a fork or your hands to shred the jackfruit, creating a texture similar to pulled meat.
- Pair the tacos with vibrant and fresh toppings like purple cabbage, mango salsa, and pico de gallo for added layers of taste and texture.
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These jackfruit tacos were a hit with my family. Thanks, Shana!!
Hi Savannah, so glad you and your family enjoyed the recipe.
Thanks Shana they turned out great.
I just love love love tacos thanks for always having healthy recipes that I can incorporate when I meal prep.
You’re welcome!!
Thanks Shana they turned out great
So glad these tacos turned out well.
Really great recipe that’s full of flavor loved these so much. 😋
So happy you enjoyed them!!