Vegan Jackfruit Tacos have become my go-to meal when I’m craving something flavorful, satisfying, and a little bit different. It all started a few months ago when my friend Liza invited me over for dinner and whipped up the most incredible Vegan Jackfruit Tacos I’d ever tasted. As soon as I took that first bite, I was hooked. The savory, pulled-pork-like texture of the jackfruit, combined with the tangy slaw and creamy avocado, was an absolute flavor explosion. I couldn’t believe how authentic and delicious these Vegan Jackfruit Tacos were, especially since they were completely meat-free. Liza shared her secret technique with me, and ever since then, I’ve been making these tacos at home on a regular basis. They’ve quickly become a staple in my weekly meal rotation, and I know they’ll become a fast favorite for you too.

Why This Vegan Jackfruit Tacos Recipe Will Become Your Go-To

The Secret Behind Perfect Vegan Jackfruit Tacos

The key to making these Vegan Jackfruit Tacos so incredibly delicious is all in the preparation of the jackfruit. Many people make the mistake of just shredding it and calling it a day, but Liza taught me that there’s a little more to it. By simmering the jackfruit in a flavorful broth and then shredding it, you end up with a texture that’s remarkably similar to pulled pork. It’s the perfect base for these amazing tacos. And the best part? It’s so easy to do, and it really doesn’t take much extra time. Once you try it, you’ll never go back to the basic shredded jackfruit method.

Essential Ingredients You’ll Need

To make these Vegan Jackfruit Tacos, you’ll need a few key ingredients:

Jackfruit – This tropical fruit has a meaty, fibrous texture that makes it the perfect plant-based substitute for pulled pork or chicken.

Vegetable broth – You’ll use this to simmer the jackfruit, infusing it with flavor.

Spices – A blend of cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, and oregano gives the jackfruit an authentic taco seasoning flavor.

Tortillas – You can use corn, flour, or even lettuce wraps for a low-carb option.

Toppings – Think creamy avocado, tangy slaw, fresh cilantro, and a squeeze of lime.

With these simple ingredients, you can create a delicious and satisfying Vegan Jackfruit Tacos meal that will have everyone raving.

Step-by-Step Vegan Jackfruit Tacos Instructions

Preparing Your Vegan Jackfruit Tacos

Preparing these Vegan Jackfruit Tacos is incredibly easy, and the whole process takes just about 30 minutes from start to finish. You’ll start by simmering the jackfruit in a flavorful broth, then shred it and season it to perfection. From there, it’s just a matter of assembling the tacos with all your favorite toppings. Let’s dive in!

1- Drain and rinse the canned jackfruit, removing any seeds or tough cores. Place the jackfruit in a saucepan and cover with vegetable broth. Bring to a simmer and cook for 15-20 minutes, until the jackfruit is very soft and tender.

2- Once the jackfruit is cooked, use two forks to shred it into a pulled-pork-like texture. This is the secret to getting that perfect meaty consistency.

3- In a small bowl, mix together the cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, and oregano. Sprinkle this seasoning blend over the shredded jackfruit and stir to coat evenly.

4- Warm your tortillas according to the package instructions, or use lettuce wraps for a low-carb option. You’ll want them to be pliable and ready to fill.

5- To assemble the Vegan Jackfruit Tacos, start with a layer of the seasoned jackfruit, then top with shredded cabbage slaw, sliced avocado, and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro.

6- Finish each taco with a squeeze of fresh lime juice and enjoy immediately!

Pro Tips for Success

The key to making these Vegan Jackfruit Tacos absolutely perfect is all in the preparation of the jackfruit. Be sure to simmer it long enough to get that super soft, shredable texture. And don’t be afraid to really season the jackfruit – the spices are what give it that authentic taco flavor.

Another pro tip is to make a big batch of the seasoned jackfruit and use it throughout the week. It’s great in tacos, of course, but you can also use it in burritos, on top of salads, or even in a jackfruit “pulled pork” sandwich. The possibilities are endless!

Finally, don’t skimp on the toppings. The cool, creamy avocado and tangy slaw are what really make these Vegan Jackfruit Tacos shine. Get creative with your favorite garnishes and enjoy every delicious bite.

Serving and Storing Your Vegan Jackfruit Tacos

Perfect Pairings for Vegan Jackfruit Tacos

These Vegan Jackfruit Tacos are the perfect main course for a Mexican-inspired feast. They pair beautifully with classic sides like Spanish rice, refried beans, and a fresh, zesty salsa. For drinks, you can’t go wrong with an ice-cold Mexican beer or a refreshing margarita.

Vegan Jackfruit Tacos also make a great appetizer or party food. They’re easy to assemble and customize, and your guests will love the unique, pulled-pork-like texture of the jackfruit. Serve them up with some chips and guacamole for a truly crowd-pleasing spread.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

One of the best things about this Vegan Jackfruit Tacos recipe is that it’s super easy to make ahead and store for later. The seasoned jackfruit will keep in the fridge for up to 5 days, so you can prep it in advance and then just quickly assemble the tacos when you’re ready to eat.

To reheat the jackfruit, simply place it in a skillet over medium heat and warm it through, adding a splash of broth or water if it seems dry. You can also freeze the cooked jackfruit for up to 3 months. Just thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating.

When it comes to storing the assembled tacos, I find that they hold up best if you keep the components separate. Store the warm jackfruit, slaw, avocado, and tortillas/lettuce wraps in airtight containers in the fridge, and then just build your tacos fresh when you’re ready to enjoy them.

Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Vegan Jackfruit Tacos

Creative Vegan Jackfruit Tacos Variations

While this basic Vegan Jackfruit Tacos recipe is absolutely delicious as-is, there are plenty of ways to mix things up and put your own spin on it. One of my favorite variations is to swap out the traditional taco toppings for something a little more unexpected.

Try topping your jackfruit with a fresh pineapple salsa, or swap the slaw for a tangy, vinegar-based red cabbage slaw. You could also get creative with the protein and try swapping in shredded jackfruit for other plant-based fillings like seasoned lentils or roasted mushrooms.

And don’t be afraid to get seasonal with your Vegan Jackfruit Tacos. In the summer, you could top them with grilled corn and juicy tomatoes. In the fall, try roasted butternut squash and a sprinkle of pepitas. The possibilities are endless!

Making Vegan Jackfruit Tacos Diet-Friendly

One of the best things about Vegan Jackfruit Tacos is that they’re naturally gluten-free and dairy-free, making them a great option for those with dietary restrictions. To make them truly low-carb or keto-friendly, simply swap out the tortillas for lettuce wraps or low-carb tortillas.

For a soy-free version, you can use canned green jackfruit instead of the more commonly-used young green jackfruit in brine. The texture and flavor will be a bit different, but it will still make a delicious taco filling.

And if you’re avoiding oil, you can skip the sautéing step and simply simmer the jackfruit in broth. The texture may not be quite as shredded, but it will still be super flavorful.

No matter your dietary needs, these Vegan Jackfruit Tacos can be easily adapted to suit your lifestyle. Get creative and make them work for you!

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use fresh jackfruit instead of canned?
A: Absolutely! Fresh jackfruit will work just as well in this recipe. You’ll just need to peel, seed, and shred it yourself. Keep in mind that the cooking time may be a bit longer to get the jackfruit nice and tender.

Q: How can I make these Vegan Jackfruit Tacos spicier?
A: For an extra kick of heat, try adding a diced jalapeño or serrano pepper to the seasoning mix. You can also top the tacos with a drizzle of your favorite hot sauce or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes.

Q: Can I make the jackfruit filling in advance?
A: Yes, the seasoned jackfruit filling can be made up to 5 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Simply reheat it in a skillet before assembling the tacos.

Q: What’s the best way to reheat the Vegan Jackfruit Tacos?
A: If you have leftover assembled tacos, you can reheat them in a skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes, just until the tortillas are warm and the fillings are heated through. Avoid microwaving, as this can make the tortillas soggy.

Q: Can I freeze these Vegan Jackfruit Tacos?
A: The cooked and seasoned jackfruit can be frozen for up to 3 months. However, I wouldn’t recommend freezing the assembled tacos, as the tortillas and toppings may not hold up well. It’s best to assemble the tacos fresh when you’re ready to serve them.

Conclusion

Vegan Jackfruit Tacos have quickly become a staple in my kitchen, and I know they’ll soon become a favorite in yours too. The combination of that savory, pulled-pork-like jackfruit, the tangy slaw, and the creamy avocado is simply irresistible. Plus, they’re so easy to make and endlessly customizable.

Whether you’re looking for a delicious plant-based main course or a crowd-pleasing appetizer, these Vegan Jackfruit Tacos are sure to impress. So what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients and get ready to enjoy the best darn Vegan Jackfruit Tacos you’ve ever tasted. Let me know how they turn out – I can’t wait to hear all about it!