Jackfruit Tacos Recipe

If you haven’t cooked with jackfruit yet, you’re in for a treat. This tropical fruit has a mild flavor and shreds just like pulled pork, making it the perfect meat substitute for tacos.

When seasoned with smoky spices and simmered in a rich sauce, it transforms into a filling so satisfying that even meat lovers will go back for seconds.

These Jackfruit Tacos are bold, tangy, and just the right amount of spicy.

They come together in 30 minutes, making them perfect for weeknights, meal prep, or even a casual get-together.

Let’s get started!

Ingredients

For the Jackfruit Filling:

• 1 can (14-20 oz) young green jackfruit (in brine or water, not syrup)

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• ½ small onion, finely diced

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

• 1 teaspoon ground cumin

• ½ teaspoon chili powder

• ½ teaspoon oregano

• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)

• 2 tablespoons tomato paste

• ½ cup vegetable broth

• 1 tablespoon soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)

• 1 tablespoon lime juice

• ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste

• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

For the Toppings:

• 1 cup shredded red cabbage

• ½ cup diced avocado

• ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro

• 1 small jalapeño, sliced (optional)

• Lime wedges, for serving

• Vegan sour cream or cashew crema (optional)

For the Tortillas:

• 8 small corn or flour tortillas

• 1 teaspoon olive oil (for warming tortillas)

Step 1: Prepare the Jackfruit

Drain and rinse the canned jackfruit well. Use your hands or a fork to shred the jackfruit pieces into a pulled meat-like texture. Some pieces might have a firmer core—just chop those up finely so they blend in.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

• Add the diced onion and cook for 2-3 minutes, until softened.

• Stir in the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, until fragrant.

Step 3: Cook the Jackfruit

Add the shredded jackfruit to the skillet, then sprinkle in:

• Smoked paprika

• Cumin

• Chili powder

• Oregano

• Cayenne pepper (if using)

• Salt and black pepper

Stir well and let the jackfruit toast with the spices for 2-3 minutes, enhancing the smoky, deep flavors.

Step 4: Add the Sauce and Simmer

Stir in:

• Tomato paste

• Vegetable broth

• Soy sauce

• Lime juice

Mix everything well, cover, and let the jackfruit simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. This helps it absorb all the flavors while softening even further.

After simmering, use a fork to mash some of the jackfruit pieces against the pan to create an even more shredded, meaty texture. If it looks dry, add a splash of vegetable broth.

Step 5: Warm the Tortillas

While the jackfruit is finishing up, warm the tortillas.

• Heat 1 teaspoon of olive oil in a dry skillet over medium heat.

• Warm each tortilla for about 30 seconds per side, until soft and slightly golden.

• Keep them wrapped in a clean kitchen towel to stay warm.

Step 6: Assemble the Tacos

Now for the fun part—building the tacos!

• Spoon the saucy jackfruit filling onto each tortilla.

• Top with shredded red cabbage for crunch.

• Add diced avocado for creaminess.

• Sprinkle on fresh cilantro for a pop of flavor.

• If you like spice, throw on some jalapeño slices.

• Finish with a squeeze of lime and a dollop of vegan sour cream or cashew crema (if using).

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

That’s it! These Jackfruit Tacos are smoky, tangy, and absolutely bursting with flavor. Serve them immediately with extra lime wedges and your favorite hot sauce on the side.

Conclusion

These tacos prove that jackfruit is a game-changer. It absorbs flavors like a sponge, giving you that perfect meaty bite without any actual meat.

They’re quick, easy, and completely customizable—add black beans, grilled corn, or even a drizzle of chipotle mayo to make them your own.

However you serve them, these Jackfruit Tacos are guaranteed to impress.

Try them out and let me know how they turn out! 🌮😊👇💖