Craving a taco night that’s both delicious and good for you? Look no further! These Jackfruit Tacos are a game-changer, even if you’re a dedicated meat-eater. The texture and flavor are surprisingly similar to pulled pork, making them a fantastic vegan alternative. This recipe delivers the best Jackfruit Tacos you’ll ever make. Get ready for a flavorful, easy-to-follow recipe that adds a unique smoky twist to your taco experience.
Why You’ll Love This Smoky Chipotle Jackfruit Tacos Recipe
These aren’t your average veggie tacos. This recipe takes a humble ingredient and turns it into something truly special.
Smoky Chipotle Flavor: The key to these amazing tacos is the smoky chipotle flavor. It elevates the jackfruit beyond simple sweetness.
Meat-Like Texture: The chipotle peppers add a depth that mimics barbecued meat, satisfying those who crave familiar textures and flavors.
Quick and Easy: Perfect for busy weeknights, these Jackfruit Tacos come together in under 30 minutes.
Vegan and Vegetarian Friendly: A delicious and satisfying meal that fits perfectly into a plant-based diet. Feel free to customize the toppings to your liking!
Ingredients Needed
- 2 20oz cans green jackfruit in water or brine (, drained, rinsed, and chopped (see instructions))
- 1 tablespoon light oil (such as canola or vegetable)
- 1 yellow onion (, sliced)
- 4 cloves garlic (, minced)
- 1/2 cup vegetable broth or water
- 1 tablespoon agave
- 1/2 lime (, juiced)
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 8 taco shells (, hard or soft (gluten-free if preferred))
- 1 avocado (, sliced)
- 1/4 red onion (, thinly sliced)
- 1/4 cup cilantro (, roughly chopped)
- lime wedges
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
A few tips and tricks to help you gather your ingredients and customize this recipe to your liking:
Jackfruit: Green jackfruit in water or brine is essential! Look for brands like Native Forest or Trader Joe’s. You want young, unripe jackfruit with a firm texture, not the sweet, ripe kind. It’s usually found in the canned goods aisle or in Asian grocery stores.
To learn more about jackfruit, you can check out this Wikipedia article on jackfruit.
Taco Shells: Choose your favorite! Hard or soft, corn or flour – the choice is yours. For gluten-free, opt for corn tortillas or specifically labeled gluten-free shells. Old El Paso and Mission offer various options readily available in US supermarkets.
Agave: If you don’t have agave, maple syrup or even brown sugar will work as a substitute. Start with a smaller amount and adjust to taste.
Oil: Any neutral oil works perfectly. Canola, vegetable, or avocado oil are all great choices for sautéing.
Vegan Substitutions: This recipe is naturally vegan! Just double-check that your taco shells and toppings are also vegan-friendly if needed.
How to Make Jackfruit Tacos
Follow these simple steps to create the most delicious Jackfruit Tacos you’ve ever tasted!
Step 1: Prep the Jackfruit
For the best texture, cut the jackfruit into thin slices from the core to the outer edge. This breaks up the tougher core and creates a more shredded texture. Don’t throw away the core or seeds – they’re totally edible and delicious!
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
Heat the light oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the sliced yellow onion and minced garlic. Sauté for about 5 minutes, until the onions soften and start to brown, releasing their fragrant aroma.
Step 3: Simmer with Flavor
Add the chopped jackfruit, vegetable broth, agave, lime juice, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and salt to the skillet. Cover, reduce heat, and let it simmer for about 5 minutes, until the jackfruit softens slightly and about half of the liquid is absorbed. This allows the jackfruit to soak up all those delicious spices!
Step 4: Shred the Jackfruit
Now, grab a potato masher and smash the jackfruit to achieve that irresistible shredded texture. If it seems a bit wet, cook it a little longer to evaporate some of the liquid. If it’s too dry, simply add a splash more vegetable broth.
Step 5: Assemble Your Tacos
Warm the taco shells according to the package directions. You can use the oven, microwave, or even a dry skillet. Fill each warmed taco shell with a generous scoop of the smoky chipotle jackfruit. Top with sliced avocado, thinly sliced red onion, roughly chopped cilantro, and a squeeze of fresh lime juice. Feel free to get creative with your favorite taco toppings! I personally love a dash of hot sauce for an extra kick.
Make-Ahead and Reheating Instructions
Planning ahead? No problem! These tacos are perfect for meal prepping.
Make-Ahead Instructions: Prepare the jackfruit filling and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually meld together and get even better over time!
Reheating Instructions: Reheat the jackfruit filling on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of vegetable broth if needed to maintain moisture. You can also microwave it in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until heated through.
Freezing Instructions: For longer storage, freeze the jackfruit filling in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
Here are some extra tips to ensure your Jackfruit Tacos are a smashing success!
Pro Tips
- Use a knife to cut the jackfruit into thin slices from core to the outer edge to break up the tougher core.
- Do NOT discard the core or seeds, they are totally edible.
- If the jackfruit is a bit wet after simmering, cook a little longer. If a little dry, add a splash more vegetable broth.
- Add a pinch of sugar to balance the acidity of the lime juice.
- Toast the taco shells lightly for added flavor and texture.
- Warm the avocado slices slightly for a creamier texture.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using ripe jackfruit: Green jackfruit is essential for the right texture. Ripe jackfruit is sweet and mushy, not ideal for tacos.
- Overcooking the jackfruit: Overcooked jackfruit can become mushy. Simmering for just 5 minutes is usually perfect.
- Not seasoning enough: Taste and adjust seasonings throughout the cooking process. Don’t be afraid to add more chili powder, cumin, or smoked paprika to your liking.
- Using too much liquid: Excess liquid can make the tacos soggy. Cook off any extra liquid at the end, or drain some off before shredding.
Serving & Storage
Complete your taco night with these serving suggestions and storage tips!
Serving Ideas
Side Dishes: Serve these delicious Jackfruit Tacos with classic Mexican sides like macaroni salad, black beans, or elote (Mexican street corn). A simple salad also makes a great accompaniment.
Drinks: Pair them with refreshing margaritas, Mexican beer, or agua fresca.
Plating and Garnishing: Arrange the tacos on a platter and garnish with colorful toppings like extra cilantro, lime wedges, and a dollop of vegan sour cream for an appealing presentation.
Storage and Make-Ahead
Storing Leftover Jackfruit: Store leftover jackfruit filling in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating Jackfruit: Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through. Add a splash of water or broth if needed to maintain moisture.
If you’re interested in learning more about vegan diets, you can visit The Vegan Society for a comprehensive overview.
Conclusion
These Smoky Chipotle Jackfruit Tacos are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. They’re easy to make, bursting with flavor, and completely vegan-friendly. The smoky chipotle flavor truly sets them apart, making them a standout dish. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different toppings and variations to create your perfect taco. I encourage you to share your creations on social media and explore other jackfruit recipes. You might also enjoy this black bean burger recipe for another plant-based meal. Happy cooking!
FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions about jackfruit and this recipe:
What can you make with jackfruit? Jackfruit is versatile and can be used in tacos, BBQ sandwiches, curries, and more. In fact, you can use jackfruit in many dishes, including this flavorful potato curry.
How do you select the right jackfruit for this recipe? Look for green jackfruit in water or brine. It should be firm and not overly ripe.
Is jackfruit a healthy alternative to meat? Jackfruit is lower in calories and fat than meat and a good source of fiber. However, it’s also lower in protein, so consider combining it with other protein sources.
Can I make jackfruit tacos ahead of time? Yes, the jackfruit filling can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
What are some recommended toppings for jackfruit tacos? Avocado, red onion, cilantro, salsa, vegan sour cream, and hot sauce are all great options.
What are some good side dishes to serve with jackfruit tacos? Mexican rice, black beans, and elote are all delicious side dishes.
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Smoky Chipotle Jackfruit Tacos: Vegan Delight!
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Cut the jackfruit into thin slices from the core to the outer edge. This breaks up the tougher core and creates a more shredded texture.
- Heat the light oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the sliced yellow onion and minced garlic. Sauté for about 5 minutes, until the onions soften and start to brown, releasing their fragrant aroma.
- Add the chopped jackfruit, vegetable broth, agave, lime juice, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and salt to the skillet.
- Cover, reduce heat, and let it simmer for about 5 minutes, until the jackfruit softens slightly and about half of the liquid is absorbed.
- Grab a potato masher and smash the jackfruit to achieve that irresistible shredded texture. If it seems a bit wet, cook it a little longer to evaporate some of the liquid. If it's too dry, simply add a splash more vegetable broth.
- Warm the taco shells according to the package directions.
- Fill each warmed taco shell with a generous scoop of the smoky chipotle jackfruit.
- Top with sliced avocado, thinly sliced red onion, roughly chopped cilantro, and a squeeze of fresh lime juice. Feel free to get creative with your favorite taco toppings!
Notes
Lia Monet is a food blogger, recipe developer, and the founder of EasyAsMeals, a food blog focused on easy recipes, quick dinners, and everyday home cooking. She creates tested, family-friendly recipes using simple ingredients to help busy families cook affordable and delicious meals at home.
