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Pulled Jackfruit Tacos

Plant Based Recipes

Last Updated on January 23, 2024

Pulled jackfruit tacos are super easy, vegan, and delicious! Filling tacos with jackfruit meat is an excellent alternative to traditional pork, beef, chicken, or fish.

How to make pulled jackfruit tacos from www.goingzerowaste.com #jackfruit #tacos #plantbased #sustainable #ecofriendly #zerowaste #recipe #lunchrecipe #summerrecipes

jackfruit tacos recipe

I kinda have a jackfruit obsession. I’ve been talking about it non-stop for three months.  

I like any meat substitute that is easy. My typical go-to is mushrooms. It’s so easy to swap mushrooms into any dish, and it takes less time than preparing meat.  Once you try jackfruit meat, you’ll fall in love with it like I did!

Because of my newfound fascination with jackfruit, I wanted to try my hand at pulled jackfruit tacos, and it turned out terrific!

why you’ll love this jackfruit tacos recipe

  • Super simple to make
  • Great vegan meal idea
  • Delicious
  • Alternative to pork
  • Fast!

So, what is a jackfruit? 

I’m glad you asked! Jackfruit is this spiky green fruit that has incredible flavor capabilities. It’s bland, and like a sponge, so it soaks up any type of flavor you put down. It has a similar texture to meat, which is why many people refer to it as jackfruit meat. It doesn’t have quite the same chewiness, but it is tasty! (and isn’t something I can say about tofu) So, it’s basically a dream come true. 

Jackfruit also looks very, very similar to pork. In fact, you could probably trick your very skeptical boyfriend into eating it…. and he may love it! But, I wouldn’t recommend it. Because once you break that trust, you’ll never get it back. And, he’ll question and pick apart everything you serve him for the rest of eternity… not that I know from experience… 

Just avoid simmering the jackfruit. I made that mistake the first time. It got far too soft and mushy. High heat, people. I want char marks. You know how I feel about the char. And, if you don’t… you can watch my bbq video where I say the word char and caramelize 32 times.

I would like to try this recipe with fresh jackfruit. When I come across a smaller one, I will give it a go. There’s just no way I could handle a 30lb jackfruit. If any of you have some fresh jackfruit lying around and give this a go, let me know! 

pulled jackfruit tacos

2 Servings

jackfruit meat

  • 1 20oz Can of Young Jackfruit in Water  
  • 1/4 Teaspoon of salt, pepper, sweet Spanish smoked paprika, garlic, ground coriander, ancho chili, chili powder, and allspice
  • 1 Teaspoon of Spicy Horseradish Mustard AKA Deli Style Mustard 
  • 1 Teaspoon of Tamari or Soy Sauce
  • 1 Tablespoon of Raw Apple Cider Vinegar
  • 3-4 Drops of Liquid Smoke
  • 1/4 of a Yellow Onion Diced
  • 3 Tablespoons of Olive Oil

toppings

  • 1 Avocado
  • 2 Radishes
  • Pickled Red Onion
  • 6 Tortillas 
  • Juice of Half a Lime

This easily makes 6 tacos…. or three very large tacos if you’re like me and don’t want to share. 

jackfruit meat

how to make pulled jackfruit tacos

step 1:

Drain your can of jackfruit. Make sure you get jackfruit in water. While you’re working on making your topping, start sautéing your onion in olive oil on medium heat. 

pulled jackfruit on cutting board

step 2:

After you drain it, place it on the cutting board and cut off the centerpiece. It’s very hard. 

cutting jackfruit on a cutting board

step 3:

After you remove the center, you’re left with the fibrous outside. Use your hands to shred or pull the jackfruit. Inside you’ll find seeds. In the picture above, you can clearly see the hole the seed came from. There will be one or two seeds inside each piece. They are pretty tender as far as seeds go, so if you miss one, it’s no big deal. I’m just not a huge fan, so I like to remove them. 

step 4:

After, you’ll be left with a shredded pile of Mmmmmm….. goodness. Now it’s time to add some spices. Pulled jackfruit is notorious for looking like pulled pork. Like, identical. And, when I think pulled pork — I think bbq. I mean… I am from Texas. These are some classic flavors. So, I’m starting out with a “dry rub” so to speak.  

I buy them in glass from Oaktown Spice and get the containers refilled. 

step 5:

I also really hate doing dishes. So, I just throw the spices on the cutting board and mix with my hands. Mmmmm. It looks so good. The next step is to throw it into the skillet with the now translucent onions. 

This whole process takes about 6 minutes when you’re not taking step-by-step photos. 

step 6:

Now, you’re going to want to add your liquids. Add the Tamari, liquid smoke, apple cider vinegar, and mustard. Keep the jackfruit on medium for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally. All of the liquid will evaporate.

Pro Tip: Liquid smoke and mustard are two things I still buy in packaging. They come in glass containers. Looks like I should update my post about what I buy in packaging

You can start cutting up your toppings at this point. After 3-5 minutes is up, flash it on high heat for another 3-5 minutes. You don’t want to stir it. You want it to get slightly charred. 

Look at how much color has developed! It’s smoky, salty, and slightly sweet. Not pungently or deeply sweet like molasses in bbq, it’s more effervescent since it’s coming from a fruit. 

I like to squeeze some fresh lime juice over the top while it’s still hot. 

jackfruit tacos recipe tips

Then, it’s time to decorate. I personally feel that salsa would really overpower these tacos. So, I keep it simple with a couple of pickled red onions. You need some acid to brighten the taco. Not too much, though. Just two or three to get the perfect bite.

The avocado adds a nice creamy texture to balance the toothsomeness of the jackfruit. Add some radishes for crunch and a little bit of cilantro for pepperiness. And you have the perfect bite! 

I would seriously eat these tacos every day if I could. It’s the perfect blend of my favorite things — Texas bbq and tacos. This recipe is also a total winner on buns! Pulled jackfruit sliders? I’m there. Please send me an invite to your bbq. 

When I made these at my 4th of July party, even the omnivores were getting down. In fact, they said the jackfruit was the best thing I made. Boom! 

frequently asked questions

what else can I use jackfruit for?

  • Wraps
  • Sandwiches
  • Salads
  • Burritos

how do i store leftover jackfruit?

Store leftover jackfruit meat in the fridge. It will last 2-3 days in the fridge. Or you can freeze it for up to 3 months. Keep it airtight when storing.

Have you had jackfruit before? How do you like to eat it? 

Yield: 8

Dairy Free Mashed Potatoes

dairy free mashed potatoes

Dairy free mashed potatoes are pillowy smooth and perfectly creamy. Made with simple ingredients, these vegan mashed potatoes are an excellent side to all of your meals.

Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes

Ingredients

  • 16 Small Red Potatoes (yellow potatoes are fine or four peeled russets)
  • 1 1/3 Cup of Cashews
  • 2 Cups of Starch Liquid
  • 2 Limes Juiced
  • 1/4 Cup White Vinegar
  • 2 Teaspoons of Salt
  • 1 Cup of Good Olive Oil

Instructions

    1. Fill a large pot with water and bring to a boil. Add chopped potatoes and cashews. The potatoes and cashews should be ready after about 15 minutes. You should be able to easily insert a fork into the potatoes, and the cashews should be plump.
    2. Place the potatoes in a separate bowl and set aside. Put your cashews, 2 cups of the starchy potato liquid, and all of the other ingredients in a blender or food processor. Whip until smooth 2-3 minutes. Mash your potatoes and fold in your creamy cashew mixture. Add extra salt, pepper, oil, green onions, or my personal favorite smoked paprika for a pretty garnish
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