Jackfruit Tacos Recipe: How to Make Vegan Jackfruit Tacos

Jackfruit is a large tropical fruit with green, bumpy skin and yellow, fibrous flesh. Jackfruit trees primarily grow in India and throughout Southeast Asia, though you may find whole fruits in some Asian markets outside its growing regions.

Raw, ripe jackfruit tastes like other sweet, fibrous fruits, such as pineapple or mango, but unripe, young green jackfruit has a milder taste. When cooked, fresh jackfruit has a meaty texture often compared to pulled pork or shredded chicken and can serve as a meat-free filling for Mexican street tacos and enchiladas or as a topping for nachos.

Jackfruit tacos consist of a spiced jackfruit filling served in a corn or flour tortilla, topped with various fresh ingredients. The shredded texture of prepared jackfruit mimics that of Mexican pork carnitas without the meat. Use corn tortillas to make gluten-free jackfruit tacos.

Jackfruit tacos are one of the easiest vegan recipes to make with little notice, especially if you keep a few packages of shredded jackfruit in the freezer or fridge. Here’s what to know if it’s your first time working with this unique fruit:

1. 1. Using pre-seasoned vs. plain jackfruit: Many grocery stores carry chopped or shredded jackfruit in various flavors, like smoky chipotle or BBQ. If you prefer to season your own, seek out plain jackfruit pieces instead, found in the refrigerated and frozen sections. (Some stores also carry shelf-stable canned jackfruit.)
2. 2. Adjusting the consistency: For a vegan take on jackfruit carnitas, give the jackfruit a quick sauté in oil and season it with spices. For a saucy jackfruit barbacoa, create a braising liquid with sautéed aromatics in broth, beer, or water, and cook to your desired consistency. (Learn how to make barbacoa with this recipe, swapping the beef for jackfruit.)
3. 3. Bulking up the taco filling: Sauté your jackfruit taco meat with thin slices of onion and poblano pepper for a fajitas-style filling. Or, pair jackfruit tacos with a scoop of Spanish rice and black beans for a heartier taco. (Drain and rinse the beans before using.)

Serve jackfruit tacos with your favorite taco toppings and condiments. Here are some ideas:

1. 1. Cabbage slaw: Slaw is a classic taco accompaniment. To make a basic slaw, combine thinly sliced green or red cabbage with an acidic element like pickled carrots, pickled jalapeño slices, or pickled red onion and chopped cilantro. Season your slaw with lime juice, salt, and pepper.
2. 2. Crema: Use vegan sour cream or avocado and lime zest to create a cooling, plant-based Mexican crema.
3. 3. Fresh salsas: Jackfruit tacos are a perfect opportunity to bring out salsas. Keep it simple with homemade pico de gallo, or go bold with Chef Gabriela Cámara’s salsa verde cruda, a refreshing blend of avocado and tomatillo.
4. 4. Guacamole: Slices of avocado or creamy guacamole add healthy fat and flavor to jackfruit tacos.