Try this vegan jackfruit tacos recipe at home
Jackfruit tacos are a delightful twist on a Mexican classic, substituting meat with the fibrous texture of young green jackfruit. This tropical fruit has gained popularity in vegan and vegetarian communities for its ability to mimic the texture of shredded meat. Originating from South Asia, jackfruit is now a global staple in plant-based cooking. With no further ado, let's get cooking.
Gather the following ingredients
For these flavorful tacos, gather a 20-ounce can of young green jackfruit in brine, one onion, two garlic cloves, a red bell pepper, two tablespoons of olive oil, and a teaspoon each of cumin and paprika. Also have half a teaspoon of chili powder on hand, salt to taste, eight small corn tortillas, and toppings like avocado slices, salsa, and cilantro.
Prepare the jackfruit
Drain and thoroughly rinse the jackfruit to eliminate the brine. Shred it into pieces with hands or a fork, aiming for a thin, consistent texture. Finely chop the onion and garlic cloves, then slice the red bell pepper into narrow strips. This careful preparation is key to achieving an even cook when all ingredients are combined in the skillet.
Cook the filling
In a large skillet, warm the olive oil over medium heat. Saute the chopped onion and garlic until they're translucent, roughly three minutes. Add the shredded jackfruit and sliced red bell pepper, sprinkling in cumin, paprika, chili powder, and a dash of salt. Mix everything well to ensure the spices evenly coat the jackfruit and peppers for a flavorful filling.s
Simmer and serve
Lower the heat to let the jackfruit, onions, and peppers simmer. Allow about 10 minutes for the flavors to integrate and the mixture to cook thoroughly. The spices should create a rich flavor profile, and the jackfruit must be tender yet hold its shape. This step is key to ensuring each bite is infused with taste and maintains a meaty texture without becoming mushy.
Assemble tacos
Toast the corn tortillas as directed on the package, usually a quick sear for a few seconds on each side in a dry pan. Evenly spoon the prepared jackfruit filling onto the warmed tortillas. Top them with slices of avocado for a creamy texture and salsa for a tangy flavor boost, personalizing your vegan jackfruit tacos to your taste.
