Jackfruit Carnitas Tacos

These vegan Jackfruit Carnitas Tacos are a true revelation - packed full of rich, savory flavors and wholesome ingredients. They're the perfect blend of smoky jackfruit confit, zesty limes and smooth avocado crema, making them a fantastic Mexican-inspired dish to share with friends and family.

From the first bite, you'll savor the unique and smokytaste of Jackfruit Carnitas - an exciting twist on traditional carnitas! The jackfruit's texture is so remarkably similar to pulled pork that it will leave you in awe!

In combination with the creaminess of avocado crema, the crunch of sweetcorn and pickled onions, these jackfruit tacos are nothing short of a fiesta for your taste buds. So, let's get cooking and make some delicious vegan tacos at home!

What is Jackfruit?

Jackfruit is a big tropical fruit native to Southeast Asia. It's best known for its large size and the spiky outside. Inside the jackfruit, the edible bulbs are wrapped in fibre. It's this part of the fruit that's used in cooking, particularly in vegan and vegetarian dishes.

Its texture, when cooked, is surprisingly similar to pulled pork, which has led to its popularity as a meat substitute.

When it comes to buying jackfruit in store, you'll typically find two types: ripe and unripe. Ripe jackfruit has a sweet taste and is often used in desserts, while unripe jackfruit is neutral in flavor, making it perfect for soaking up spices and seasonings in savory dishes.

Additionally, you can often find canned jackfruit in brine or water, such as the Young Green Jackfruit Confit used in this jackfruit recipe. Tinned jackfruit is usually the unripe variety and therefore ideal for making this Jackfruit Carnitas Recipe.

🌱 Ingredients & Notes

Here is everything you need for this recipe:

• Aromatics - A medium-size onion and minced garlic for the right flavor balance.
• Vegetable Oil - for sautéing
• Jackfruit Confit - This is the star ingredient of this dish! I've used Nature's Charm Young Green Jackfruit Confit. Make sure to drain it before use.
• Brown Sugar - Adds a hint of sweetness and caramelizes the edges of the jackfruit wonderfully. Alternatively, you can use maple syrup or agave nectar.
• Herbs and Seasonings - you will need dried oregano, ground cumin, smoked paprika powder and chili powder for the jackfruit carnitas, as well as salt and pepper.
• Lime - Freshly squeezed lime juice is preferred for zestiness.
• Tomato Paste - It enhances the color and balances the flavors.
• Vegetable Broth - It helps in the cooking process and adds flavor.
• Avocado - Make sure it's ripe for making a smooth avocado crema.
• Corn Tortillas - Use fresh tortillas for best results.
• Taco Fillings - You can add your favorite taco fillings alongside the jackfruit carnitas. I like to add sweetcorn for a fresh crunch, pickled onions, and fresh cilantro alongside some lime wedges for squeezing right before eating.

Scroll to the recipe card at the bottom of the post for detailed quantities and measurements.

🔪 Equipment

Here is all the equipment you need to make this recipe:

• Large Skillet or Pan - to sauté the onions and garlic as well as to cook the jackfruit carnitas. A non-stick pan would work best.
• Wooden Spoon - to break up the jackfruit pieces.
• Baking Tray - for baking the jackfruit. Make sure it's large enough to spread the jackfruit mix evenly.
• Blender - for making the avocado crema. A high-speed blender will ensure the crema is smooth.
• Dry Pan - for warming the corn tortillas. A non-stick pan is preferred to prevent the tortillas from sticking and tearing.

🧑‍🍳 Instructions (Step-by-Step)

Step 1 - Sauté the diced onion and minced garlic.

Step 2 - Add the drained jackfruit pieces to the pan and break it up with a wooden spoon.

Step 3 - Add the remaining ingredients (sugar, seasonings, lime juice, tomato paste, vegetable broth) and stir well.

Step 4 - Cook the mixture over medium heat until the liquid evaporates.

Step 5 - Spread the mix evenly on a baking tray and bake for 20-25 minutes.

Step 6 - Blend ripe avocado, lime juice, and salt to make the avocado crema.

Step 7 - Warm the tortillas and fill them with the baked jackfruit carnitas, sweetcorn, pickled onions, avocado crema, fresh cilantro, and a squeeze of lime.

🍽️ Serving

These Jackfruit Carnitas Tacos are best served hot and right out of the kitchen. Pair them with a fresh salad, or a side of guacamole, pico de gallo or a drizzle of vegan sour cream for added flavor.

You can enjoy these vegan tacos as a meal on their own, or as part of a larger Mexican-themed dinner. Don't forget to squeeze a bit more lime over the tacos just before eating for an extra zest!

The jackfruit carnitas recipe is also delicious on a vegan burrito or for serving up some delicious burrito bowls!

❄️ Storage

If you have leftovers of your delicious Jackfruit Carnitas Tacos, don't worry, they store well! Just make sure to store the individual taco elements separate.

The jackfruit filling can be kept in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. The Avocado Crema should be consumed within 1-2 days for best taste as it can brown and change in flavor over time.

How to reheat

To reheat the jackfruit filling, you can either use a microwave or a stovetop. If using a microwave, transfer the jackfruit filling to a microwave-safe dish and heat on medium power, checking every 30 seconds until it's heated through.

For stovetop reheating, put the jackfruit filling in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until it's hot. Once heated, you can assemble your tacos with fresh tortillas and toppings for a quick and delicious meal!

🔜 Related Recipes

If you enjoyed this recipe for Vegan Jackfruit Carnitas, you might also like some of our other plant-based dishes. Try our Buffalo Chickpeas for a fiery and flavorful protein boost, or enjoy a light and refreshing meal with our Mango Salsa Lettuce Wraps.

Here's a handy recipe card that you can print out and keep in your kitchen for easy reference:

📖 Recipe Card

Jackfruit Carnitas Tacos

Romy

Relish the rich flavors of these Vegan Jackfruit Carnitas Tacos! Packed with slow-cooked smoky jackfruit carnitas and served alongside a crunchy sprinkle of sweetcorn, pickled onions and a zesty avocado crema, these vegan tacos are simply a must-try.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine Mexican, vegan

Servings 4 servings

Equipment

• 1 large pan
• 1 baking tray
• 1 blender
• 1 dry pan for warming the tortillas

Ingredients

  

For the jackfruit carnitas

• 2 teaspoon vegetable oil
• 1 medium onion diced
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 1 tin jackfruit confit (200g / 7oz) drained
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon ground cumin
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ¼ teaspoon chilli powder
• Juice of 1 lime
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• ½ cup vegetable broth (120 ml)

For the avocado crema

• 1 large ripe avocado
• juice of 1 lime
• salt to taste

To assemble the tacos

• corn tortillas
• sweetcorn
• pickled onions
• fresh cilantro
• lime wedges

Instructions

 

• Preheat your oven to 200C/180C fan/400F. In a large pan over medium-high heat, sauté the diced onion and minced garlic until they are softened.
• Add the jackfruit confit to the pan. Use your spoon to break it up into smaller pieces.
• Add the brown sugar, salt, pepper, oregano, cumin, smoked paprika, chilli powder, lime juice, tomato paste, and vegetable broth to the pan. Stir everything well to combine all the ingredients.
• Keep the mixture on medium heat and cook until all the liquid evaporates. Then spread the jackfruit mixture evenly on a baking tray. Bake it in the oven for 20-25 minutes, until it turns crispy and golden.
• While the jackfruit is baking, prepare the avocado crema. Blend the ripe avocado, lime juice, and salt until the mixture is smooth.
• Warm the corn tortillas in a dry pan. Fill them with the baked jackfruit carnitas, sweetcorn, pickled onions, a dollop of avocado crema, a sprinkle of fresh cilantro, and a squeeze of lime.
• Serve the tacos immediately. Enjoy your homemade Jackfruit Carnitas Tacos!

Keyword avocado crema, jackfruit, jackfruit carnitas, vegan carnitas, Vegan Mexican Food, vegan tacos

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