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Best Jackfruit Tacos
5 from 24 votes

Best Jackfruit Tacos

The Best Jackfruit Tacos use shredded green jackfruit seasoned with cumin, chili powder, and garlic, sautéed with onions, and coated in a tangy sauce made from tomato paste, maple syrup, lime juice, and salt. This plant-based filling mimics the texture of shredded meat and is cooked to absorb a balanced sweet and savory flavor, making it suitable for vegetarian or vegan taco servings.

Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
10 mins
Total Time
20 mins
Servings: 2
Calories: 123 kcal
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Vegan

Ingredients

  • 1 (20 oz.) can green jackfruit , drained and rinsed
  • 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1/2 red onion , diced
  • 1 teaspoon cumin ground
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (or 2 cloves minced garlic)
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste (with no salt added)
  • 1 tablespoon maple syrup
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice (or lemon juice)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • water as needed

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Drain the canned jackfruit, and rinse it very well to remove any brine. Use your fingers to "shred" the jackfruit into pieces that resemble shredded meat. Rinse the jackfruit again, then set it aside.
  2. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, and saute the onion until it starts to soften, about 5 minutes.
  3. Add the cumin, chili powder, and garlic to the skillet and stir briefly, just until the onions are coated in the spices. Add the jackfruit to the skillet and stir again. Add a splash of water to the pan if the seasonings are sticking to the bottom.
  4. In a small bowl, stir together the tomato paste, mape syrup, lime juice, and salt. Add about 2 tablespoons of water, or more as needed, to help thin it out into a sauce that resembles the texture of ketchup. (If your tomato paste includes salt in the ingredients, leave out the salt and add it to taste later.)
  5. Add the sauce to the skillet and stir well to coat the jackfruit. Cook and stir until everything is heated through, and adjust any seasonings to taste. Depending on how well you rinsed your jackfruit, you may want to add a little more salt, or another splash of maple syrup to help balance out the acidity. Serve warm, in your favorite taco shells and with your favorite toppings.
  6. Leftover jackfruit taco meat should keep well in an airtight container for up to a week in the fridge.

Notes

  • Double the recipe quantities to serve more than two adults comfortably.
  • Use fresh lime juice for brighter acidity in the sauce if possible.
  • Rinse and shred jackfruit well to remove brine and improve texture.

Nutrition Information

Calories 123kcal (6%) Carbohydrates 14g (5%) Protein 1g (2%) Fat 7g (11%) Saturated Fat 1g (5%) Sodium 728mg (30%) Potassium 262mg (6%) Fiber 1g (4%) Sugar 9g (18%) Vitamin A 541IU (11%) Vitamin C 8mg (9%) Calcium 32mg (3%) Iron 1mg (6%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 2 Serving

Amount Per Serving

Calories 123

% Daily Value*

Calories 123kcal 6%
Carbohydrates 14g 5%
Protein 1g 2%
Fat 7g 11%
Saturated Fat 1g 5%
Sodium 728mg 30%
Potassium 262mg 6%
Fiber 1g 4%
Sugar 9g 18%
Vitamin A 541IU 11%
Vitamin C 8mg 9%
Calcium 32mg 3%
Iron 1mg 6%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.