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    Home » Recipes » Game Day Favourites

    May 21, 2017 120 Comments

    Easy Vegan Jackfruit Tacos

    20.7K shares
    Jump to Recipe

    Easy Vegan Jackfruit Tacos are a perfect quick and easy dish. Jackfruit has a shredded meat texture, and in this recipe, it is packed full of spices and can be layered on a taco with your favorite toppings. Perfect for Taco Tuesday!

    Easy Vegan Jackfruit Tacos! Takes just 25 minutes to whip up for a perfect weeknight meal. So delicious even meat eaters will love this! Vegetarian, gluten-free. #itdoesnttastelikechicken

    There are four of my favorite words in the title of this recipe... yeah, I bet you guessed each and every word, you clever minx you. Easy Vegan Jackfruit Tacos. Boom.

    EASY: Every now and then I don't mind a more complicated recipe such as my Vegan Tiramisu (so worth it), but for the most part, I like my recipes easy, and I like 'em quick. These jackfruit tacos just require a little sautéing, add some seasonings, then mash, and done. They take less than 30 minutes to prepare. Easy peasy, quick, and so super delicious.

    VEGAN: pre-tay sure that you aren't surprised that this is one of my favourite words. Not only did this life-changing word make me a healthier, happier, more compassionate and environmentally-friendly human being, but it also gave my career a 180-degree flip. Now I have the job of my dreams (that I didn't even know I was dreaming about)!

    JACKFRUIT: the fruit that is the jack of all trades. You can eat this fruit ripe and sweet, which to be honest is not my fave, but where jackfruit really shines is when you get it young and green. At this stage, it's starchy, savoury and is so amazing in that it replicates pulled or shredded meat almost exactly. Except, of course, it's so much better! I swear I was eating these tacos and wondered why in the world would anyone want to eat a chicken when they can have jackfruit!?

    TACOS: this Mexican handheld food with endless topping combos is an all-time fave for me. There's an entire day of the week dedicated to tacos called #tacotuesday! So I'm clearly not the only one who get's this excited about tacos. Just as this shirt says, mas tacos por favor.

    Easy Vegan Jackfruit Tacos! Takes just 25 minutes to whip up for a perfect weeknight meal. So delicious even meat eaters will love this! Vegetarian, gluten-free. #itdoesnttastelikechicken

    Common Questions:

    What can you make with jackfruit? 
    Jackfruit is perfect for making a shredded meat texture so it is great in tacos, on a BBQ jackfruit sandwich, as a jackfruit salad sandwich, or try my buffalo jackfruit to use on nachos!

    Is jackfruit healthier than meat?
    Yes! Jackfruit is a whole plant food that is full of fiber, vitamins, and minerals. It is also cholesterol-free, and free of harmful animal proteins.

    How do you use jackfruit?
    When ripe, jackfruit is very sweet and can be eaten as is like any other fruit. I prefer to use young green jackfruit found in a can that is in brine or water (not syrup). When the jackfruit is young (and not fully ripe), it's much starchier and not sweet and makes for a great meat substitute. The cool thing about it is that once cooked, it has this pulled pork, shredded texture that is totally fun.

    How do you use jackfruit?
    To prepare young green jackfruit, slice it into thin pieces, then cook it for a bit to soften it. Once it is softened you can mash it with a potato masher to get a shredded meat texture. Season with any spices, sauces, or flavor you like! You can use it in tacos, burgers, curry, on pizza, in stir-fries, pot pie, on nachos, in sandwiches- really anywhere you wanted a shredded meat replacement.

    Easy Vegan Jackfruit Tacos! Takes just 25 minutes to whip up for a perfect weeknight meal. So delicious even meat eaters will love this! Vegetarian, gluten-free. #itdoesnttastelikechicken

    How make Easy Vegan Jackfruit Tacos:

    First, you are going to need jackfruit. (I know, you're probably shocked). It's important that you find young green jackfruit in brine or in water, and not the sweet ripe kind in syrup. You can pick it up on Amazon, or check out any Asian grocery store.

    Easy Vegan Jackfruit Tacos! Takes just 25 minutes to whip up for a perfect weeknight meal. So delicious even meat eaters will love this! Vegetarian, gluten-free. #itdoesnttastelikechicken

    For optimal texture, use a knife to cut the jackfruit into thin slices from core to the outer edge as seen in the picture above. This breaks up the tougher core as much as possible and makes for the best shredded texture.

    Easy Vegan Jackfruit Tacos! Takes just 25 minutes to whip up for a perfect weeknight meal. So delicious even meat eaters will love this! Vegetarian, gluten-free. #itdoesnttastelikechicken

    Do NOT discard the core or seeds, they are totally edible and you are just wasting precious jackfruit!

    Easy Vegan Jackfruit Tacos! Takes just 25 minutes to whip up for a perfect weeknight meal. So delicious even meat eaters will love this! Vegetarian, gluten-free. #itdoesnttastelikechicken

    Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When hot, add the onions and garlic and sauté for about 5 minutes until the onions have softened and begin to brown.

    Easy Vegan Jackfruit Tacos! Takes just 25 minutes to whip up for a perfect weeknight meal. So delicious even meat eaters will love this! Vegetarian, gluten-free. #itdoesnttastelikechicken

    Add the chopped jackfruit, broth, agave, lime juice and all the spices to the pot and cover. Reduce heat and let it simmer until the jackfruit softens slightly, and about ½ of the liquid is absorbed. About 5 minutes.

    Easy Vegan Jackfruit Tacos! Takes just 25 minutes to whip up for a perfect weeknight meal. So delicious even meat eaters will love this! Vegetarian, gluten-free. #itdoesnttastelikechicken

    Take a potato masher and smash all the jackfruit to get that shredded texture. Pretty cool huh? If you find it a bit wet, just cook a little longer. If you find it a little dry, just add a splash more vegetable broth.

    Easy Vegan Jackfruit Tacos! Takes just 25 minutes to whip up for a perfect weeknight meal. So delicious even meat eaters will love this! Vegetarian, gluten-free. #itdoesnttastelikechicken

    To assemble the tacos, warm the taco shells according to the package directions. When warmed, add a scoop of the jackfruit, with the toppings and a squeeze of lime juice. OR you can top with whatever toppings you enjoy such as pico de gallo, guacamole, salsa, roasted sweet potato, pineapple chunks, (for something sweet), vegan cheese, vegan sour cream, hot sauce, or more salt and pepper to taste. Omnomnom.

    Easy Vegan Jackfruit Tacos! Takes just 25 minutes to whip up for a perfect weeknight meal. So delicious even meat eaters will love this! Vegetarian, gluten-free. #itdoesnttastelikechicken

    These jackfruit tacos are...

    • Meaty
    • Juicy
    • Quick to make
    • Delicious with your favorite taco toppings

    More jackfruit recipes to try:

    Vegan Jackfruit Salad Sandwich
    Easy Vegan Buffalo Jackfruit
    6 Ingredient Pulled Jackfruit

    If you try this recipe let us know by leaving a comment, rating it, and don't forget to tag @itdoesnttastelikechicken on Instagram.
    Bon appetegan!
    Sam Turnbull

    Print Recipe
    4.96 from 81 votes

    Easy Vegan Jackfruit Tacos

    Takes just 25 minutes to whip up for a perfect weeknight meal. So delicious even meat eaters will love this!
    Prep Time10 mins
    Total Time25 mins
    Course: Main Course
    Cuisine: Mexican
    Servings: 8 tacos
    Calories: 265kcal
    Author: Sam Turnbull • It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken

    Ingredients

    For the jackfruit:

    • 2 20oz cans green jackfruit in water or brine , drained, rinsed, and chopped (see instructions)
    • 1 tablespoon light oil (such as canola or vegetable)
    • 1 yellow onion , sliced
    • 4 cloves garlic , minced
    • ½ cup vegetable broth or water
    • 1 tablespoon agave
    • ½ lime , juiced
    • 2 teaspoons chili powder
    • 1 teaspoon cumin
    • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
    • ¼ teaspoon salt

    For the tacos:

    • 8 taco shells , hard or soft (gluten-free if preferred)
    • 1 avocado , sliced
    • ¼ red onion , thinly sliced
    • ¼ cup cilantro , roughly chopped
    • lime wedges
    US Customary - Metric
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    Instructions

    To chop the jackfruit:

    • For optimal texture, cut the jackfruit into thin slices from core to the outer edge as seen in the pictures above in this post. This breaks up the tougher core as much as possible and makes for the best shredded texture. Do NOT discard the core or seeds, they are totally edible, and you are just wasting precious jackfruit!

    To make the shredded jackfruit:

    • Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When hot, add the onions and garlic and sauté for about 5 minutes until the onions have softened and begin to brown.
    • Add the chopped jackfruit, broth, agave, lime juice and all the spices to the pot and cover. Reduce heat and let it simmer until the jackfruit softens slightly, and about ½ of the liquid is absorbed. About 5 minutes.
    • Now take a potato masher, and smash all the jackfruit up to get that shredded texture. If you find it a bit wet, just cook a little longer. If you find it a little dry, just add a splash more vegetable broth.

    To assemble the tacos:

    • Warm the taco shells according to the package directions. When warmed, add a scoop of the jackfruit, and top with an avocado slice, a couple red onion slices, some cilantro, and a squeeze of lime juice. Or you can top with whatever your favourite taco toppings are! I also love a squeeze of hot sauce. 

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1taco | Calories: 265kcal | Carbohydrates: 49g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 188mg | Potassium: 337mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 373IU | Vitamin C: 6mg | Calcium: 88mg | Iron: 1mg
    Did You Make This Recipe?Tag @itdoesnttastelikechicken on Instagram and Hashtag #itdoesnttastelikechicken

    More delicious vegan recipes:



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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Awright says

      November 25, 2019 at 10:23 pm

      5 stars
      Instead of vegetable broth, I used a mild chunky pico de gallo salsa at the same measurement. I also used red onion instead of white with the jackfruit mixture. It added a more flavorful taste.

      Reply
      • Sam Turnbull says

        November 26, 2019 at 10:19 am

        Sounds great!

        Reply
    2. Cindy says

      November 17, 2019 at 2:37 am

      Thank you!

      Reply
    3. Turone says

      November 13, 2019 at 12:34 pm

      Good afternoon, i can't find jackfruit in a can, would i be able to use the the fresh jackfruit to make the make the tacos??

      Reply
      • Sam Turnbull says

        November 15, 2019 at 6:29 pm

        I'm not lucky enough to have access to fresh jackfruit so I have never worked with it. If the jackfruit is young and green (and not ripe) then I imagine it should work just fine 🙂

        Reply
    4. Cindy Matthews says

      November 12, 2019 at 3:16 pm

      Hi, I can't wait to try this and like all recipes, I'll tweek it to suit my taste, but I just have a question about the agave. What does this bring to the party and will it be critical if I leave it out?

      Reply
      • Sam Turnbull says

        November 15, 2019 at 6:24 pm

        A bit of sweetness. Skip if you prefer

        Reply
    5. Sheryl says

      October 26, 2019 at 8:24 pm

      5 stars
      What would you suggest to make it look more like shredded beef instead of chicken? I didn't eat anything with feathers even when I was a carnivore, and it may sound silly, but I don't think I could eat/enjoy anything that even LOOKED like chicken! 🙂 I know I could caramelize the onions a little more but not sure that would be enough. My mom always used Kitchen Bouquet to make gravy richer and darker, but since I've never used it, I wonder if it would make it too salty? Would dark soy sauce (omitting the agave and salt in the recipe) affect the taste? Can't wait to make this!

      Reply
      • Sam Turnbull says

        October 28, 2019 at 4:58 pm

        Hi Sheryl, you could try my pulled jackfruit instead which is darker in colour. Keep in mind it's just a fruit, so you don't have to compare it to meat. Enjoy!

        Reply
    6. ERIN BEDENBAUGH says

      October 24, 2019 at 4:17 pm

      4 stars
      This recipe is delicious! But I'm using half the amount of jackfruit called for, changing nothing else, and getting a good 4 servings (8 tacos) out of it. Also, canola oil, unless organic and cold pressed, is terrible for you, as is vegetable oil no matter how it is obtained. People who know this will of course sub a healthier oil, but for people who don't, I hate to see these oils suggested in recipes.

      Reply
      • Sam Turnbull says

        October 28, 2019 at 4:45 pm

        Glad you enjoyed! Actually, I would say no oil is a health food. Many people omit the oil in these types of recipes by simply doing water or broth sauté.

        Reply
    7. Wendy says

      September 29, 2019 at 3:31 am

      5 stars
      I had to laugh when you said don't throw out the cores or seeds because I already had! I just opened my first can of jackfruit half an hour ago and "cleaned" it all up as that's what I had seen in a different video! I thought what a sad waste..... It was practically half the can! But now I know to keep it in the future. I'm glad I watched your video! I'm looking very forward to finding out what jackfruit is all about

      Reply
      • Sam Turnbull says

        September 30, 2019 at 4:59 pm

        Thanks so much Wendy! Yes, it's such a waste, I'm really not sure why other people say to do that! I hope you have fun with jackfruit 🙂

        Reply
    8. Brenda says

      September 18, 2019 at 8:08 am

      great stuff , but super annoying video
      thanks for recipe.

      Reply
      • Sam Turnbull says

        September 18, 2019 at 11:40 am

        So don't watch my videos then, easy solution. Glad you enjoyed the recipe 🙂

        Reply
        • susan oldenburger says

          November 17, 2019 at 1:11 pm

          5 stars
          I love the videos, stop being so mean, I have tried so many of your recipes and they are great, Thankyou Sam

        • Sam Turnbull says

          November 25, 2019 at 5:54 pm

          You're most welcome, Susan. So glad you enjoy my content!

        • Rebecca says

          June 30, 2020 at 11:01 pm

          yaaaas hehe silly haters

    9. erin says

      May 29, 2019 at 10:29 am

      4 stars
      Hi! We're not vegan but trying to cut down on meat consumption! I've been wanting to try jackfruit for awhile and we tried our very first recipe for supper last night! I'm amazed how close the look, color, and texture is to pulled pork!! We loved your recipe but we definitely needed to double the spices for a 30 oz. bag of jackfruit. I would actually triple the spice mix next time! I'm wondering if marinating the jackfruit overnight would also help with the flavour - any ideas? Thanks again and looking forward to more jackfruit recipes!!

      Reply
      • Sam Turnbull says

        June 10, 2019 at 11:52 am

        Hi Erin, so happy you enjoyed! I am guessing the jackfruit you purchased isn't in brine like the canned version? If that's correct then that's likely the reason your jackfruit was lacking a little punch. Free free to adjust flavours as needed! 🙂

        Reply
    10. Linnea Hanson says

      May 16, 2019 at 10:41 pm

      5 stars
      We just had this for dinner. The hubby and the four year old adore it, so it looks like it will be one of our regulars. Thanks!

      Reply
      • Sam Turnbull says

        May 20, 2019 at 4:02 pm

        Haha! Awesome! So happy everyone enjoyed it 🙂

        Reply
    11. Dan says

      May 14, 2019 at 3:12 pm

      5 stars
      Sam - sometimes you are a lifesaver at dinner time! If I've gotten lost in work and suddenly - what's for dinner??? I can always find a recipe of yours that is perfect for - what I might have left in the fridge! Tonight it was - ooops used most of the ingredients yesterday that I needed for what I had originally planned on for dinner tonight, and then saw a can of Jackfruit on my shelf. Jackfruit Tacos anyone! Thanks....

      Reply
      • Sam Turnbull says

        May 20, 2019 at 3:27 pm

        Aww that's awesome, Dan! So happy my recipes work so well for you 🙂

        Reply
    12. Molly says

      May 14, 2019 at 8:59 am

      Hiii, this is amazing, you are amazing!!! Just bought your book, can't wait to make the goods! Request! Jackfruit Bao? To go with some Vegan Ramen 🙂 Thanks again for this amazing blog 😀

      Reply
      • Sam Turnbull says

        May 20, 2019 at 3:21 pm

        Aww thank you so much, Molly! Request noted 🙂 I hope you love the book 🙂

        Reply
    13. Doreen Karp says

      April 04, 2019 at 9:57 pm

      I cannot eat chili or paprika spices so what spices would you suggest using instead.

      Reply
      • Sam Turnbull says

        April 08, 2019 at 7:04 pm

        You can omit them and add more of the other spices to taste. Enjoy!

        Reply
      • Juli says

        December 09, 2019 at 3:52 am

        Thanks for makin my chosen life style easy for me as a new vegan. I like your style and energy

        Reply
        • Sam Turnbull says

          December 11, 2019 at 8:12 am

          Thank you so much!

    14. Robyn Newman says

      March 28, 2019 at 3:44 pm

      Can I use fresh jack fruit for this recipe? Would I need to change anything if so? Saw some fresh jack fruit at my local grocer and thought I’d try it but most recipes call for canned jack fruit!

      Reply
      • Sam Turnbull says

        April 01, 2019 at 10:06 am

        I don't have the pleasure of having access to fresh jackfruit, so I have never worked with it. I imagine that as long it is a young green jackfruit (and not a fully ripe one) the recipe should work just fine. Enjoy!

        Reply
    15. Eeka says

      March 08, 2019 at 9:16 am

      You say 'don't waste the seeds & core' of the jackfruit - do you have any ideas/recipes for them?
      Thank you!

      Reply
      • Sam Turnbull says

        March 08, 2019 at 9:59 am

        Hi Eeka, you use the seeds and core in this recipe. Enjoy! 🙂

        Reply
    16. Nat says

      February 07, 2019 at 12:19 am

      My family loves this meal, thank you! Just wondering if I can prep and then keep in the fridge to reheat later. How long would it last in the fridge do you think?

      Thanks

      Reply
      • Sam Turnbull says

        February 08, 2019 at 4:00 pm

        Hi Nat, absolutely. The jackfruit should keep for 3 - 4 days when kept in an air-tight container in the fridge. Enjoy!

        Reply
    17. NJ Dromi says

      January 14, 2019 at 10:31 am

      5 stars
      Made these for our end of Sabbath dinner the other night. They were SO DELICIOUS. We’re gonna start a new tradition thanks to you — Shabbat + Tacos = Shabbacos

      Reply
      • Sam Turnbull says

        January 14, 2019 at 11:25 am

        Haha! Awesome! Happy Shabbacos!

        Reply
    18. Ean says

      December 28, 2018 at 7:36 pm

      5 stars
      Super tasty! My chili powder was spicier than I anticipated so I added a bit more maple syrup, which I used in place of the agave syrup.

      I also did not have a potato masher, so I ended up breaking up the jackfruit with the back of a spatula. The texture was slightly mushier but it worked well enough, just in case anyone else was looking for alternative to the masher!

      Reply
      • Sam Turnbull says

        January 03, 2019 at 10:42 am

        Wonderful! So happy you enjoyed it so much, Ean 🙂

        Reply
    19. Valeen says

      November 01, 2018 at 3:26 pm

      5 stars
      Wow! So so good!!! My husband liked it too.
      This was my first time with jackfruit, yikes! Thank you so much for the pictures and the YouTube video, you made it so easy! {clapping}
      Thank you so much for making cooking fun again 😀

      *For anyone nervous to try this meal - We have been meat eaters for 40 years and are jumping into a plant based diet. I promise it's good!

      Reply
      • Sam Turnbull says

        November 02, 2018 at 2:32 pm

        Haha! Awesome! So happy you enjoyed it so much, Valeen 🙂

        Reply
        • Glen W Pollock says

          November 14, 2018 at 7:05 pm

          4 stars
          try taking the jackfruit and putting in a food processor rather than using a potato masher. the results are pretty much the same but so much easier;

    20. Karen says

      September 28, 2018 at 12:42 pm

      5 stars
      SO yummy! Omnivore hubby went back for seconds, and somehow I still had leftovers for lunch the next day (the flavors had melded even more, win!) Topped it with avocado, tomatoes from our garden, and the sour cream-ish recipe from your book, and added a side of veggie refried beans.
      Looking forward to trying your BBQ Jackfruit recipe next. Oh, and those tofu bites you just posted. Om-nom!!

      Reply
      • Sam Turnbull says

        September 28, 2018 at 4:58 pm

        Woohoo!! So thrilled you are enjoying so many recipes, Karen 🙂

        Reply
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