Vegan Jackfruit Tacos

An easy and flavorful vegan taco recipe featuring pulled jackfruit as a substitute for meat, perfect for a Mexican-inspired meal.

Recipe Details

  • Prep Time: 60 min
  • Cook Time: 45 min
  • Total Time: 1 hr 45 min
  • Servings: 10 servings

Full Ingredient List

  • 4 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 medium red onion, finely diced
  • 4 cloves garlic, finely diced
  • 1 heaped tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp ground coriander
  • 1 pinch ground cinnamon
  • 2-3 pinches ground cloves
  • 1 tsp sambal oelek or chilli powder
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 2 x 565 g / 20 oz tins young (green) jackfruit in water
  • 4 tbsp soy sauce
  • 3 tbsp maple syrup
  • 1-2 tsp liquid smoke
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • ¼ tsp white pepper
  • 185 g / 1½ cups all purpose white flour
  • ½ tsp baking powder
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 15 ripe plum tomatoes
  • 1 spring onion, sliced thinly
  • 2 tsp lime juice
  • ¾ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp sugar
  • salt & pepper
  • Romaine lettuce, shredded
  • small bunch of coriander
  • quick-pickled red onions
  • vegan sour cream

Pulled Jackfruit

Tools and Equipment

  • Medium heavy-bottomed pan
  • Baking tray
  • Baking paper

Ingredients

Quantity Name Preparation Notes Substitutions
4 tbsp olive oil
1 medium red onion finely diced
4 cloves garlic finely diced
1 heaped tsp ground cumin
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp ground coriander
1 pinch ground cinnamon
2-3 pinches ground cloves adjust to taste
1 tsp sambal oelek or chilli powder to taste
2 tbsp tomato paste
2 x 565 g / 20 oz tins young (green) jackfruit in water drained, and ends removed
4 tbsp soy sauce
3 tbsp maple syrup
1-2 tsp liquid smoke adjust to taste increase smoked paprika if unavailable
1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
¼ tsp white pepper black pepper

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Drain the jackfruit tins. Cut off the firm, pointy ends of the jackfruit pieces. Set aside. (Tips: You can save the pointed ends for another recipe or use them finely chopped in the mix.)
  2. Step 2: Heat olive oil in a medium pan. Fry diced red onion until softened and lightly caramelized. Add garlic and cook until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Add cumin, smoked paprika, coriander, cinnamon, and cloves. Stir and fry for about a minute. (Tips: Keep stirring to avoid burning the spices.)
  4. Step 4: Mix in the tomato paste and sambal oelek or chili powder.
  5. Step 5: Add prepared jackfruit, soy sauce, maple syrup, liquid smoke, apple cider vinegar, and white pepper. Mix well and squash the jackfruit to separate fibers. Simmer for 10-15 minutes. (Tips: Taste and adjust seasonings if needed.)
  6. Step 6: Allow jackfruit to cool, then refrigerate overnight to enhance flavors. (Tips: Placing in an airtight container is recommended.)
  7. Step 7: Preheat oven to 200° C / 390° F. Spread jackfruit mixture on a lined baking tray and bake for 20-25 minutes until browned slightly. (Tips: Ensure an even spread for uniform browning.)

Soft Tacos

Tools and Equipment

  • Kettle
  • Large bowl
  • Rolling pin
  • Damp kitchen towel
  • Medium heavy-bottomed or griddle pan

Ingredients

Quantity Name Preparation Notes Substitutions
185 g / 1½ cups all purpose white flour
½ tsp baking powder
¾ tsp salt
2 tbsp vegetable oil olive oil suitable
about 120 ml / ½ cup hot water
as needed additional flour for rolling

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Mix flour, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl. Stir in vegetable oil. (Tips: Use hands to incorporate well.)
  2. Step 2: Boil water. Add about 120 ml of hot water to the flour mixture, mix with a spoon, then knead into a smooth dough. (Tips: Add more water if dough is too dry.)
  3. Step 3: Cover dough with a damp towel and let rest 30 minutes. (Tips: This step is crucial for soft tacos.)
  4. Step 4: Divide rested dough into 10 pieces. Roll each into a thin circle. (Tips: Use a floured surface and avoid over-flouring.)
  5. Step 5: Cook tortillas on medium-heat pan until small bubbles appear, about 1-2 minutes a side. (Tips: Do not overcook to keep them soft.)

Salsa

Tools and Equipment

  • Knife
  • Mixing bowl

Ingredients

Quantity Name Preparation Notes Substitutions
15 ripe plum tomatoes finely diced
1, sliced thinly spring onion
2 tsp lime juice
½ tsp sugar
to taste salt & pepper

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Combine diced tomatoes, sliced spring onion, and lime juice in a bowl. (Tips: Use ripe tomatoes for best flavor.)
  2. Step 2: Season with sugar, salt, and pepper. Mix well and set aside. (Tips: Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.)

Additional Information

Notes: For best results, prepare the jackfruit a day in advance. Adjust liquid smoke to taste, as brands can vary in intensity.

Tags

easy healthy vegan Mexican