EASY VEGAN JACKFRUIT TACOS!

EASY VEGAN JACKFRUIT TACOS! is a easy Mexican recipe that serves 4. 250 calories per serving. Recipe by It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken on YouTube.

Prep: 9 min | Cook: 18 min | Total: 32 min

Cost: $11.52 total, $2.88 per serving

Ingredients

  • 1 can (20 oz) Young Green Jackfruit in Brine (drained, rinsed, core sliced thinly, seeds left in)
  • 1 tablespoon Light Oil (canola, vegetable, or sunflower oil)
  • 1 medium Yellow Onion (peeled and diced)
  • 4 cloves Garlic (minced)
  • 1/2 cup Vegetable Broth (low sodium)
  • 1/2 Lime (juiced)
  • 1 tablespoon Agave Syrup (adds a subtle sweetness)
  • 1 teaspoon Chili Powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon Cumin
  • 1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon Salt (adjust to taste)
  • 8 Small Corn Tortillas (soft or crunchy, warmed before serving)
  • 1/4 cup Red Onion (thinly sliced for topping)
  • 1 Avocado (diced)
  • 1/4 cup Cilantro (roughly chopped)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Jackfruit

    Open the can, drain and rinse the jackfruit. Slice off as much of the tough core as possible, then cut the pieces into long, thin strips. Keep any seeds; they will soften during cooking.

    Time: PT5M

  2. Chop Aromatics

    Dice the yellow onion and mince the garlic.

    Time: PT3M

  3. Heat Oil

    Place the pan over medium‑high heat and add 1 tablespoon of light oil. Let the oil shimmer.

    Time: PT1M

    Temperature: medium‑high

  4. Sauté Onion & Garlic

    Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the hot oil. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion becomes translucent and begins to brown, about 5 minutes.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: medium‑high

  5. Add Jackfruit and Flavorings

    Stir in the sliced jackfruit, 1/2 cup vegetable broth, juice of ½ lime, 1 tbsp agave syrup, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and salt. Mix until everything is evenly coated.

    Time: PT1M

  6. Simmer

    Cover the pan with a lid and let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes, or until the jackfruit is tender and about half of the broth has been absorbed.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: medium

  7. Mash to Shred

    Remove the lid and use a potato masher to break up the jackfruit, creating a shredded, chicken‑like texture.

    Time: PT2M

  8. Adjust Moisture

    If the jackfruit seems too dry, add a little more vegetable broth and stir. If it’s too wet, continue cooking uncovered for another minute to evaporate excess liquid.

    Time: PT2M

    Temperature: medium

  9. Toast Tortillas

    Heat a clean dry pan over low‑ish heat. Using tongs, place a tortilla directly on the pan (or flame if using gas), rotate every few seconds until lightly charred and warm, about 30 seconds per side. Repeat for all tortillas.

    Time: PT3M

    Temperature: low

  10. Assemble Tacos

    Place a generous scoop of the shredded jackfruit onto each warm tortilla. Top with thinly sliced red onion, diced avocado, and chopped cilantro. Serve immediately.

    Time: PT2M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
250
Protein
4 g
Carbohydrates
35 g
Fat
8 g
Fiber
6 g

Dietary info: Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten‑Free (with corn tortillas), Dairy‑Free, Low‑Fat

Allergens: Corn (if using corn tortillas)

Last updated: April 29, 2026

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EASY VEGAN JACKFRUIT TACOS!

Recipe by It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken

A quick, healthy, and delicious vegan taco filling made from canned young green jackfruit that mimics shredded meat. Ready in about 30 minutes, these tacos are perfect for a weeknight dinner and can be customized with your favorite toppings.

EasyMexicanServes 4

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
12m
Prep
17m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
39m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$11.52
Total cost
$2.88
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Cutting the jackfruit core thinly to avoid chewiness.
  • Mashing the jackfruit to achieve a shredded texture.
  • Simmering with lid on to absorb flavors and reduce broth.

Safety Warnings

  • Handle hot oil with care to avoid burns.
  • Use a sharp knife and stable cutting board when slicing jackfruit.
  • Watch steam when covering the pan; lift lid away from face.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of jackfruit tacos in Mexican-inspired vegan cuisine?

A

Jackfruit tacos are a modern, plant‑based twist on traditional Mexican street tacos. While jackfruit is native to South and Southeast Asia, its shredded texture mimics pulled pork or chicken, making it a popular meat substitute in vegan adaptations of Mexican dishes.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of jackfruit tacos in Mexican cuisine?

A

Traditional Mexican tacos use meats like carne asada, al pastor, or carnitas. In vegan adaptations, jackfruit can replace these proteins, and regional toppings such as pickled red onions in the north or avocado and cilantro in central Mexico are commonly used.

cultural
Q

How is jackfruit traditionally served in Mexican street food culture?

A

In authentic Mexican street food, tacos are served on warm corn tortillas with simple toppings like onions, cilantro, salsa, and a squeeze of lime. The vegan version follows the same presentation, letting the seasoned jackfruit shine as the filling.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations are jackfruit tacos associated with in vegan Mexican cuisine?

A

Jackfruit tacos are popular for casual gatherings, Taco Tuesdays, and vegan‑friendly celebrations because they are quick, crowd‑pleasing, and can be prepared ahead of time for parties or family meals.

cultural
Q

What makes Easy Vegan Jackfruit Tacos special or unique in vegan Mexican cuisine?

A

The recipe uses canned young green jackfruit, which provides a meat‑like texture without any processing. Combined with a simple spice blend and a quick mash, it creates a flavorful, shredded filling that mimics traditional taco meat while staying entirely plant‑based.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Easy Vegan Jackfruit Tacos?

A

Common errors include over‑cooking the jackfruit so it becomes mushy, not mashing enough to achieve the shredded texture, and using too much liquid which can make the filling soggy. Follow the timing and mash step closely for best results.

technical
Q

Why does this Easy Vegan Jackfruit Tacos recipe use a potato masher instead of a fork or food processor?

A

A potato masher gives enough pressure to break the jackfruit into strands without turning it into a puree. A fork may not shred enough, and a food processor can over‑process, losing the desired texture.

technical
Q

Can I make the jackfruit filling ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes, you can prepare the jackfruit mixture up to step 8, let it cool, and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove before assembling the tacos.

technical
Q

What texture and appearance should I look for when making Easy Vegan Jackfruit Tacos?

A

The jackfruit should be moist but not watery, with strands that resemble shredded chicken or pork. It should be lightly browned from the spices and have a glossy coating from the broth and agave.

technical
Q

How do I know when the jackfruit is done cooking in this recipe?

A

The jackfruit is done when it is tender, the broth has reduced by about half, and the pieces can be easily pulled apart with a fork or masher into fluffy strands.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken focuses on vegan and plant‑based recipes that replicate classic comfort foods, offering easy‑to‑follow tutorials for home cooks seeking healthier, animal‑free alternatives.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken's approach to vegan Mexican cooking differ from other vegan cooking channels?

A

It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken emphasizes quick, weeknight‑friendly dishes using readily available pantry ingredients, like canned jackfruit, and often includes playful, relatable commentary, whereas many other channels may focus on elaborate or specialty‑ingredient recipes.

channel

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