Vegan Jackfruit Carnitas
Vegan Jackfruit Carnitas is a easy Mexican recipe that serves 4. 320 calories per serving. Recipe by Vegan Hacks on YouTube.
Prep: 15 min | Cook: 30 min | Total: 55 min
Cost: $13.24 total, $3.31 per serving
Ingredients
- 2 cans Young Green Jackfruit in Brine (14‑oz cans, drained, rinsed, and shredded by hand)
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil (extra‑virgin, for sautéing)
- 1 medium Yellow Onion (finely diced)
- 3 cloves Garlic (minced)
- 1 whole Jalapeño Pepper (seeded and minced; adjust for heat)
- 1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika (adds smoky depth)
- 1 teaspoon Ground Cumin
- ¼ teaspoon Cayenne Pepper (optional for extra heat)
- 1 cup Tomato Puree (unsalted, can use canned crushed tomatoes blended)
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black Pepper
- 8 pieces Large Flour Tortillas (4 for burritos, 4 for quesadillas; can use gluten‑free tortillas)
- 1 cup Vegan Shredded Cheese (optional for quesadilla; soy‑based)
- 1 whole Avocado (sliced, for serving)
- ½ cup Fresh Salsa (store‑bought or homemade)
- 2 tablespoons Fresh Cilantro (chopped, for garnish)
Instructions
Drain and Shred Jackfruit
Open the cans, pour the jackfruit into a colander, rinse under cold water, then use your hands or two forks to pull apart the pieces into shreds resembling pulled pork.
Time: PT5M
Prep Aromatics
Dice the onion, mince the garlic, and finely chop the jalapeño (remove seeds if you prefer less heat).
Time: PT5M
Sauté Onion, Garlic, and Jalapeño
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and sauté 3‑4 minutes until translucent, then add garlic and jalapeño and cook another 1‑2 minutes.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: Medium heat
Add Spices and Tomato Puree
Stir in smoked paprika, cumin, cayenne, salt, and pepper. Pour in the tomato puree, mix well, and let simmer for 2 minutes to meld flavors.
Time: PT2M
Temperature: Medium heat
Cook Down the Jackfruit
Add the shredded jackfruit to the skillet, toss to coat with the sauce, and cook uncovered for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until most of the liquid evaporates and the mixture looks dry and slightly caramelized.
Time: PT10M
Temperature: Medium‑high heat
Air‑Fry for Meaty Texture
Transfer the cooked jackfruit to the air fryer basket in a single layer. Air‑fry at 400°F for 10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the edges are crisp and the texture feels meaty.
Time: PT10M
Temperature: 400°F
Assemble Burritos
Warm the flour tortillas briefly (microwave 15 seconds or on a dry skillet). Place a generous scoop of the air‑fried jackfruit in the center, add sliced avocado, salsa, and cilantro. Fold the sides and roll tightly.
Time: PT5M
Make the Ultimate Jackfruit Quesadilla (Optional)
Lay a tortilla on a clean surface, sprinkle ½ cup vegan shredded cheese, add ½ cup of the jackfruit mixture, top with another tortilla. Lightly spray with oil and air‑fry at 380°F for 5 minutes, flipping halfway, until cheese melts and both sides are golden.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: 380°F
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 320
- Protein
- 12 g
- Carbohydrates
- 45 g
- Fat
- 12 g
- Fiber
- 8 g
Dietary info: Vegan, Dairy‑free, Can be made gluten‑free with alternative tortillas
Allergens: Soy (in vegan cheese), Gluten (in regular flour tortillas)
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Young Green Jackfruit in Brine: Shredded oyster mushrooms, Soy curls, Pulled jackfruit (fresh)
- Instead of Olive Oil: Canola oil, Avocado oil
- Instead of Yellow Onion: White onion, Shallots
- Instead of Garlic: Garlic powder (1 tsp), Garlic paste
- Instead of Jalapeño Pepper: Serrano pepper, Red pepper flakes (¼ tsp)
- Instead of Smoked Paprika: Regular paprika, Chipotle powder (½ tsp)
- Instead of Ground Cumin: Coriander powder, Mexican oregano (½ tsp)
- Instead of Cayenne Pepper: Hot sauce (1 tsp), Red pepper flakes (¼ tsp)
- Instead of Tomato Puree: Marinara sauce (unsweetened), Fresh tomatoes blended
- Instead of Salt: Soy sauce (½ tsp, for extra umami), Sea salt
- Instead of Black Pepper: White pepper
- Instead of Large Flour Tortillas: Gluten‑free tortillas, Whole‑wheat tortillas
- Instead of Vegan Shredded Cheese: Nutritional yeast (¼ cup), Daiya cheese shreds
- Instead of Avocado: Guacamole, Sliced cucumber
- Instead of Fresh Salsa: Pico de gallo, Salsa verde
- Instead of Fresh Cilantro: Parsley, Green onions
Equipment Needed
- Large Skillet
- Colander
- Cutting Board
- Chef’s Knife
- Air Fryer
- Spatula
- Mixing Bowl (optional)
- Tongs (optional)
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Draining and shredding the jackfruit to remove excess brine.
- Cooking down the jackfruit mixture until most liquid evaporates.
- Air‑frying the jackfruit to achieve a crispy, meaty texture.
Chef Tips from the Video
- Add a splash of lime juice to the jackfruit after air‑frying for a fresh pop.
- For extra smoky flavor, use smoked chipotle powder instead of smoked paprika.
- If you like extra crunch, toss the finished jackfruit with a tablespoon of toasted pumpkin seeds before assembling.
Troubleshooting
Jackfruit mixture is too watery.
Continue cooking over medium‑high heat, stirring frequently, until the excess liquid evaporates. You can also add a pinch of cornstarch slurry (1 tsp cornstarch + 2 tsp water) to help thicken.
Air‑fried jackfruit isn’t crispy enough.
Make sure the pieces are spread in a single layer and not stacked. Increase the air‑fry time by 2‑3 minutes or raise the temperature to 410°F for the last minute.
Tortilla tears when rolling.
Warm the tortilla longer (20‑30 seconds) or lightly brush with a thin layer of oil to increase flexibility.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store cooked jackfruit in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze in a zip‑top bag or container for up to 2 months; thaw in the fridge before reheating.
Room temperature: Do not leave at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Prepare the jackfruit filling up to step 5 and store in the fridge; re‑air‑fry before assembling.
- Tortillas can be warmed just before serving to keep them pliable.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of jackfruit‑based burritos in Mexican‑inspired vegan cuisine?
Jackfruit has become a popular plant‑based meat substitute in modern Mexican‑style dishes because its shredded texture mimics pulled pork or chicken. Vegan chefs use it to recreate traditional street‑food flavors while keeping the dish entirely plant‑based, reflecting the growing demand for sustainable Mexican‑inspired meals.
What are the traditional regional variations of jackfruit tacos or burritos in Mexican cuisine?
While jackfruit itself is not traditional in Mexico, regional Mexican tacos often use slow‑cooked pork (carnitas) or shredded chicken. Vegan adaptations replace those proteins with jackfruit, adding local spices like chipotle, adobo, or ancho chili to honor the original flavor profiles.
How is the authentic traditional way of serving a burrito in Mexican street food culture?
In authentic Mexican street food, a burrito is typically a warm flour tortilla filled with seasoned meat, beans, rice, salsa, and sometimes cheese, then rolled tightly. It is often served hot, sometimes grilled on a comal for a lightly crisp exterior.
What occasions or celebrations is a burrito or quesadilla traditionally associated with in Mexican culture?
Burritos and quesadillas are everyday comfort foods in Mexico, commonly served at family gatherings, picnics, and casual celebrations. They are also popular during festivals like Día de los Muertos and local fairs where street vendors sell them fresh off the grill.
What other Mexican dishes pair well with this jackfruit burrito from Vegan Hacks?
Serve the jackfruit burrito alongside Mexican rice, refried black beans, a fresh cucumber‑lime salad, or a side of guacamole. A chilled agua fresca, such as hibiscus (jamaica) or cucumber‑mint, complements the smoky flavors nicely.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making the Jackfruit Burrito with Ultimate Jackfruit Quesadilla?
Common pitfalls include not draining the canned jackfruit enough, which leads to a soggy filling, and over‑cooking the spices, which can become bitter. Also, overcrowding the air‑fryer basket prevents the desired crisp texture.
Why does this Vegan Hacks recipe use an air fryer instead of pan‑frying the jackfruit for texture?
The air fryer circulates hot air evenly, creating a uniform crispness without excess oil, which mimics the charred, meaty bite of traditional carnitas while keeping the dish lower in fat and easier to achieve at home.
Can I make the jackfruit filling ahead of time and how should I store it before assembling the burritos?
Yes, you can prepare the jackfruit filling up to step 5, let it cool, and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Re‑air‑fry briefly before assembling to restore crispness.
What texture and appearance should I look for when the jackfruit is done cooking before air‑frying?
The mixture should be mostly dry, with the jackfruit pieces coated in a thick, reddish‑brown sauce and beginning to caramelize. There should be little to no visible liquid pooling in the pan.
What does the YouTube channel Vegan Hacks specialize in?
Vegan Hacks focuses on simple, budget‑friendly vegan recipes that replace animal products with plant‑based alternatives, often using pantry staples and quick techniques to make vegan cooking accessible to beginners.
How does the YouTube channel Vegan Hacks' approach to Mexican‑style vegan cooking differ from other vegan cooking channels?
Vegan Hacks emphasizes minimal equipment, fast prep, and the use of common grocery‑store ingredients like canned jackfruit, whereas many other channels may rely on specialty vegan meat products or more elaborate spice blends.
Last updated: September 4, 2026
