Jackfruit Tacos
Jackfruit Tacos is a medium Mexican recipe that serves 4. 250 calories per serving. Recipe by More Nick on YouTube.
Prep: 20 min | Cook: 15 min | Total: 45 min
Cost: $6.93 total, $1.73 per serving
Ingredients
- 2 cups Young Green Jackfruit (shredded, canned in brine or water, drained and rinsed)
- 1 tablespoon Olive Oil (extra‑virgin, for sautéing)
- 1 clove Garlic (minced)
- 0.5 Yellow Onion (half an onion, finely diced)
- 1 teaspoon Chili Powder
- 1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika
- 1 Lime (juice only, about 2 tbsp)
- 0.5 teaspoon Salt
- 0.25 cup Chicken Stock (low‑sodium, can substitute vegetable stock for vegans)
- 1 cup Masa Harina (Corn Flour) (fine corn flour for tortillas)
- 0.75 cup Warm Water (about 110°F / 43°C)
- 0.5 Avocado (sliced)
- 0.25 cup Purple Cabbage (shredded, for crunch and color)
- 2 tablespoons Fresh Cilantro (roughly chopped)
Instructions
Prepare the Jackfruit
Drain and rinse the canned jackfruit, then use your hands or two forks to shred it into bite‑size pieces that resemble pulled pork.
Time: PT5M
Sauté Aromatics
Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and diced half onion, sauté until translucent, about 2 minutes.
Time: PT2M
Temperature: Medium heat
Season the Jackfruit
Add the shredded jackfruit to the skillet, sprinkle with 1 tsp chili powder, 1 tsp smoked paprika, ½ tsp salt, and stir to coat evenly.
Time: PT2M
Temperature: Medium heat
Add Liquid and Simmer
Pour in ¼ cup chicken stock and the juice of one lime. Reduce heat to low and let the mixture simmer, stirring occasionally, until the jackfruit becomes sticky and most of the liquid is absorbed, about 6 minutes.
Time: PT6M
Temperature: Low heat
Make the Corn Tortilla Dough
In a mixing bowl combine 1 cup masa harina with ¾ cup warm water. Stir until a smooth, pliable dough forms; let rest for 2 minutes.
Time: PT3M
Shape and Cook Tortillas
Divide the dough into 8 equal balls. Place a ball between two pieces of parchment paper and press flat with a tortilla press or a heavy skillet to about 6‑inch circles. Cook each tortilla on a hot dry griddle for ~30 seconds on each side, until light brown spots appear.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: Medium‑high heat
Assemble the Tacos
Place a warm tortilla on a plate, add a spoonful of the seasoned jackfruit, top with sliced avocado, shredded purple cabbage, and a sprinkle of chopped cilantro.
Time: PT5M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 250
- Protein
- 5 g
- Carbohydrates
- 30 g
- Fat
- 10 g
- Fiber
- 5 g
Dietary info: Contains animal products (chicken stock), Vegetarian if stock is swapped for vegetable stock, Gluten‑free
Allergens: Corn
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Young Green Jackfruit: Pulled pork, Shredded mushrooms
- Instead of Olive Oil: Canola oil, Avocado oil
- Instead of Garlic: Garlic powder (1/4 tsp), Garlic paste
- Instead of Yellow Onion: White onion, Shallots
- Instead of Chili Powder: Cajun seasoning, Paprika + cayenne blend
- Instead of Smoked Paprika: Regular paprika, Chipotle powder (½ tsp)
- Instead of Lime: Lemon juice, Vinegar (1 tsp)
- Instead of Salt: Sea salt, Soy sauce (1 tsp, reduce other salt)
- Instead of Chicken Stock: Vegetable stock, Water with a pinch of salt
- Instead of Masa Harina (Corn Flour): Whole‑meal cornmeal (coarser texture), Tortilla flour blend
- Instead of Warm Water: Warm broth (adds flavor), Milk (for softer tortillas)
- Instead of Avocado: Guacamole, Sliced cucumber
- Instead of Purple Cabbage: Red cabbage, Green cabbage
- Instead of Fresh Cilantro: Parsley, Coriander leaves
Equipment Needed
- Large Skillet
- Mixing Bowl
- Spatula or Wooden Spoon
- Cast‑Iron Griddle or Non‑stick Pan
- Knife
- Cutting Board
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Shredding the jackfruit to the right texture
- Simmering the jackfruit with stock until sticky
- Forming and cooking the corn tortillas without cracking
Chef Tips from the Video
- Toast the chili powder and smoked paprika briefly before adding the stock for a deeper smoky flavor.
- A squeeze of fresh lime at the end brightens the whole taco.
- For extra crunch, lightly toast the shredded purple cabbage in the same skillet for 1 minute.
Troubleshooting
Jackfruit turns out dry and crumbly.
Add a little more chicken stock or water during the simmer step and cook a bit longer until the mixture becomes glossy.
Tortillas crack or break when handling.
Ensure the dough is well‑hydrated; let it rest longer (5‑10 minutes) and keep the cooking surface hot but not smoking.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store cooked jackfruit in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Jackfruit can be frozen for up to 2 months; reheat gently before serving.
Room temperature: Tortillas are best served fresh; they can be kept covered at room temperature for up to 2 hours.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Prepare the jackfruit filling a day ahead; reheat gently on the stove.
- Make tortillas in advance, stack with parchment between each, and store in a sealed bag in the fridge.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of jackfruit tacos in Mexican-inspired cuisine?
Jackfruit is a tropical fruit native to South and Southeast Asia, but its shredded texture has made it a popular plant‑based substitute for pork in Mexican‑style tacos, especially among vegans and vegetarians seeking a meat‑like experience.
How do traditional Mexican street tacos differ from the jackfruit taco version presented by YouTube channel More Nick?
Traditional Mexican street tacos usually use grilled meats such as carne asada or al pastor, while More Nick’s version swaps the meat for shredded jackfruit and adds a fresh avocado‑cabbage slaw, keeping the flavor profile authentic but plant‑based.
What regional variations of jackfruit tacos exist within Mexican cuisine?
In coastal regions, jackfruit tacos may be topped with pickled red onions and a drizzle of crema, whereas in central Mexico they are often served with simple cilantro, lime, and a spicy salsa. More Nick’s recipe reflects a minimalist, fresh‑topping style.
What occasions or celebrations are jackfruit tacos traditionally associated with in modern Mexican‑inspired gatherings?
Jackfruit tacos have become popular at casual gatherings, vegan festivals, and family taco nights because they offer a crowd‑pleasing, meat‑free alternative that still feels festive and flavorful.
What authentic traditional ingredients are used in jackfruit tacos versus acceptable substitutes suggested by More Nick?
Traditional ingredients include corn masa for tortillas, lime, cilantro, and chili powders. More Nick suggests substituting chicken stock with vegetable stock for vegans and using olive oil instead of lard, which are acceptable modern adaptations.
What other Mexican dishes pair well with jackfruit tacos from the More Nick recipe?
Serve the tacos alongside Mexican street corn (elote), a simple black bean salad, or a fresh pico de gallo to round out the meal with complementary textures and flavors.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making jackfruit tacos from More Nick’s tutorial?
Common errors include over‑cooking the jackfruit so it becomes mushy, under‑hydrating the masa dough causing cracked tortillas, and neglecting to pat the shredded jackfruit dry before sautéing, which can lead to excess steam.
Why does this jackfruit taco recipe use chicken stock instead of water when simmering the jackfruit?
Chicken stock adds umami depth and richness that mimics the savory flavor of pork, helping the jackfruit achieve a meat‑like mouthfeel while still keeping the dish quick and simple.
Can I make the jackfruit taco filling ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes, the filling can be prepared up to 24 hours in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and gently reheat on the stove with a splash of stock before serving.
What texture and appearance should I look for when the jackfruit is done cooking?
The jackfruit should be glossy, slightly sticky, and have a shredded, fibrous texture that clings together but isn’t wet. It should resemble pulled pork with browned edges.
What does the YouTube channel More Nick specialize in?
The YouTube channel More Nick focuses on approachable, home‑cooked recipes that blend classic comfort foods with modern twists, often highlighting plant‑based alternatives and quick weeknight meals.
How does the YouTube channel More Nick’s approach to Mexican‑inspired cooking differ from other Mexican cooking channels?
More Nick emphasizes simplicity and ingredient accessibility, using pantry staples and easy‑to‑find produce, whereas many Mexican cooking channels may delve deeper into regional techniques or require specialty equipment.
Last updated: August 30, 2026
