Vegan Shredded Chicken Tacos?! Loaded Jackfruit Tacos

Vegan Shredded Chicken Tacos?! Loaded Jackfruit Tacos is a easy Mexican recipe that serves 4. 350 calories per serving. Recipe by Pretty Brown Vegan on YouTube.

Prep: 20 min | Cook: 25 min | Total: 55 min

Cost: $30.38 total, $7.60 per serving

Ingredients

  • 2 cans Young Green Jackfruit in Brine (20‑oz cans, drained and shredded by hand)
  • 2 Tbsp Olive Oil (for sautéing)
  • 1 medium Red Onion (diced)
  • 1 Green Bell Pepper (diced)
  • 1 Yellow Bell Pepper (diced)
  • 1 Jalapeño (seeded and minced)
  • 1 tsp Plant‑Based Chicken Bouillon Powder (adds umami, optional)
  • 2 Tbsp Taco Seasoning Blend (store‑bought or homemade (cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder))
  • 1 tsp Salt (or to taste)
  • 0.5 tsp Black Pepper (freshly ground)
  • 2 cans Rotel Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies (14.5‑oz each; one mild, one spicy)
  • 1 tsp Adobo Sauce (from canned chipotle peppers, optional for depth)
  • 1 cup 365 Vegan Shredded Cheese (e.g., mozzarella style, shredded)
  • 0.25 cup Coconut Milk (full‑fat, for cheese sauce)
  • 0.25 cup Fresh Cilantro (chopped, plus extra for garnish)
  • 0.5 cup Additional Shredded Vegan Cheese (for topping tacos)
  • 0.25 cup Fresh Red Onion (thinly sliced, for topping)
  • 8 Corn Tortillas (6‑inch, warmed)
  • 4 Lime Wedges (for serving, optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Jackfruit

    Open the cans of jackfruit, drain and rinse. Using your hands (or two forks) pull apart the pieces, removing any large seeds you encounter.

    Time: PT5M

  2. Sauté Jackfruit

    Heat 1 Tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium‑high heat. Add the shredded jackfruit, sprinkle with the taco seasoning, plant‑based chicken bouillon, salt, and pepper. Stir and cook for 4‑5 minutes until lightly browned.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: Medium‑high

  3. Set Jackfruit Aside

    Transfer the seasoned jackfruit to a bowl and set aside while you cook the vegetables.

    Time: PT1M

  4. Sauté Vegetables

    Add the remaining 1 Tbsp olive oil to the same skillet. Toss in the diced red onion, green and yellow bell peppers, and minced jalapeño. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is translucent and the peppers have softened, about 4‑5 minutes.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: Medium

  5. Combine Jackfruit & Rotel

    Return the sautéed jackfruit to the skillet. Add both cans of Rotel (mild and spicy) and stir to combine. Bring to a gentle simmer, cover, and let cook for 8‑10 minutes until the mixture thickens and flavors meld.

    Time: PT10M

    Temperature: Medium

  6. Finish the Filling

    Stir in 1 tsp adobo sauce (optional) for extra depth. Reduce heat to low and keep the filling warm while you prepare the cheese sauce.

    Time: PT2M

    Temperature: Low

  7. Make Vegan Cheese Sauce

    In a small saucepan over low heat, combine 365 vegan shredded cheese and coconut milk. Stir continuously until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes smooth and stretchy, about 4‑5 minutes.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: Low

  8. Warm Tortillas

    Wipe the skillet clean, add a thin layer of oil, and heat over medium heat. Lightly fry each tortilla for 30 seconds per side until warm and just slightly crisp. Keep them stacked under a clean kitchen towel to stay warm.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: Medium

  9. Assemble & Toast Tacos

    Place a warmed tortilla in the skillet, add a generous spoonful of the jackfruit‑Rotel filling, drizzle with cheese sauce, sprinkle extra shredded cheese, fresh red onion, and chopped cilantro. Fold the tortilla and press gently. Cook 1‑2 minutes per side until the exterior is golden and the cheese melts.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: Medium

  10. Serve

    Transfer the tacos to a serving platter, garnish with additional cilantro and lime wedges. Enjoy while hot!

    Time: PT1M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
350
Protein
12 g
Carbohydrates
45 g
Fat
12 g
Fiber
8 g

Dietary info: Vegan, Dairy‑Free, Gluten‑Free (if using corn tortillas), Nut‑Free

Allergens: Soy, Coconut

Last updated: April 19, 2026

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Vegan Shredded Chicken Tacos?! Loaded Jackfruit Tacos

Recipe by Pretty Brown Vegan

Crispy corn tortillas filled with seasoned shredded jackfruit, sautéed peppers and onions, and a creamy vegan cheese sauce made with 365 vegan cheese and coconut milk. This plant‑based comfort food is quick, flavorful, and perfect for a satisfying dinner.

EasyMexicanServes 4

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

Source Video
13m
Prep
31m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
54m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$30.38
Total cost
$7.60
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Shredding and drying the canned jackfruit to achieve a meat‑like texture.
  • Simmering the jackfruit with Rotel until the sauce thickens and flavors meld.
  • Creating a smooth vegan cheese sauce by gently melting cheese with coconut milk.

Safety Warnings

  • Handle hot oil and skillet with care to avoid burns.
  • Use oven mitts when moving hot pans.

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, allowing vegans to enjoy the familiar taco experience with a sustainable protein source.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of tacos in Mexican cuisine and how does this vegan version compare?

A

Traditional Mexican tacos vary by region—Al Pastor uses pork, Carnitas uses slow‑cooked pork, and fish tacos use battered white fish. This vegan jackfruit taco replicates the texture of Carnitas while using plant‑based ingredients, keeping the core flavors of cumin, chili, and lime.

cultural
Q

How is jackfruit traditionally prepared in Asian cuisines, and why is it suitable for vegan tacos?

A

In many Asian dishes, young green jackfruit is boiled, shredded, and seasoned to resemble meat in curries and stews. Its fibrous texture absorbs spices well, making it perfect for taco fillings where a pulled‑meat feel is desired.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations are tacos commonly associated with in Mexican culture?

A

Tacos are a staple at everyday meals, street festivals, family gatherings, and celebrations like Día de los Muertos and Cinco de Mayo. They are loved for their quick preparation and customizable toppings, which this vegan version maintains.

cultural
Q

What are the authentic traditional ingredients for Mexican tacos versus acceptable vegan substitutes used in this recipe?

A

Traditional tacos use corn tortillas, meat (often pork or beef), cheese, and lime. In this vegan recipe, shredded jackfruit replaces meat, 365 vegan cheese plus coconut milk creates a dairy‑free melt, and plant‑based bouillon adds umami. All other components—tortillas, cilantro, onion, lime—remain authentic.

cultural
Q

What other Mexican dishes pair well with jackfruit tacos from Pretty Brown Vegan?

A

Serve the tacos with a side of Mexican street corn (elote) made vegan, a fresh pico de gallo, or a simple avocado‑lime salad. A chilled cucumber agua fresca also complements the spicy filling.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making jackfruit tacos at home?

A

Common errors include not drying the jackfruit, which prevents browning; over‑cooking the cheese sauce, which makes it grainy; and overheating the tortillas, causing them to become brittle. Follow the critical steps and keep heat moderate.

technical
Q

Why does this jackfruit taco recipe use coconut milk to melt the vegan cheese instead of water or plant‑based broth?

A

Coconut milk adds richness and a creamy mouthfeel that helps the shredded cheese achieve a stretchy, melt‑like texture. Water or broth would thin the sauce and prevent the cheese from binding properly.

technical
Q

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

A

Yes, the filling can be prepared up to 24 hours ahead. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and gently reheat on the stove, adding a splash of water if it looks dry.

technical
Q

What texture and appearance should I look for when the jackfruit filling is done?

A

The jackfruit should be lightly browned on the edges, with a thick, slightly glossy sauce that clings to the pieces. It should look similar to pulled pork—tender but not watery.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Pretty Brown Vegan specialize in?

A

Pretty Brown Vegan focuses on plant‑based comfort foods, offering approachable vegan versions of classic dishes with clear step‑by‑step tutorials and a friendly, home‑cooking vibe.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Pretty Brown Vegan's approach to vegan Mexican cooking differ from other vegan cooking channels?

A

Pretty Brown Vegan emphasizes bold, familiar flavors and uses readily available grocery‑store ingredients, avoiding exotic specialty items. The channel’s style is relaxed, encouraging home cooks to season to taste and adapt recipes easily.

channel

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