VEGAN BBQ JACKFRUIT (perfect in tacos or burritos!)
VEGAN BBQ JACKFRUIT (perfect in tacos or burritos!) is a easy Mexican recipe that serves 4. 304 calories per serving. Recipe by Kristen Pound on YouTube.
Prep: 17 min | Cook: 28 min | Total: 55 min
Cost: $12.12 total, $3.03 per serving
Ingredients
- 2 20‑ounce cans Green Jackfruit in Brine (Drain, rinse, and shred by hand; use brine for extra flavor)
- 1 medium White Onion (Sliced into half‑moon crescents)
- 3‑4 cloves Garlic (Minced)
- 0.5 cup Vegetable Broth (Used instead of oil for sautéing)
- 1 tablespoon Chili Lime Seasoning Blend (Trader Joe’s brand; adds citrus heat)
- 1 teaspoon Ground Cumin (Freshly ground for best flavor)
- 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano (Mexican oregano preferred if available)
- 2 tablespoons Taco Seasoning (Store‑bought; adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon Salt (Adjust after tasting)
- 0.25 teaspoon Liquid Smoke (Optional; adds smoky depth)
- 1 lime Lime Juice (Freshly squeezed; about 2 Tbsp)
- 0.5 cup Barbecue Sauce (Choose a less‑sweet vegan BBQ sauce; start with ½ cup and add more if needed)
- to taste Black Pepper (Freshly ground)
- 2 tablespoons Fresh Cilantro (Chopped; optional garnish)
Instructions
Prepare the Jackfruit
Drain and rinse both cans of jackfruit, then shred it by hand in a large bowl until it resembles pulled pork strands, leaving a few larger pieces for texture.
Time: PT5M
Slice the Onion
Trim the root end, halve the white onion and slice into half‑moon crescents.
Time: PT2M
Mince the Garlic
Peel and mince 3‑4 garlic cloves.
Time: PT2M
Sauté Onion in Broth
Heat the pot over medium heat, add ½ cup vegetable broth, then add the sliced onion. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is soft and lightly golden.
Time: PT6M
Temperature: Medium heat
Add Garlic
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Time: PT1M
Temperature: Medium heat
Combine Jackfruit
Add the shredded jackfruit to the pot and stir to mix with the onion‑garlic mixture.
Time: PT2M
Temperature: Medium heat
Season and Toast
Add 1 Tbsp chili‑lime seasoning, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp dried oregano, 2 Tbsp taco seasoning, 1 tsp salt, ¼ tsp liquid smoke, and the juice of one lime. Stir well and let the mixture cook for about 5 minutes so the spices toast and coat the jackfruit.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: Medium heat
Add Barbecue Sauce
Pour in ½ cup BBQ sauce (add more later if you like it saucier) and stir until the jackfruit is evenly coated.
Time: PT2M
Temperature: Medium heat
Simmer
Cover the pot with a lid and let the jackfruit simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and the flavors meld.
Time: PT15M
Temperature: Medium‑low heat
Finish with Pepper and Cilantro
Season with freshly ground black pepper to taste and stir in chopped cilantro (if using). Give a final quick stir and remove from heat.
Time: PT2M
Serve or Store
Use the BBQ jackfruit immediately in tacos, burrito bowls, nachos, or taquitos, or let it cool and store in an airtight container.
Time: PT0M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 304
- Protein
- 4.5 g
- Carbohydrates
- 162 g
- Fat
- 1.4 g
- Fiber
- 7 g
Dietary info: Vegan, Dairy‑Free, Nut‑Free, Gluten‑Free (with gluten‑free BBQ sauce)
Allergens: Soy (possible in BBQ sauce), Gluten (if BBQ sauce contains wheat)
Last updated: April 17, 2026








