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

  1. 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

  2. Slice the Onion

    Trim the root end, halve the white onion and slice into half‑moon crescents.

    Time: PT2M

  3. Mince the Garlic

    Peel and mince 3‑4 garlic cloves.

    Time: PT2M

  4. 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

  5. Add Garlic

    Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

    Time: PT1M

    Temperature: Medium heat

  6. Combine Jackfruit

    Add the shredded jackfruit to the pot and stir to mix with the onion‑garlic mixture.

    Time: PT2M

    Temperature: Medium heat

  7. 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

  8. 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

  9. 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

  10. 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

  11. 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

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VEGAN BBQ JACKFRUIT (perfect in tacos or burritos!)

Recipe by Kristen Pound

A vibrant, plant‑based take on pulled pork using canned green jackfruit simmered in a smoky Mexican‑style BBQ sauce. Perfect for tacos, burrito bowls, nachos, or any dish that calls for a tangy, smoky filling.

EasyMexicanServes 4

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

Source Video
15m
Prep
27m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
52m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$12.12
Total cost
$3.03
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Shred the jackfruit to a stringy, pulled‑pork texture
  • Sauté onions in broth until golden without oil
  • Toast the spice blend for 5 minutes to develop flavor
  • Simmer with BBQ sauce for 15 minutes to thicken
  • Stir in fresh cilantro at the end for brightness

Safety Warnings

  • Use oven‑mitts when handling the hot pot
  • Be careful when squeezing fresh lime to avoid splatter
  • Drain canned jackfruit thoroughly to reduce excess sodium

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of Mexican‑inspired BBQ jackfruit in vegan cuisine?

A

While jackfruit is native to South Asia, it has become a staple in vegan cooking worldwide as a plant‑based substitute for shredded meat. The Mexican‑style BBQ seasoning blends traditional spices like cumin, chili, and lime, giving the jackfruit a familiar taco‑filling flavor that fits into the broader trend of plant‑based adaptations of classic Mexican dishes.

cultural
Q

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

A

In authentic Mexican cuisine, shredded pork (carnitas) is common. Vegan cooks replace it with jackfruit, often seasoned with orange juice, bay leaves, and Mexican oregano. The version in this recipe swaps orange for lime and adds a smoky BBQ sauce, creating a fusion twist rather than a historic regional variant.

cultural
Q

How is Mexican‑inspired BBQ jackfruit traditionally served in Mexico or Mexican‑influenced communities?

A

Traditional pulled‑pork style fillings are served in soft corn tortillas, topped with fresh cilantro, diced onion, and a squeeze of lime. This vegan jackfruit version follows the same serving style, making it perfect for tacos, burrito bowls, or as a topping for nachos.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is Mexican‑inspired BBQ jackfruit commonly associated with in vegan gatherings?

A

The dish is popular at casual gatherings, taco nights, potlucks, and vegan BBQs because it can be made ahead, served warm or at room temperature, and pairs well with a variety of toppings and sides.

cultural
Q

What authentic ingredients are essential for Mexican‑inspired BBQ jackfruit and what are acceptable substitutes?

A

Key ingredients include canned green jackfruit, chili‑lime seasoning, cumin, oregano, taco seasoning, lime juice, and BBQ sauce. Substitutes can be homemade chili‑lime mix, smoked paprika for liquid smoke, and any vegan BBQ sauce you prefer.

cultural
Q

What other Mexican dishes pair well with Mexican‑inspired BBQ jackfruit?

A

Serve it alongside Mexican rice, black beans, guacamole, fresh salsa, pickled red onions, or a simple corn salad for a complete Mexican‑style meal.

cultural
Q

What makes Mexican‑inspired BBQ jackfruit special or unique in vegan Mexican cuisine?

A

The combination of smoky liquid smoke (or smoked paprika), tangy lime, and a sweet‑savory BBQ sauce creates a layered flavor profile that mimics the complexity of traditional carnitas while remaining entirely plant‑based.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Mexican‑inspired BBQ jackfruit?

A

Common errors include not draining the jackfruit well (resulting in excess salt), overcooking the onions so they burn, adding too much BBQ sauce which can make the dish overly sweet, and skipping the spice‑toasting step which leaves the flavor flat.

technical
Q

Why does this Mexican‑inspired BBQ jackfruit recipe use vegetable broth instead of oil for sautéing?

A

Using broth keeps the dish oil‑free and adds moisture, allowing the jackfruit to absorb flavor without becoming greasy, which aligns with the creator’s low‑oil, vegan cooking philosophy.

technical
Q

Can I make Mexican‑inspired BBQ jackfruit ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes, the jackfruit can be prepared up to five days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat gently in a skillet or microwave before serving. It also freezes well for up to two months.

technical
Q

What texture and appearance should I look for when the Mexican‑inspired BBQ jackfruit is done?

A

The jackfruit should be tender with a slightly caramelized, glossy coating. Larger pieces will have softened, and the sauce should cling to the strands without pooling.

technical
Q

How do I know when Mexican‑inspired BBQ jackfruit is done cooking?

A

When the sauce has thickened, the jackfruit pieces are tender, and the aromas of cumin, lime, and smoked flavor are pronounced, the dish is ready. A quick taste test for seasoning will confirm.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Kristen Pound specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Kristen Pound focuses on approachable, plant‑based comfort foods, quick weeknight meals, and creative vegan twists on classic dishes, often using pantry staples and simple techniques.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Kristen Pound's approach to vegan Mexican cooking differ from other vegan cooking channels?

A

Kristen Pound emphasizes minimal oil, uses readily available grocery items like Trader Joe’s seasonings, and often incorporates bold, smoky flavors such as liquid smoke, giving her Mexican‑inspired dishes a distinctive, hearty taste that feels like traditional meat‑based versions.

channel

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