Vegan BBQ Pulled Jackfruit Tacos

Vegan BBQ Pulled Jackfruit Tacos is a easy Mexican (Vegan) recipe that serves 4. 250 calories per serving. Recipe by GoodFoodBaddie on YouTube.

Prep: 12 min | Cook: 23 min | Total: 45 min

Cost: $17.74 total, $4.44 per serving

Ingredients

  • 2 cans Young Green Jackfruit (canned in brine, drained and rinsed)
  • 0.5 tsp Smoked Paprika (adds smoky depth)
  • 0.5 tsp Chili Powder
  • 0.5 tsp Dried Oregano
  • 0.25 tsp Crushed Red Pepper Flakes (adjust to heat preference)
  • 0.5 tsp Salt
  • 0.25 tsp Black Pepper (freshly ground)
  • 0.66 cup Flex Eat Sweet & Savory Vegan Sauce (or any vegan BBQ sauce)
  • 1 tbsp Vegetable Oil (neutral oil such as canola or sunflower)
  • 1 medium Red Onion (thinly sliced)
  • 2 cloves Garlic (minced)
  • 0.33 cup Vegetable Broth (low‑sodium)
  • 1 piece Lime (juice only)
  • 8 pieces Corn Tortillas (small, 6‑inch size; warm before serving)
  • 1 cup Mango Salsa (store‑bought or homemade)
  • 1 small Jalapeño (thinly sliced; remove seeds for less heat)
  • 2 tbsp Fresh Cilantro (chopped)

Instructions

  1. Rinse and Clean Jackfruit

    Drain the canned jackfruit, place it in a colander and rinse thoroughly under cold water to remove brine.

    Time: PT2M

  2. Slice Jackfruit

    Using a sharp knife, slice the jackfruit pieces into thin strips, cutting through the core; the strips should be about 1‑2 cm wide.

    Time: PT5M

  3. Second Rinse (Optional)

    Transfer the sliced jackfruit back to the bowl, give it one more quick rinse if you prefer a milder flavor.

    Time: PT1M

  4. Season and Marinate

    Add smoked paprika, chili powder, oregano, crushed red pepper, salt, pepper, and the vegan sweet‑savory sauce to the bowl. Toss until every piece is evenly coated.

    Time: PT3M

  5. Sauté Aromatics

    Heat 1 tbsp oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add sliced red onion and minced garlic; sauté 1‑2 minutes until fragrant and lightly golden.

    Time: PT2M

    Temperature: medium

  6. Steam the Jackfruit

    Add the seasoned jackfruit to the skillet, pour in the vegetable broth, stir, then cover the pan with a lid. Let it steam for 5 minutes.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: medium-low

  7. Brown the Jackfruit

    Remove the lid, increase heat to medium‑high, and cook, stirring occasionally, until the jackfruit pieces turn golden and slightly crisp, about 10 minutes.

    Time: PT10M

    Temperature: medium-high

  8. Finish with Lime

    Squeeze the juice of one lime over the cooked jackfruit, stir to combine, and taste for seasoning.

    Time: PT1M

  9. Warm the Tortillas

    Place corn tortillas directly on a hot, dry skillet over medium heat, cooking 30 seconds per side until lightly charred and pliable.

    Time: PT2M

    Temperature: medium

  10. Assemble Tacos

    Lay a warm tortilla on a plate, add a generous scoop of the pulled jackfruit, top with mango salsa, sliced jalapeño, and chopped cilantro. Serve immediately.

    Time: PT3M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
250
Protein
5 g
Carbohydrates
35 g
Fat
8 g
Fiber
6 g

Dietary info: Vegan, Vegetarian, Dairy‑Free, Egg‑Free, Gluten‑Free (when using corn tortillas)

Allergens: soy

Last updated: April 17, 2026

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Vegan BBQ Pulled Jackfruit Tacos

Recipe by GoodFoodBaddie

A flavorful, plant‑based take on classic pulled pork tacos using young green jackfruit simmered in a smoky barbecue sauce, then finished with lime, mango salsa, jalapeños and fresh cilantro. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend taco night.

EasyMexican (Vegan)Serves 4

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

Source Video
14m
Prep
20m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
44m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$17.74
Total cost
$4.44
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Cover the pan for 5 minutes to steam the jackfruit and make it tender.
  • Brown the jackfruit after steaming to develop a smoky, caramelized exterior.
  • Season the jackfruit thoroughly with spices and vegan BBQ sauce before cooking.

Safety Warnings

  • Handle the knife carefully when slicing jackfruit; keep fingers tucked away.
  • Hot oil can splatter—use a splatter guard if needed.
  • Steam from the covered pan is hot; lift the lid away from your face.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of jackfruit in vegan Mexican‑style tacos?

A

Jackfruit has long been used in Asian cuisines as a meat substitute because of its fibrous texture. In recent years, vegan chefs have adopted it for Mexican‑style dishes, especially tacos, to mimic the shredded pork texture while keeping the meal plant‑based.

cultural
Q

How does the traditional Mexican taco differ from this vegan barbecue pulled jackfruit taco?

A

Traditional Mexican tacos often feature grilled or stewed meat such as carne asada or al pastor. The vegan version replaces meat with jackfruit, uses a plant‑based BBQ sauce, and pairs it with fresh toppings like mango salsa, offering a similar flavor profile without animal products.

cultural
Q

What are the authentic traditional ingredients for Mexican tacos and which of them are substituted in this vegan version?

A

Classic tacos include corn tortillas, seasoned meat, onions, cilantro, and lime. In this vegan recipe, the meat is substituted with seasoned jackfruit, and a vegan BBQ sauce replaces any animal‑based marinades, while the other toppings remain authentic.

cultural
Q

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

A

Tacos are a staple at everyday meals, street‑food festivals, family gatherings, and celebrations such as Día de los Muertos and Independence Day, where they are served alongside other festive dishes.

cultural
Q

What other Mexican dishes pair well with vegan barbecue pulled jackfruit tacos?

A

Serve them with Mexican street corn (elote), black bean salad, guacamole, or a side of refried beans for a complete, balanced Mexican‑style vegan meal.

cultural
Q

What makes vegan pulled jackfruit tacos special in the broader vegan cuisine landscape?

A

The combination of smoky BBQ flavors, the tender‑yet‑shredded texture of jackfruit, and fresh Mexican toppings creates a satisfying meat‑like experience that appeals to both vegans and omnivores, showcasing the versatility of plant‑based proteins.

cultural
Q

How has the use of jackfruit in vegan cooking evolved over the past decade?

A

Jackfruit gained popularity after the rise of plant‑based diets and the availability of canned young jackfruit. Chefs began experimenting with it as a pulled‑pork substitute, and today it appears in tacos, sandwiches, and BBQ dishes worldwide.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making vegan barbecue pulled jackfruit tacos?

A

Common errors include not rinsing the canned jackfruit enough, skipping the steaming step which leaves the fruit tough, and over‑cooking the sauce so it becomes dry. Follow the cover‑and‑steam step and keep an eye on moisture levels.

technical
Q

Why does this recipe use a covered steaming step before browning the jackfruit instead of direct sautéing?

A

Covering the pan traps steam from the broth, quickly softening the fibrous jackfruit and allowing it to absorb the BBQ flavors. Direct sautéing would leave the pieces chewy and less flavorful.

technical
Q

Can I make the vegan barbecue pulled jackfruit ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes, the seasoned jackfruit can be prepared up to a day in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of broth before serving.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel GoodFoodBaddie specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel GoodFoodBaddie focuses on creative, plant‑based comfort foods, quick weeknight meals, and vegan twists on classic dishes, often emphasizing bold flavors and easy‑to‑follow tutorials.

channel
Q

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

A

GoodFoodBaddie blends authentic Mexican flavor profiles with vegan ingredients, using bold sauces and fresh toppings while keeping recipes simple and accessible, whereas many other vegan channels focus more on Western or Asian plant‑based dishes.

channel

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