How to make vegan 'pulled pork' tacos with jackfruit

How to make vegan 'pulled pork' tacos with jackfruit is a medium Mexican recipe that serves 3. 350 calories per serving. Recipe by Good Food on YouTube.

Prep: 35 min | Cook: 50 min | Total: 1 hr 40 min

Cost: $24.12 total, $8.04 per serving

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil (extra‑virgin, for frying onions and dough)
  • 1 large Yellow Onion (diced)
  • 1 teaspoon Cumin Seeds (toasted)
  • 1 teaspoon Chili Powder
  • 0.5 teaspoon Cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon Paprika
  • 2 tablespoons Barbecue Sauce (vegan, smoky flavor)
  • 1 tablespoon Chipotle Sauce (adds heat and smokiness)
  • 1 cup Diced Tomato (canned or fresh)
  • 0.5 cup Water (for simmering jackfruit)
  • 1 can (20 oz) Young Green Jackfruit in Brine (drained, shredded with forks)
  • 2 cups Self‑Raising Flour (for tortillas; can substitute with all‑purpose flour + 1 tsp baking powder)
  • 1 teaspoon Activated Charcoal Powder (food‑grade, for dark colour (optional))
  • 1 teaspoon Salt
  • 0.75 cup Water (for dough) (adjust as needed for dough consistency)
  • 0.5 cup Raw Cashew Nuts (soaked overnight, then drained)
  • 1 tablespoon Lime Juice (freshly squeezed)
  • 1 tablespoon Nutritional Yeast (adds cheesy, B‑vitamin boost)
  • 0.5 cup Water (for sour cream)
  • to taste Guacamole (store‑bought or homemade)
  • to taste Mexican Corn Salsa (store‑bought or homemade)
  • to taste Shredded Lettuce (for topping)
  • to taste Cilantro (chopped, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Prep Aromatics and Spices

    Dice the onion. Measure cumin seeds, chili powder, cinnamon, paprika, barbecue sauce, chipotle sauce, and diced tomato.

    Time: PT5M

  2. Sauté Onions

    Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook, stirring occasionally, for 15‑20 minutes until soft and lightly caramelized.

    Time: PT20M

    Temperature: Medium

  3. Toast Spices

    Add cumin seeds, chili powder, cinnamon, and paprika to the softened onions. Stir for 1 minute until fragrant.

    Time: PT1M

    Temperature: Medium

  4. Add Sauces

    Stir in the barbecue sauce and chipotle sauce. Cook for another minute, allowing the flavors to meld.

    Time: PT1M

    Temperature: Medium

  5. Combine Jackfruit and Simmer

    Add the drained jackfruit, diced tomato, and ½ cup water. Mix well, break up the jackfruit pieces with a fork, and bring to a gentle simmer. Cover and cook for 15‑20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the jackfruit is tender and absorbs the sauce.

    Time: PT20M

    Temperature: Low simmer

  6. Make Tortilla Dough

    In a mixing bowl combine self‑raising flour, activated charcoal (if using), 1 tsp salt, 2 tbsp olive oil, and ¾ cup water. Stir until a soft, non‑sticky dough forms; add a few drops more water if necessary.

    Time: PT10M

  7. Roll and Cook Tortillas

    Divide the dough into 8 equal balls. On a lightly floured surface, roll each ball as thinly as possible (paper‑thin). Cook each tortilla on a hot dry skillet for about 30 seconds per side, until bubbles appear and light brown spots form.

    Time: PT8M

    Temperature: Medium‑high

  8. Blend Cashew Sour Cream

    Drain the soaked cashews. In a blender combine cashews, lime juice, nutritional yeast, 1 tsp salt, and ½ cup water. Blend on high for 3‑5 minutes until completely smooth and creamy.

    Time: PT5M

  9. Assemble Tacos

    Warm the tortillas briefly if needed. Spread a spoonful of cashew sour cream on each tortilla, top with a generous portion of the jackfruit “pulled pork”, then add guacamole, corn salsa, shredded lettuce, and cilantro. Serve immediately.

    Time: PT5M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
350
Protein
10 g
Carbohydrates
45 g
Fat
12 g
Fiber
6 g

Dietary info: Vegan, Dairy‑free, Gluten (contains wheat flour)

Allergens: Tree nuts (cashews)

Last updated: April 17, 2026

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How to make vegan 'pulled pork' tacos with jackfruit

Recipe by Good Food

A plant‑based twist on classic pulled pork tacos using shredded young green jackfruit, homemade ultra‑thin tortillas, and a tangy cashew‑based sour cream. Perfect for a flavorful vegan Mexican‑style dinner.

MediumMexicanServes 3

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

Source Video
26m
Prep
49m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
1h 25m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$24.12
Total cost
$8.04
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Sauté onions until fully softened (15‑20 min).
  • Simmer jackfruit long enough to become tender and absorb sauce (15‑20 min).
  • Roll tortillas ultra‑thin for authentic texture.
  • Blend cashew sour cream until completely smooth (no grainy bits).

Safety Warnings

  • Hot oil can cause burns – keep a lid nearby when frying onions.
  • Blender contents can be hot after blending; vent steam before opening.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of vegan pulled pork tacos in Mexican cuisine?

A

Tacos are a cornerstone of Mexican street food, traditionally filled with slow‑cooked meats. The vegan pulled pork version adapts the classic pork al pastor technique using jackfruit, reflecting modern plant‑based trends while honoring the smoky, spiced flavor profile of Mexican tacos.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of tacos in Mexican cuisine?

A

Mexico boasts many taco styles: carne asada in the north, cochinita pibil in the Yucatán, and fish tacos on the coast. Each region varies by protein, seasoning, and toppings, but the core concept of a soft corn or flour tortilla remains constant.

cultural
Q

How is authentic Mexican pulled pork (carnitas) traditionally prepared, and how does this jackfruit version differ?

A

Traditional carnitas are slow‑braised pork shoulder in lard until tender, then crisped. The jackfruit version mimics the texture by shredding the fruit and simmering it in smoky barbecue and chipotle sauces, offering a plant‑based alternative without the pork fat.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations are tacos commonly served at in Mexican culture?

A

Tacos are served at everyday meals, street festivals, family gatherings, and celebrations like Día de los Muertos and Independence Day. Their handheld nature makes them perfect for casual parties and festive buffets.

cultural
Q

What authentic Mexican ingredients are essential for this vegan pulled pork taco recipe versus acceptable substitutes?

A

Key authentic ingredients include cumin, chili powder, paprika, chipotle sauce, and fresh lime juice. Substitutes can be smoked paprika for chipotle, or a vegan BBQ sauce in place of traditional pork‑based sauces, while maintaining the flavor profile.

cultural
Q

What are common mistakes to avoid when making vegan pulled pork tacos?

A

Common errors include under‑cooking the onions, which leaves a raw bite; not shredding the jackfruit enough, resulting in a chunky texture; and over‑mixing the tortilla dough, which makes the tortillas tough. Follow the critical steps to ensure a tender filling and delicate tortillas.

technical
Q

Why does this recipe use activated charcoal powder in the tortilla dough?

A

Activated charcoal is added purely for visual effect, giving the tortillas a dramatic dark hue that mimics traditional corn‑colored tortillas. It does not affect flavor and is optional for those who prefer a classic white tortilla.

technical
Q

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

A

Yes, the jackfruit filling can be prepared up to 3 days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and gently reheat on the stovetop, adding a splash of water if it looks dry.

technical
Q

What texture and appearance should I look for when the jackfruit is properly cooked?

A

The jackfruit should be soft, easily shredded with a fork, and coated in a glossy, slightly thick sauce. It should resemble the fibrous look of pulled pork, with no large, firm chunks.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Good Food specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Good Food focuses on approachable, home‑cooked recipes ranging from classic comfort dishes to modern plant‑based twists, often highlighting seasonal ingredients and clear step‑by‑step tutorials.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Good Food's approach to Mexican‑inspired cooking differ from other cooking channels?

A

Good Food emphasizes simple, ingredient‑driven techniques and often creates vegan or health‑focused versions of traditional dishes, whereas many other channels may stick to authentic meat‑based recipes or elaborate plating.

channel

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