Hello foodies! Mateo here, your go-to guy for inventive and delicious plant-based recipes. Today I’m excited to share with you my take on a classic Latin American dish that will blow your mind: Jackfruit Carnitas Tacos. This recipe is perfect for those who crave the authentic flavors of Mexican cuisine, but want a healthier and more sustainable alternative to meat-based fillings. Trust me, this vegan twist will make your taste buds dance and your heart sing!
Mateo Rojas is a graphic designer and world traveler with a passion for plant-based cuisine, especially when it comes to giving a healthy twist to traditional comfort dishes. He believes that good food is a celebration of life, culture, and creativity, and loves to experiment with different ingredients and techniques to come up with unique and delicious recipes.
Mateo Rojas currently resides in Canada and grew up in Colombia.
As you might have guessed from my name, I come from Colombia, a country famous for its colorful and diverse food traditions. Growing up, I was fortunate to have a mother who was an excellent cook and introduced me to a world of flavors and ingredients that inspired my love for cooking. When I moved to Canada for college, I realized the importance of eating a well-balanced and nutritious diet, and started to experiment with plant-based recipes that could satisfy my cravings without sacrificing taste. Jackfruit Carnitas Tacos is a perfect example of how I fuse my Colombian roots with my global outlook on food.
In case you’re wondering, jackfruit is a tropical fruit native to South Asia and known for its distinctive texture and versatility in cooking. It’s been used as a meat substitute in many vegan and vegetarian dishes, and with good reason: when cooked, the young fruit turns tender and fibrous, resembling pulled pork in texture and flavor. The recipe for Jackfruit Carnitas Tacos is actually a hybrid of Mexican and Indian culinary influences, as I like to play with fusion cooking and explore new combinations. I first tasted jackfruit tacos during a trip to San Diego, where I was blown away by the creativity and boldness of the local vegan scene. I knew I had to create my own version, adding a few spicy twists and lots of love. The result is a dish that celebrates the richness of the global food culture and promotes ethical and sustainable choices. Are you ready to taco ’bout it?
What you need
Get ready for a culinary fiesta with my Jackfruit Carnitas Tacos! This recipe offers a fresh and exciting twist on the classic Latin American dish, with a tropical fruit-inspired vegan filling that mimics the texture and flavor of pork carnitas. The star of the show – jackfruit – not only provides a meaty base for the tacos, but also absorbs the sweet and smoky flavors of the spices and chipotle pepper perfectly. The process is straightforward and involves sautéing onions and garlic together with the jackfruit, before adding a flavorful mixture of cumin powder, smoked paprika, salt, and lime juice. Once ready, simply heat up the tortillas, assemble the toppings of your choice, and get ready to indulge in this explosion of flavors and textures. I highly recommend garnishing with some diced avocado, pickled red onions, and fresh cilantro for a real taste of Mexico. This recipe is simple, healthy, and delicious and I guarantee it will become a favorite for your next Taco Tuesday!
Ingredients:
- Jackfruit – The star of the show! Jackfruit is a tropical fruit that has a meaty texture and makes an excellent vegan substitute for pork carnitas. It absorbs flavors really well which makes it perfect for this recipe. If you can’t find jackfruit, you can try using mushrooms as a meat substitute.
- Yellow Onion – Yellow onions provide a sweet and mellow flavor to the dish and help balance out the acidity. You can replace yellow onion with white onion or shallots in this recipe.
- Garlic – Garlic adds a pungent and slightly sweet flavor to the dish. You can adjust the amount of garlic based on your preference.
- Chipotle Pepper – Chipotle pepper adds smokiness and spiciness to the dish. If you don’t like it spicy, you can omit the pepper or replace it with a small amount of smoked paprika.
- Lime – Lime provides tanginess and brightness to the dish. You can adjust the amount of lime juice based on your preference.
- Cumin Powder – Cumin powder is a key spice in Latin cuisine that adds warm and earthy notes. You can adjust the amount of cumin powder based on your preference.
- Smoked Paprika – Smoked paprika adds a smoky flavor to the dish that complements the jackfruit carnitas. You can replace it with regular paprika if you can’t find smoked paprika.
- Olive Oil – Olive oil is used to sauté the onion and garlic and to cook the jackfruit carnitas. You can replace it with any other cooking oil of your choice.
- Corn Tortillas – Corn tortillas are the traditional base for the tacos and can be found in most grocery stores. You can replace them with flour tortillas if you prefer.
- Toppings – Choose your favorite taco toppings to complete the dish. Some suggestions include diced avocado, chopped cilantro, sliced radishes, and pickled red onions.
Utensils:
- Large skillet
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Can opener
- Measuring spoons
- Measuring cups
- Spatula
- Tongs
Jackfruit – A Tropical Fruit that’s a Meat Substitute
Jackfruit is a tropical fruit that has a meaty and fibrous texture similar to that of pulled pork. What makes it unique is that it’s a vegan-friendly substitute for meat, as it mimics the texture and consistency of meat so well. If you’re trying to reduce your meat consumption or switch to a more plant-based diet, give jackfruit a try! I love jackfruit because it’s a great alternative to meat that’s also good for the environment. Additionally, it’s packed with nutrients like vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants, making it a healthy choice for your diet. Even if you’re a meat-eater, don’t be afraid to give jackfruit a try in this recipe – you might be surprised at how delicious it is! Trust me, you won’t miss the meat in this dish.
Chipotle Pepper – A Smoky Spice with a Kick
If you’re a fan of smoky and spicy flavors, you’ll love chipotle pepper! This ingredient is made by smoking ripe jalapeno peppers, which gives them a unique smoky flavor. Not only does it add a nice kick to this dish, but it also enhances the smokiness of the jackfruit carnitas. Many people are afraid to use spicy ingredients in their cooking, but don’t worry – chipotle pepper is not that spicy, and you can adjust the amount to your liking. In fact, some studies have shown that eating spicy foods can have health benefits, such as boosting metabolism and reducing inflammation. So, don’t be afraid to spice up your life with some chipotle pepper in this recipe!
What to serve it with?
I always encourage my readers to experiment with different toppings and sides when it comes to tacos, as they are the perfect canvas for creativity. Usually, I like to serve my Jackfruit Carnitas Tacos with some simple yet flavorful dishes that complement the heat and sweetness of the filling. For example, a side of fresh corn salad with lime and cilantro can add a refreshing crunch and balance the richness of the jackfruit. Alternatively, some charred pineapple or mango salsa can intensify the tropical flavors and give a sweet and tangy kick. My personal favorite, however, is to pair the tacos with a bowl of spicy black beans and rice, a staple of Latin American cuisine that adds protein, fiber, and depth to the meal. I love the way the creamy and slightly smoky beans contrast with the smoky and spicy jackfruit, creating a harmonious and satisfying dish that reminds me of home.
Summary
And that’s a wrap, amigos! I hope you enjoyed learning how to make my version of Jackfruit Carnitas Tacos, and that you feel inspired to try it yourself. Remember, cooking is all about having fun, experimenting, and sharing good food with loved ones. So, let me know in the comments what you think about the recipe, and if you have any suggestions or variations that you’d like to share. Also, I’d love to hear your thoughts on jackfruit as a meat substitute, and if you’ve tried it before. Finally, don’t forget to take lots of pictures of your creations and tag me on social media using the hashtag #mateocooks. I can’t wait to see how you put your own spin on this delicious dish. Hasta luego!
Here’s the recipe:
Jackfruit Carnitas Tacos: Vegan Twist on a Latin Classic with a Tropical Fruit
Equipment
- Large Skillet
- cutting board
- Sharp Knife
- Can opener
- Measuring spoons
- Measuring cups
- spatula
- Tongs
Ingredients
- 2 cans (20 oz each) Jackfruit
- 1 medium Yellow Onion
- 6 cloves Garlic
- 1 canned pepper Chipotle Pepper
- 1 Lime
- 1 teaspoon Cumin Powder
- 1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil
- 8 Corn Tortillas
- to taste Toppings
Instructions
- Prepare the ingredients - Drain and rinse the jackfruit in a colander. Peel and dice the onion and garlic. Finely chop the chipotle pepper. Cut the lime in half. Measure out the spices and salt and have them ready to go. Prepare any toppings you plan to use. - Make sure to drain and rinse the jackfruit well, as it can have a briny taste if not rinsed properly. You can also use fresh lime juice instead of bottled for an extra burst of flavor.
- Cook the onion and garlic - Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. - Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter and ruin the dish. You can also add a pinch of sugar to help caramelize the onions and enhance their sweetness.
- Prepare the jackfruit carnitas - Add the drained jackfruit, chopped chipotle pepper, cumin powder, smoked paprika, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt to the skillet with the onion and garlic. Stir well to combine and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the jackfruit has browned slightly and the spices are fragrant. Squeeze the lime over the mixture and stir to combine. Remove the skillet from heat and season with additional salt to taste. - Use a wooden spoon or spatula to break up the jackfruit as it cooks, giving it a texture similar to pulled pork. You can also add a splash of vegetable broth or water if the mixture becomes too dry or starts to stick to the pan.
- Warm the tortillas - Heat the tortillas according to package instructions, either by pan-searing or microwaving. - If using corn tortillas, you can also heat them over an open flame to char them slightly and add a smoky flavor.
- Assemble the tacos - Place 2-3 tablespoons of the jackfruit carnitas on each tortilla. Top with your choice of toppings and serve immediately. - Experiment with different toppings to personalize the tacos to your liking. Some other great options include vegan sour cream, diced tomatoes, or shredded cabbage.
