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Vegan Jackfruit Carnitas Tacos with fresh veggies on a wooden board

Jackfruit Carnitas Tacos: Vegan Twist on a Latin Classic with a Tropical Fruit

Mateo Rojas
Experience the vibrant flavors of Latin cuisine with a vegan twist! These jackfruit carnitas tacos are bursting with the sweet and tangy flavors of tropical fruit.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Mexican
Servings 4

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.