Tacos on a Monday? And, fruit as a meat replacement? Hear me out. The texture of shredded jackfruit is the perfect replacement for pork. Jackfruit Tacos will blow your mind and tickle your tastebuds and are perfect for a Meatless Monday dinner.
What is Jackfruit?
The jackfruit, also known as jack tree, is a species of tree in the fig, mulberry, and breadfruit family. Its origin is in the region between the Western Ghats of southern India and the rainforests of Malaysia.
Jackfruit is a very large tropical fruit often used as a meat substitute. It packs some nutritional wallop, and the fact that you can cook, chunk or shred it like chicken or pork makes it a go-to main ingredient in many vegetarian and vegan dishes. For cooking, freshly picked, non-ripe jackfruit generally is used.
Where to Get Jackfruit
You’re ready to make these delicious tacos, but where do you get jackfruit? Luckily, canned unripe young jackfruit is available at most grocery stores in the international section.
Aroy-D is the brand most commonly available. Be sure to choose young, green jackfruit in brine. If you choose it in syrup, as a meat-substitite, you will be highly disappointed.
How to Make Jackfruit Tacos
This recipe is so easy to throw together for a weeknight. These are great for a meal prep Sunday session. After the simmer step, I’ll throw everything in the fridge, then before dinner time I’ll crisp it up in the oven.
Ingredients needed:
- 2 cans young green jackfruit in brine
- 1/2 chopped white onion
- 1 diced jalapeno pepper
- 2 minced garlic cloves
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- lime juice
- chili powder
- oregano
- cumin
- salt and pepper
Essentially, we’ll be making carnitas-style jackfruit tacos consisting of two steps:
- Long, slow simmer to relax the jackfruit.
- To get those nice brown edges and intensified flavors we’re finishing our taco filling in the oven.
What’s for Dessert?
I love to finish dinner with something sweet. I suggest trying either of these options:
- For something memorable: Baklava: The Ultimate Recipe
- For something easy: Overripe Banana No-Bake Cookie Bites
Jackfruit Tacos
Ingredients
- 2 cans young green unripened jackfruit in brine
- 1/2 white onion chopped
- salt and pepper
- 1 jalapeno diced
- 1 cloves garlic minced
- 2 Tbsp lime juice
- 1/2 Tbsp chili powder
- 1/2 Tbsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp cumin powder
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 8-10 corn tortillas or flour tortillas
- diced onion, cilantro, avocado optional for serving
- 1 Tbsp olive oil for frying
Instructions
- Drain both cans of jackruit. Cut into 1 inch pieces. Set aside.
- Heat olive oil in frying pan. Fry chopped white onion until translucent. Add minced garlic until fragrant.
- Add jalapeno, salt and pepper and spices. Mix well.
- Add lime juice, vegetable broth and jackfruit. Mix well and let simmer for 20-30 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with foil for easier cleanup. Use a large slotted spoon to transfer jackfruit to the baking sheet and spread it in an even layer over the surface. Drizzle 1/4 cup of the cooking liquid over the jackfruit, sprinkle with salt, and bake for 15 minutes, or until a little browned.
- Remove from oven. Assemble your tacos. We use corn tortillas, but use what your family prefers. I love to top with chopped onion, cilantro and avocado. Then, finish with salsa on top and enjoy!
