How to Create Smoky BBQ Pulled Jackfruit Tacos: A Simple Guide
Tacos are one of the tastiest foods on the planet, and they’re loved all over the world! Whether you’re hosting a party, cooking for family, or just whipping up something fun in the kitchen, tacos are guaranteed to satisfy. If you want to try a plant-based twist, then smoky BBQ pulled jackfruit tacos are the perfect recipe. Don’t worry if you’re new to jackfruit—it’s easy to cook with and so delicious when seasoned the right way. Best of all, this recipe is simple to follow!
So, put on your apron, gather your ingredients, and let’s make smoky BBQ pulled jackfruit tacos!
What Is Jackfruit, and Why Use It for Tacos?
Jackfruit is a large, tropical fruit with a mild flavor and a texture that makes it perfect for plant-based cooking. When cooked and shredded, jackfruit mimics pulled pork or shredded chicken, making it an excellent meat substitute. Plus, it’s low in fat and packed with nutrients like fiber and vitamin C.
When cooked with smoky BBQ sauce, jackfruit tastes incredible—and when stuffed into warm tortillas with taco toppings, it’s a crowd-pleaser for vegans and non-vegans alike!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here are the ingredients you’ll need for this recipe:
For the Smoky BBQ Pulled Jackfruit:
– 2 cans (about 20 ounces total) of young green jackfruit, in water or brine (not syrup)
– 1 tablespoon olive oil (or any cooking oil)
– 1 medium onion, finely chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1 teaspoon chili powder
– ½ cup BBQ sauce (use your favorite smoky BBQ sauce—you can find vegan-friendly versions in most stores)
– ¼ cup vegetable broth or water
– Salt and pepper to taste
For the Tacos:
– Small corn or flour tortillas
– Fresh toppings: shredded lettuce, sliced red cabbage, diced tomatoes, avocado slices, and chopped cilantro
– Optional extras: vegan sour cream or lime wedges
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Jackfruit
Start by draining and rinsing the canned jackfruit. Once rinsed, pat it dry with a clean kitchen towel to remove excess liquid. Using your hands or a fork, pull the jackfruit apart into shreds. If there are any large, tougher chunks, cut them into smaller pieces so everything cooks evenly.
Step 2: Sauté the Onion and Garlic
Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and garlic to the pan and cook until they’re soft and fragrant—this should take about 3–4 minutes. Stir frequently so the garlic doesn’t burn.
Step 3: Spice It Up!
Add the shredded jackfruit to the skillet. Sprinkle the smoked paprika, ground cumin, and chili powder over the jackfruit. Stir well to coat everything in the flavorful spices. Let the jackfruit cook for 2–3 minutes, so the spices blend into the mixture.
Step 4: Add BBQ Sauce
Pour the BBQ sauce into the skillet, followed by the vegetable broth or water. Stir until the jackfruit is thoroughly coated in the sauce. Lower the heat to medium-low and let it simmer for about 10–12 minutes. This step helps the jackfruit absorb the smoky BBQ flavor.
As it cooks, use a spatula or fork to pull apart the jackfruit even more, giving it a shredded “pulled pork” texture. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
Step 5: Warm the Tortillas
While the jackfruit is simmering, warm your tortillas. You can heat them on a dry skillet for about 30 seconds per side, or wrap them in foil and place them in the oven for a few minutes. Warm tortillas make your tacos extra soft and tasty!
Step 6: Assemble the Tacos
Once the smoky BBQ jackfruit is ready, it’s time to build your tacos! Place a generous scoop of the jackfruit mixture onto each tortilla. Then, add your favorite toppings—lettuce, red cabbage, diced tomatoes, avocado slices, and cilantro work beautifully. If you like an extra creamy touch, add vegan sour cream or drizzle fresh lime juice on top.
Enjoy Your Smoky BBQ Pulled Jackfruit Tacos!
That’s it—you’ve made smoky BBQ pulled jackfruit tacos! Serve them fresh and warm, and watch as everyone digs into these flavorful creations. Whether you’re sharing them with friends or enjoying them solo, these tacos are a fantastic way to celebrate plant-based cooking.
Helpful Tips
- Make it your own: Customize the recipe by adding your favorite taco toppings. Try roasted corn, pickled onions, or vegan cheese for extra flavor.
- Storage: If you have leftover jackfruit, store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Simply reheat it on the stove when you’re ready to use it again.
- Gluten-free option: Use gluten-free tortillas and make sure your BBQ sauce is gluten-free for a gluten-safe meal.
Creating smoky BBQ pulled jackfruit tacos is fun, easy, and delicious. Whether you’re plant-based or just looking for a healthier alternative to traditional tacos, jackfruit is a fantastic ingredient to try. So go ahead—grab some jackfruit and give this recipe a try. You might just discover your new favorite taco filling!
Happy cooking, and enjoy your tacos! 🌮
