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5 from 7 votes

Jackfruit Carnitas

Jazz up your vegan Taco Tuesday with jackfruit carnitas! This quick and easy jackfruit carnitas recipe is perfect for vegan tacos, enchiladas, burritos, tostadas, or as a nacho topper!
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time35 minutes
Course: Entrees
Cuisine: Mexican
Diet: Gluten Free, Vegan, Vegetarian
Servings: 6
Calories: 84kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 20 ounce can jackfruit in water or brine, drained, rinsed and dried
  • ½ red onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 serrano peppers, deseeded and diced
  • 2 Tablespoons cilantro, chopped
  • 2 teaspoons cumin
  • 1 Tablespoon Mexican oregano or 2 Tablespoons regular oregano
  • 2 teaspoons paprika
  • ¾ cup fresh squeezed orange juice
  • 2 Tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 Tablespoon soy sauce or Tamari for a gluten-free option
  • 1 lime squeezed

Jackfruit Carnitas Taco Ingredients

  • 6 corn or flour tortillas
  • ½ cup corn salsa
  • ½ cup fresh pinapple chopped
  • ¼ cup cilantro, choped

Instructions

  • Rinse and drain the jackfruit in a colander.
  • Remove any visible seeds.
  • Dry the jacfruit wedges by blotting with paper towel.
  • Add the jackfruit to a larger food processor bowl equipt with a large blade.
  • Pulse until jackfruit is shredded.
  • Remove the jackfruit from the food processor and place it in the center of a cheesecloth.
  • Squeeze the excess moisture from the shredded jackfruit. Set aside.
  • In a large skillet over medium-low heat, saute the garlic and onions until the onions are translucent.
  • Add the serrano peppers, and cilantro, and cook for a few minutes.
  • Then add the shredded jackfruit, cumin, Mexican oregano, and paprika and cook until it begins to brown and stick to the bottom of the pan.
  • Add the soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, and orange juice.
  • Stir releasing the bits of browned jackfruit from the bottom of the pan.
  • Reduce the heat to low and lowly cook until all the liquid dissipates, and the jackfruit begins to brown.
  • Remove from the pan and add cilantro garnish and lime wedges.

Jackfruit Carnitas Tacos

  • Heat tortillas in a skillet or the microwave.
  • Add a serving of jackfruit carnitas to the center of each tortilla.
  • Top with chopped pineapple, corn salsa, and fresh cilantro and lime wedges.
  • Serve with a side of vegan refried beans.

Notes

  • Make sure to buy canned jackfruit in brine or water NOT syrup.
  • Drain and rinse jackfruit to remove the brine. I use a colander.
  • Remove any visible seeds. I find them tough to chew and they don't shred well, leaving chunks in the jackfruit mixture. 
  • If you don't have a food processor, use two forks and pull to shred. 
  • Drying the jackfruit before shredding and after is a game changer. It helps dry out the jackfruit to get the right texture. 
  • Remember to cook slow and low. That is how the flavors are absorbed and the crispiness is achieved. 

Nutrition

Serving: 6g | Calories: 84kcal | Carbohydrates: 17g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 0.1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.3g | Sodium: 323mg | Potassium: 196mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 236IU | Vitamin C: 18mg | Calcium: 40mg | Iron: 1mg