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Nuts and Twigs » Recipes » Main Courses

Pulled Jackfruit Tacos

Published: Aug 1, 2024 · Modified: Jan 2, 2025 by Regi Pearce · This post may contain affiliate links · 2 Comments

These Pulled Jackfruit Tacos feature marinated jackfruit bursting with the zesty flavors of my favorite Cuban mojo recipe. They're a fusion of flavors, featuring cilantro lime rice, savory refried beans, and a delicious, easy-to-make vegan chipotle sauce. These tacos make a great vegan dinner option for a night in.

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side view of vegan jackfruit tacos on a taco holder.

You’ve heard me rave about jackfruit in BBQ Jackfruit Sliders, Vegan Jackfruit Nachos, Vegan Chicken Noodle Soup, and Vegan Jackfruit Quesadillas.

Well, I’m excited to share another jackfruit recipe featuring a Cuban mojo marinade that turns shredded jackfruit into a flavor powerhouse. Letting it marinate overnight allows it to absorb all the mouthwatering garlic and tangy sour orange flavors. You’ll love it with delicious cilantro lime rice, beans, chipotle sauce, and a crunchy taco shell.

If you like bold garlic flavor, you're going to love this.

While this dish has several components, each comes together quickly, and with a bit of multitasking, it can be ready in less than 40 minutes.

Jump to:
  • Why You'll Love This Recipe
  • Recipe Ingredients
  • How To Make Jackfruit Tacos Taste Amazing
  • Recipe Tips
  • Serving Suggestions
  • Additions and Variations
  • Jackfruit Tacos FAQS
  • More Mexican-Inspired Vegan Recipes
  • Pulled Jackfruit Tacos
  • Comments

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • The marinated jackfruit in my Cuban mojo sauce bursts with tangy, garlicky goodness.
  • Packed with fiber and nutrients, these tacos are a delicious way to enjoy a wholesome meal. Serve alongside Mexican Potatoes.
  • Perfect for Taco Tuesday, weekend dinners, or any time you’re craving something flavorful. By making some of the components ahead of time and meal prepping, you can have a meal ready fast.
  • Whether you’re cooking for vegans, vegetarians, or meat-eaters, these tacos will impress.
  • Got picky eaters? No problem! Whether you’re into crunchy tacos, soft tacos, or taco bowls, these jackfruit tacos are easy to have it your way.

Recipe Ingredients

This is what you'll need for this amazing jackfruit tacos recipe. See the recipe card for quantities.

Jackfruit tacos ingredients top view from above a table.
  • Jackfruit: If you’re curious about jackfruit and have never tried it, check out A Simple Guide to Jackfruit Plus Delicious Recipes for all the delicious details! Make sure to buy canned jackfruit.
  • Mojo Criollo: While my homemade mojo is delicious and ready in minutes, you can purchase ready-to-use mojo from Goya, Iberia, Conchita, or Badia. They’re very good and turn this easy step into an even easier step - pop open a bottle, and you’re good to go. Use about one and a half cups.
  • Refried Beans: Use store-bought or make your own. I like to purchase fat-free refried beans from Trader Joe's. You'd never know they are vegan and fat-free.
  • Tacos: I'm on Team Hard Shell for this recipe. However, by heating up a tortilla in a skillet or microwave, you can enjoy a soft taco.

How To Make Jackfruit Tacos Taste Amazing

The key to this dish is the marinating, so don't skip this step. These steps assume you've prepared the mojo ahead of time. For details, visit the recipe card.

shredded jackfruit

Step 1: Prepare the Jackfruit by rinsing it well and shredding it until it resembles pulled chicken or pork. I use my hands. Chop up the seeds or bigger pieces that are not easily shredded - everything that comes in the can is edible and delicious.

marinating jackfruit in mojo criollo in an airtight container; top view.

Step 2: Place the shredded, washed, and drained jackfruit in a medium container and pour the prepared mojo criollo over it until well combined. Allow the jackfruit to marinate in the fridge overnight.

Cilantro Lime Rice in an instant pot with a wooden spoon holding some.

Step 3: When you're ready to eat, prepare the Instant Pot cilantro lime rice. This is an easy rice to make, or you can make Instant Pot yellow rice instead.

sauteeing jackfruit in mojo criollo in a cast iron pan; top view.

Step 4: While the rice is cooking, saute the marinated jackfruit in a large pan on medium-high heat. Continue to saute until the marinade has absorbed or evaporated. This will take about 15 minutes.

top view of heating refried beans and salsa in a pan.

Step 5: Prepare the beans. Open a can of refried beans and place in a medium pot or skillet. Pour in about ¾ cup to 1 cup of your favorite salsa. Mix until heated through. This softens the beans and gives them a delicious flavor.

ingredients for chipotle aioli in blender

Step 6: While the jackfruit is sauteeing and the beans are reheating, make the easy, "non-negotiable" chipotle sauce.

close up view - side view of vegan jackfruit tacos on a taco holder.

After heating the tacos in the oven or air fryer, you're ready to assemble. I layer the refried beans, then the rice, and then the jackfruit mixture.

Recipe Tips

  • Rinse the jackfruit well to remove the brine.
  • Without a doubt, for the best flavor, let the jackfruit marinate overnight.
  • If you’re using store-bought mojo, taste it first and adjust the seasoning if needed. You can always add more garlic or lime to kick it up a notch.
  • Fresh cilantro, diced tomatoes, sliced avocado, lime wedges or a squeeze of lime juice can take your tacos to the next level.
  • My favorite sauce with this vegan taco is the Easy Vegan Chipotle Aioli Sauce. However, this easy and fast Vegan Avocado Crema is a good alternative.

Serving Suggestions

These tacos are super versatile! Serve them as soft or crunchy tacos, tostadas, or a taco bowl with extra rice and beans. I like to break a large hard taco shell in half and pile on the ingredients – it feels like I get twice the flavor from one taco, turning it into an instant tostada!

  • Serve the jackfruit, rice, and beans in a bowl. Add your favorite toppings, such as avocado slices, corn, pickled jalapeños, a squeeze of lime, and some corn chips.
  • Transform the taco bowl into a taco salad by layering the jackfruit over a bed of mixed greens. Add black beans, corn, cherry tomatoes, and avocado. Finish with a drizzle of the chipotle sauce or avocado crema.
  • Spread refried beans on crispy tostada shells, then top with marinated jackfruit, shredded lettuce, rice, and a dollop of Easy Vegan Chipotle Aioli Sauce. I find that tostadas allow for more of all the ingredients piled high.
  • For a hearty, portable meal, wrap all the ingredients in a large warm tortilla. I like to heat the tortilla wrap for the best experience.
side angled view of 2 vegan jackfruit tacos on a plate.

Additions and Variations

  • Top your vegan tacos with pickled jalapeños or a spicy salsa like Mango Habanero Salsa for some heat.
  • Add Mango Cucumber Salsa for a sweet twist that pairs perfectly with the savory flavor of the jackfruit.
  • Sauté bell peppers and onions for a fajita-style taco filling.
  • Incorporate black beans or substitute the refried beans with Quick Cuban Black Beans for a delicious variation.
  • Add a squeeze of fresh lime juice and a sprinkle of lime zest for a citrusy zing along with diced red onion.

Jackfruit Tacos FAQS

What is jackfruit?

Jackfruit is a tropical fruit that, when cooked, has a texture similar to shredded meat, making it a popular plant-based meat alternative. Read more about jackfruit in A Simple Guide to Jackfruit Plus Delicious Recipes.

Where can I buy canned jackfruit?

I've seen canned young green jackfruit available at Trader Joe's, health food stores, and online.

Can I use fresh jackfruit instead of canned for tacos?

You can but it’s much more time-consuming to prepare.

How do I store jackfruit tacos?


Store leftover jackfruit filling in an airtight container in the fridge for 4–5 days. Keep toppings like veggies, cilantro lime rice, and beans in separate containers to stay fresh and easy to grab. Reheat the jackfruit filling and beans in the microwave.

More Mexican-Inspired Vegan Recipes

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    Easy Lentil Quesadillas
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Got a minute? I'd love for you to dive into the comments and rate these vegan jackfruit tacos. Your feedback is invaluable—did you love it? Did you make any fun twists? Let me know how my directions worked for you so I can keep improving my recipes. Follow me on Pinterest, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube for inspiration.

Jackfruit tacos vegan on a taco stand; side view.

Pulled Jackfruit Tacos

Regi Pearce
These Jackfruit Tacos feature marinated jackfruit bursting with the zesty flavors of my favorite mojo criollo recipe. Combined with cilantro lime rice, savory refried beans, and topped with a delicious easy vegan chipotle sauce, these tacos make a great meal.
5 from 1 vote
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes mins
Cook Time 20 minutes mins
Total Time 40 minutes mins
Course main course
Cuisine Mexican-Inspired
Servings 8 servings
Calories 232 kcal

Ingredients
  

For The Tacos

  • 2 14- ounce cans young green jackfruit in brine drained and rinsed
  • 1 batch Cuban Mojo Criollo
  • 1 14- ounce can refried beans or 1 ½ cups homemade
  • ¾ cup salsa
  • ½ batch Instant Pot Cilantro Lime Rice
  • 1 batch Easy Vegan Chipotle Sauce
  • 8 large taco shells

For Toppings

  • tomatoes diced
  • guacamole
  • lettuce shredded
  • vegan sour cream
Get Recipe Ingredients

Instructions
 

  • Prepare the Mojo Criollo Marinade: Prepare the mojo. Let it refrigerate for at least 4 hours so the flavors blend well.
  • Marinate the Jackfruit: Drain and rinse the jackfruit well. Shred the jackfruit with your hands or a fork. Chop any pieces that don't shred easily, including the seeds. These are all edible and delicious. Place the shredded jackfruit in a large bowl or a resealable plastic bag. Pour the mojo marinade over the jackfruit, ensuring it is well-coated. Cover or seal and refrigerate overnight for maximum flavor.
  • Prepare the Cilantro Lime Rice: When you're ready to eat, prepare the rice in the pressure cooker. 
  • Cook the Jackfruit: Add the marinated jackfruit, along with the marinade, to a large skillet and cook for about 15 minutes. Stir occasionally until the jackfruit is tender and the flavors are absorbed. There should be no liquid remaining in the pan when it's done. Remove from heat.
  • Prepare the Refried Beans: While the jackfruit is sauteeing, mix the refried beans with the salsa in a medium-sized pan or pot. Heat over medium heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally. Set aside.
  • Prepare the Chipotle Vegan Sauce: Finally, prepare the chipotle sauce by mixing the ingredients in a small bowl if chopping by hand, or blend them in a bullet or blender. Adjust the spice level to your taste.
  • Assemble the Tacos: Warm the taco shells according to package directions. Start with a layer of refried beans, then add a scoop of cilantro lime rice and a portion of the cooked jackfruit. Top with diced tomatoes, guacamole, shredded lettuce, and a drizzle of chipotle vegan sauce. Add vegan sour cream if desired.
  • Serve: Serve the assembled tacos immediately and enjoy!

Video

Notes

Substitue the homemade mojo (which I highly recommend for best flavor) with ready-to-use mojo from Goya, Iberia, Conchita, or Badia.
Substitute the refried beans with savory black beans.
For the best flavor, do not skip the overnight marinating of the jackfruit or the time the mojo needs for the flavors to come together. 
Although this recipe has several components, you can have it ready in less than 40 minutes by multitasking.
For meal prep, you can prepare the cilantro lime rice, beans, and jackfruit ahead of time and refrigerate them. This way, everything is ready to go when you assemble the tacos.
Nutritional information is only an estimate and does not include toppings.

Nutrition

Calories: 232kcal | Carbohydrates: 44g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 524mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 2g | Calcium: 88mg | Iron: 1mg
Keywords cinco de mayo, dinner, healthy, lunch
Tried this recipe?Please consider Leaving a Review!

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About Regi Pearce

Hello! I am Regi, the creator of Nuts & Twigs. I debunk the myths that vegan food is all nuts and twigs and offer plant-based scrumptiousness that goes far beyond that "rabbit food" stereotype. So grab your fork and put on your stretchy pants, 'cause you're gonna want seconds.

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    Recipe Rating




  1. Ceci says

    September 14, 2024 at 8:46 am

    5 stars
    This were super good. I had to marinate the jackfruit overnight and it was super flavorful the next day. I used the store-bought mojo, but that worked out great. I'll have to try your mojo soon!
    Thanks for the recipe.

    Reply
    • Regi Pearce says

      September 14, 2024 at 8:50 am

      That's wonderful to hear! Thanks for the comment.

      Reply

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Regina Pearce

I'm Regi.

Head nut, chief twig, and creator of Nuts & Twigs. My husband, Rob, and I live in Colorado. Here, you can expect delicious vegan recipes that make you realize that a life without cheese is not only possible but also worth living.

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side view of vegan jackfruit tacos on a taco holder.

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