Looking for vegan fish tacos that taste amazing? Jackfruit is the perfect substitute. Its flaky texture mimics fish, and it absorbs bold flavors effortlessly. Here’s a quick rundown of 10 jackfruit taco recipes you can try:
- Creamy Avocado Sauce Tacos: Smoky jackfruit paired with a rich avocado sauce.
- Jerk-Seasoned Tacos: Spicy Caribbean-style jackfruit with pineapple-mango slaw.
- Quick and Simple Tacos: A 30-minute recipe with basic spices and fresh toppings.
- Oven-Baked Tacos: Crispy jackfruit with cabbage slaw and lime.
- Carnitas-Style Tacos: Savory jackfruit with zesty slaw and radish.
- Smoky-Flavored Tacos: Bold chipotle flavors with creamy avocado sauce.
- Spicy Tacos with Heat: Jackfruit with a fiery kick, balanced by cooling toppings.
- Sweet Mango Salsa Tacos: Tropical flavors with jackfruit filling.
- Crispy Jackfruit Tacos: Golden, crunchy jackfruit with fresh veggies.
- Tacos with Fresh Pico de Gallo: Smoky jackfruit topped with zesty pico.
Quick Comparison Table
Recipe | Prep Time | Flavor Profile | Suggested Toppings |
---|---|---|---|
Creamy Avocado Sauce Tacos | 45 mins | Smoky, creamy | Avocado sauce, cilantro, lime |
Jerk-Seasoned Tacos | 30 mins | Spicy, aromatic | Mango slaw, coconut lime crema |
Quick and Simple Tacos | 25 mins | Mild, slightly sweet | Avocado, red onion, lime |
Oven-Baked Tacos | 40 mins | Earthy, smoky | Cabbage slaw, avocado sauce |
Carnitas-Style Tacos | 15 mins | Savory, rich | Slaw, radish, lime |
Smoky-Flavored Tacos | 35 mins | Deeply smoky | Pico de gallo, sour cream |
Spicy Tacos with Heat | 30 mins | Very spicy | Jalapeños, avocado, cilantro |
Sweet Mango Salsa Tacos | 40 mins | Sweet, tangy | Mango salsa, cilantro, lime |
Crispy Jackfruit Tacos | 45 mins | Crunchy, savory | Lettuce, tomatoes, chipotle aioli |
Tacos with Fresh Pico de Gallo | 35 mins | Fresh, zesty | Pico de gallo, avocado, lime |
Jackfruit is versatile, easy to prepare, and works with countless flavors. Whether you like it smoky, spicy, or sweet, these recipes will level up your taco game. Perfect for vegans, vegetarians, or anyone curious about plant-based tacos.
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1. Jackfruit Tacos with Creamy Avocado Sauce
Want to make fish tacos without the fish? These jackfruit tacos pack all the smoky goodness and creamy texture you're craving.
Here's how it works: First, cook your onions until they're soft and clear. Then simmer jackfruit in veggie broth for 10 minutes and mash it up until it's nice and flaky. The magic happens when you mix in chipotle peppers in adobo, soy sauce, and agave syrup - this combo creates an amazing smoky-sweet taste.
Now, let's talk about that avocado sauce (it's a game-changer). Just blend up ripe avocado, fresh cilantro, lime juice, and vegan mayo until it's silky smooth. The best part? You can make it ahead and keep it in the fridge for 2-3 days.
"By combining the smoky flavors of jackfruit with the creamy richness of avocado sauce, this recipe offers a unique and delicious vegan alternative to traditional fish tacos", notes the recipe developers at Nora Cooks.
To put it all together, pile that seasoned jackfruit onto warm tortillas and top with red onion, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime. The whole thing takes about 45 minutes - perfect for those "I need dinner NOW" moments or lazy weekend cooking.
Quick tip: Make sure you grab jackfruit canned in water or brine, NOT syrup. Trust me on this one.
And this is just the beginning - there's plenty more jackfruit taco magic coming your way.
2. Jerk-Seasoned Jackfruit Tacos
Want to spice up your taco game? These Caribbean-inspired jackfruit tacos pack serious heat and bold flavors that'll make your taste buds dance.
Here's what you'll need: two cans of young green jackfruit in brine. First, shred the jackfruit and chop any tough core bits - mix it all back together to create that perfect pulled texture. Now comes the fun part: mix in those classic jerk spices. We're talking allspice, thyme, and fiery Scotch bonnet peppers (habaneros work too!), plus garlic, ginger, and a splash of lime juice. A bit of coconut sugar and soy sauce creates that perfect sweet-heat combo.
Building these bad boys is simple: warm up corn tortillas, add a heap of your spiced jackfruit, and top with a cool pineapple-mango slaw that tames the heat just right. Drop in some diced avocado for that creamy element, squeeze fresh lime over the top, and drizzle with coconut lime crema.
Quick kitchen tip: These tacos take just 35 minutes to make - perfect for those "I want something amazing but don't have all night" kind of evenings. With their perfect mix of spicy, sweet, and creamy flavors, you might just forget regular fish tacos exist!
3. Quick and Simple Jackfruit Tacos
Want tasty vegan tacos in 30 minutes or less? These jackfruit tacos pack tons of flavor without any fuss. A simple spice mix turns regular jackfruit into an amazing fish substitute.
Grab two 20oz cans of young green jackfruit (in water or brine). Drain and rinse it well. In a large skillet, cook sliced onions and minced garlic until they turn golden brown (about 5 minutes). Toss in the jackfruit with chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika. These spices create a smoky, earthy flavor that makes the flaky jackfruit taste just like fish tacos. Add some vegetable broth and agave to nail the texture and add a hint of sweetness.
Break up the jackfruit using a potato masher until it looks like flaked fish. You want it moist but not swimming in liquid. If it's too wet, cook it down. Too dry? Add a splash more broth.
To serve, heat up corn tortillas and load them with:
- Creamy avocado slices
- Fresh cilantro
- A squeeze of lime
- Optional: pico de gallo or vegan sour cream
Time-saving tip: Make the jackfruit filling ahead and store it in the fridge for up to three days. Just reheat when you're ready to eat.
The whole thing takes just 15 minutes of hands-on cooking. Even die-hard taco fans will dig these. If you'd rather pop something in the oven, stick around - our next recipe is a baked version that's just as good.
4. Oven-Baked Jackfruit Tacos
Want to make crispy fish-style tacos without the fish? Here's how to turn jackfruit into a mouthwatering taco filling by baking it at 400°F (200°C).
Start by breaking down your jackfruit - grab two forks or a food processor and shred it just enough to get that flaky, fish-like texture. Don't go overboard, or you'll end up with mush. Mix in your spice blend: chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and garlic powder. For extra heat and depth, throw in some chipotle peppers in adobo sauce.
Spread your seasoned jackfruit on a parchment-lined baking sheet and pop it in the oven for 20-25 minutes. Give it a stir now and then to get that perfect caramelization all around. The magic happens as the jackfruit gets tender inside while developing crispy edges - just like real fish tacos!
Pro tip for perfect tortillas: Keep your corn tortillas from breaking by wrapping them in a damp kitchen towel and microwaving for 30-60 seconds before serving.
Build your tacos with the baked jackfruit, topped with a fresh purple cabbage slaw (dressed with lime juice and cilantro) and a smooth avocado sauce (just blend avocado, lime, and cilantro). Add some sliced radishes and a final squeeze of lime for that extra zing.
Make-ahead magic: The jackfruit filling keeps in the fridge for three days or freezes beautifully for future taco nights. Just reheat and enjoy!
Next up: Get ready for our jackfruit carnitas-style tacos - they'll take your plant-based taco game to new heights.
5. Jackfruit Carnitas-Style Tacos
Want to make mouthwatering vegan tacos that'll fool even meat lovers? These jackfruit carnitas-style tacos are your answer. As Anne Mauney from Fannetastic Food puts it, "Jackfruit looks – and tastes – surprisingly like pork carnitas."
Start with young green jackfruit, shredding it into a pulled texture. Heat oil in a large skillet and cook diced onions until soft and clear. Toss in minced garlic and cook until fragrant. Mix in tomato paste to build a rich base flavor. Add your shredded jackfruit and season with cumin, chili powder, and smoked paprika. Spice it up or down - you're the chef here! For extra punch, mix in some chipotle peppers in adobo sauce.
Pour in vegetable broth and let it simmer down. As the liquid cooks off, the jackfruit soaks up all those tasty spices and gets nice crispy edges.
Quick Flavor Boost: Squeeze fresh lime juice over the filling right before serving - it makes all the flavors pop!
Load up warm corn tortillas with your jackfruit filling and top with:
- Zesty lime-dressed cabbage slaw
- Creamy avocado slices
- Crisp radish circles
- Fresh cilantro
These tacos aren't just delicious - they're super practical too. The filling stores well in the fridge, perfect for quick meals throughout the week. Just reheat in a skillet to bring back that perfect texture. Try it in burrito bowls or on top of nachos for a tasty twist.
Stay tuned - our next recipe kicks these jackfruit tacos up another notch with even more smoky goodness.
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6. Smoky-Flavored Jackfruit Tacos
Want tacos that'll make your taste buds dance? These jackfruit tacos pack a smoky punch that tastes just like grilled fish.
Here's how to make the magic happen: Start by cooking sliced onions in a hot skillet until they turn golden brown and sweet. Toss in your jackfruit with a killer combo of chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, smoked paprika, cumin, and chili powder. Pour in some vegetable broth and let it simmer. Here's the fun part - grab a potato masher and shred that jackfruit until it looks just like flaky fish. Keep cooking until it soaks up all those bold spices.
What makes these tacos POP? It's all about mixing textures and flavors. Whip up a super-smooth avocado sauce - just blend fresh avocados with lime juice and cilantro. Build your taco with this creamy sauce, add some crunchy cilantro slaw, and top with thin radish slices for extra snap.
Pro Tip: Is your filling too wet? Let it simmer longer. Too dry? Splash in more broth.
The best part? This filling is perfect for meal prep - it reheats like a dream without losing its punch. Just remember to squeeze fresh lime juice over the top before you dig in - it really makes those smoky flavors sing.
Not a fan of smoky food? Don't worry - our next recipe brings the heat instead!
7. Spicy Jackfruit Tacos with Heat
Want tacos that'll make your taste buds dance? These spicy jackfruit tacos deliver serious heat while nailing that perfect "fish-like" texture.
Start by cooking your jackfruit with onions and garlic until they're golden and smell amazing. Then mix in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and chipotle sauce - this combo adds a killer smoky kick. Keep cooking until the jackfruit gets slightly crispy on the edges, just like your favorite fish tacos.
Cool things down with sliced avocado, fresh cilantro, and a dollop of vegan sour cream. Want some crunch? Add crispy slaw or fresh pico de gallo on top.
Quick tip: Grab some lime wedges - a quick squeeze before eating makes all the flavors pop.
Here's a bonus: Make the filling a day ahead - it gets even better overnight as the flavors mix and mingle.
"The key to perfect spicy jackfruit tacos is balancing the heat with cooling elements", shares Sam Turnbull from It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken. "This creates a more complex and enjoyable eating experience."
Love heat but want more? Our next recipe features sweet mango salsa that'll take these tacos to a whole new level!
8. Jackfruit Tacos with Sweet Mango Salsa
Want to shake up your taco night? These jackfruit tacos with mango salsa pack a punch of tropical flavors that'll make you forget about traditional tacos.
Start by shredding the jackfruit and cooking it with onions, garlic, and a blend of spices. A mix of cumin, chili powder, and smoked paprika gives the jackfruit that perfect taco seasoning. The result? A tasty filling that might remind you of your favorite fish tacos.
The mango salsa takes these tacos to the next level. Mix up some diced mango, red onion, cherry tomatoes, red bell pepper, jalapeño, lime juice, and cilantro. Give it 30 minutes to rest - this lets all those flavors get cozy with each other.
Quick tip: Don't skip warming up your tortillas! A little char adds extra flavor.
"I would argue that the best way to eat it, is exactly like we have it right here: simmered in Korean BBQ sauce with smoky spices, then topped with a sweet and tangy fruity mango salsa", shares the culinary team at Veggie Society.
To make these tacos extra special, add some sliced avocado or drizzle on some cashew lime sauce. The whole thing takes about 55 minutes to put together - and yes, every minute counts toward taco perfection.
Not feeling the tropical vibes? No worries - our next recipe might be more your style.
9. Crispy Jackfruit Tacos
Want tacos with an irresistible crunch? These jackfruit tacos pack all the texture and flavor you'd expect from a great taco night. Here's how to turn regular jackfruit into a mouthwatering taco filling that'll have everyone asking for seconds.
Start with young green jackfruit in brine or water - this type works best for the texture we're after. Drain it well, shred it up, and don't skip patting it dry with paper towels. This step is KEY for getting that perfect crisp.
Let's talk flavor. Mix up a quick marinade with chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and lime juice. Add 2 teaspoons of soy sauce or liquid aminos to give it extra punch. Pop it in the fridge for 2 hours, or better yet, leave it overnight to soak up all that goodness.
When you're ready to cook, heat up 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Toss in your jackfruit with some sliced onions and minced garlic. Cook it up until it's golden and crispy - about 5-10 minutes should do it.
"These jackfruit carnitas are a delicious vegan and vegetarian dinner idea that's easy to make with simple plant-based ingredients!" - Brittany Roche, Recipe Author
To serve, warm your corn tortillas and load them up with the crispy jackfruit. Top with diced avocado, radishes, and fresh cilantro. A drizzle of vegan chipotle aioli or lime juice adds the perfect finishing touch. Want extra crunch? Pop those filled tacos in the air fryer for a few minutes. Serve with black beans on the side for a filling meal.
Stay tuned for our next recipe featuring fresh pico de gallo - it's a game-changer.
10. Jackfruit Tacos with Fresh Pico de Gallo
Want to make fish-style tacos without the fish? Here's how jackfruit can help. Start with young green jackfruit (in brine or water), drain it, and shred it using a potato masher or forks until it looks like pulled meat.
Get your pan hot, add olive oil, and cook those onions until they're soft and clear. Then comes the magic: mix in your shredded jackfruit, vegetable broth, tomato paste, and chipotle peppers in adobo sauce. Spice it up with chili powder and cumin, then add a touch of agave syrup to balance things out. Let everything cook together for 10-15 minutes.
Now for the pico de gallo - it's super simple but packs a punch. Dice up some tomatoes and red onion, chop fresh cilantro, squeeze in lime juice, and add a pinch of salt. This fresh topping cuts right through the rich jackfruit filling.
"The smoky flavors from the chipotle peppers and the tanginess of the pico de gallo create a balanced and addictive taste experience." - Recipe Author
Building these tacos is a snap: warm tortilla, smoky jackfruit mixture, plenty of pico de gallo on top, and some creamy sliced avocado to finish. One last squeeze of lime juice brings it all together. What makes these tacos special? It's all about that contrast between the warm, smoky jackfruit and the cool, zesty pico de gallo.
This recipe shows just how well jackfruit can stand in for traditional taco fillings - who knew a fruit could be so tasty in tacos?
Recipe Comparison Table
Need a quick jackfruit taco fix? The Carnitas-Style version takes just 15 minutes to prep. Here's a breakdown of different jackfruit taco recipes to help you pick the perfect one:
Recipe | Prep Time | Flavor Profile | Suggested Toppings |
---|---|---|---|
Jackfruit Tacos with Creamy Avocado Sauce | 45 minutes | Smoky, tangy, creamy | Avocado sauce, cilantro, lime juice |
Jerk-Seasoned Jackfruit Tacos | 30 minutes | Spicy, aromatic | Mango salsa, coconut flakes, cilantro |
Quick and Simple Jackfruit Tacos | 25 minutes | Mild, slightly sweet | Avocado, red onion, cilantro, lime juice |
Oven-Baked Jackfruit Tacos | 40 minutes | Earthy, slightly smoky | Roasted sweet potato, black beans, salsa |
Jackfruit Carnitas-Style Tacos | 15 minutes | Rich, savory | Radishes, cabbage slaw, lime juice, cilantro |
Smoky-Flavored Jackfruit Tacos | 35 minutes | Deeply smoky, slightly spicy | Pico de gallo, avocado, vegan sour cream |
Spicy Jackfruit Tacos with Heat | 30 minutes | Very spicy, bold | Sliced jalapeños, cilantro, lime juice |
Jackfruit Tacos with Sweet Mango Salsa | 40 minutes | Sweet, tangy | Mango salsa, coconut flakes, cilantro |
Crispy Jackfruit Tacos | 45 minutes | Crispy, savory | Shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, vegan sour cream |
Jackfruit Tacos with Fresh Pico de Gallo | 35 minutes | Fresh, zesty | Pico de gallo, avocado, cilantro |
Want it smoky? Spicy? Sweet? These recipes have got you covered. Plus, you can always adjust the toppings and spice levels to match your taste buds.
"The versatility of jackfruit allows for a wide range of flavor profiles and textures, making it an ideal ingredient for vegan fish tacos."
Conclusion
Young green jackfruit in brine or water makes fantastic vegan fish tacos. Whether you're whipping up quick 15-minute Carnitas-style tacos or going all-out with crispy versions, these recipes fit any schedule while packing plenty of fiber and keeping calories low.
You can prep jackfruit in different ways to get exactly what you want. Shred and sauté it until it's tender, or bake it until it gets that satisfying crunch. The magic happens when you mix bold spices like smoked paprika and chipotle with fresh toppings - think zesty lime slaw. That's what gives you those classic fish taco vibes.
Think of these recipes as your starting point. Play around with seasonings and cooking methods to make the jackfruit really shine in your tacos. Just start with good quality young green jackfruit, follow the basic steps we've covered, and you'll end up with plant-based tacos that capture everything great about the original.
Ready to shake up your next taco night? These jackfruit tacos might just become your new go-to.