The Best Smoky Jackfruit Tacos (Vegan Pulled Pork)

If you’ve been searching for a plant-based taco that truly satisfies that craving for something smoky, savory, and wonderfully ‘meaty,’ you’ve found it. These Jackfruit Tacos are a culinary game-changer.

We’re taking humble canned jackfruit and transforming it into a tender, shredded filling that rivals traditional pulled pork. Each bite is an incredible mix of textures and flavors—the deeply seasoned jackfruit, the cool and creamy avocado sauce, and the fresh toppings all wrapped in a warm tortilla.

This isn’t just a substitute; it’s a delicious meal in its own right, and it’s about to become a permanent fixture in your dinner rotation.

Why This Recipe Will Be Your New Favorite

This recipe is designed to be a reliable weeknight hero. The jackfruit filling comes together in one pan in about 30 minutes, and it’s fantastic for meal prep.

The flavor is deeply savory with a smoky kick from chipotle peppers, balanced by a hint of sweetness. Unlike some vegan fillings, jackfruit shreds beautifully, creating a texture that’s incredibly satisfying and perfect for holding onto sauce.

It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for both vegans and meat-eaters alike.

What You’ll Need for These Tacos

Getting the best flavor starts with the right ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to build the rich, smoky filling and the fresh, creamy sauce.

Each component plays a specific role in creating a balanced and unforgettable taco.

How to Choose the Right Jackfruit

This is the single most important step. You must use canned young, green jackfruit that is packed in water or brine.

Do not buy jackfruit packed in syrup, as it is sweet and has a soft, mushy texture unsuitable for this savory recipe. The young, unripe fruit has a neutral flavor and a firm, fibrous texture that shreds perfectly, mimicking pulled meat.

You can typically find it in the Asian foods aisle of most major grocery stores or online. Before using, always drain the can and rinse the jackfruit pieces thoroughly to remove any ‘canned’ or briny taste.

Step-by-Step: Making the Pulled Jackfruit Filling

Creating the perfect ‘pulled’ texture and deep flavor is a simple, three-part process. Follow these steps for a flawless filling every time.

1. Sauté and Simmer: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add the rinsed and drained jackfruit pieces along with half of the vegetable broth. Bring the liquid to a boil, then reduce the heat, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for about 10 minutes. This initial step softens the jackfruit, making it easy to shred.
2. Shred the Jackfruit: Once softened, remove the lid. Using two forks or a potato masher, press down and pull apart the jackfruit pieces directly in the skillet. It should shred easily into fibrous, stringy pieces that look remarkably like pulled pork.
3. Build the Flavor: Now, add the remaining vegetable broth, tomato paste, soy sauce, chopped chipotle peppers, garlic, chili powder, cumin, and agave to the skillet. Stir everything together until the shredded jackfruit is evenly coated. Continue to cook over medium-high heat for 10-15 minutes, stirring frequently, allowing the sauce to reduce and thicken. The goal is for the liquid to be mostly absorbed and for some pieces of the jackfruit to caramelize slightly at the edges. Finish by stirring in the fresh lime juice.

How to Make the Creamy Avocado Sauce

This sauce provides the perfect cool and tangy counterpoint to the smoky filling. It’s incredibly simple and comes together in just a couple of minutes.

Instructions: Add the avocado flesh, fresh cilantro, lime juice, vegan mayo (or yogurt), and salt to a high-speed blender or food processor. Blend on high until the sauce is completely smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides of the container as needed to ensure everything is incorporated.

Taste and add more salt or lime juice if desired. Use immediately or store in an airtight container in the fridge.

Expert Tips for the Perfect Texture

Want to take your jackfruit tacos from great to amazing? These professional tips focus on developing the best possible texture and flavor.

• Don’t Skip the Sauté: Sautéing the onions first builds a foundational layer of flavor. Don’t just dump everything in at once.
• Allow for Caramelization: After adding the sauce ingredients to the shredded jackfruit, don’t be afraid to let it cook until the liquid has mostly evaporated. Allowing the jackfruit to brown and caramelize in the pan creates crispy edges and a much deeper, smokier flavor. This process, known as the Maillard reaction, is essential for developing meat-like savoriness.
• Break Up the Core: Some pieces of jackfruit have a harder, denser core. While edible, I recommend chopping these off before simmering for the most consistent, tender texture throughout the filling.
• Taste and Adjust: The final flavor balance is personal. Before serving, taste the filling and adjust as needed. Does it need more salt? A bigger squeeze of lime for brightness? A little more chipotle for heat? Now is the time to perfect it.

How to Assemble and Serve Your Tacos

Taco night is all about the toppings! Set up a “taco bar” with small bowls of various ingredients so everyone can build their perfect taco.

Here are some of our favorite additions:

• Crunchy & Fresh: Shredded lettuce or cabbage, diced tomatoes, thinly sliced radishes.
• Creamy & Cool: Vegan sour cream, diced avocado, or extra avocado sauce.
• Tangy & Bright: Pickled red onions, fresh cilantro, a squeeze of fresh lime, or your favorite salsa.
• Delicious Sides: Complete the meal with a side of black beans, cilantro-lime rice, or a fresh corn and avocado salad.

A Guide to Meal Prep and Storage

This recipe is perfect for planning ahead, making it an excellent choice for busy weeknights or stress-free entertaining. Having meals ready to go is a great way to boost your productivity during a hectic week.

To Store: Let the cooked jackfruit filling cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Store the avocado sauce separately in an airtight container with plastic wrap pressed directly onto the surface to minimize browning; it will last for 2-3 days.

To Reheat: The jackfruit filling can be gently reheated in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or vegetable broth to prevent it from drying out. You can also microwave it in short bursts until heated through.

To Freeze: The jackfruit filling freezes exceptionally well. Portion it into freezer-safe bags or containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating as described above. Do not freeze the avocado sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are answers to some of the most common questions about cooking with jackfruit.

Is jackfruit healthy?

Yes, jackfruit is a good source of nutrients. A comprehensive review in the International Journal of Food Science highlights its rich dietary fiber content, which supports digestive health. Furthermore, according to nutritional data from the USDA, it contains a variety of vitamins and minerals, including Vitamin C and potassium. While it’s lower in protein than meat, it provides a healthy, whole-food base for this flavorful meal.

What does jackfruit taste like?

Unripe (young) jackfruit has a very mild, neutral taste, which is why it’s so brilliant at absorbing other flavors. Its primary contribution is its unique, shreddable texture, not its flavor.

Where can I buy canned jackfruit?

You can find it at most major supermarkets in the international or Asian food aisle, at Asian markets, or from online retailers. Trader Joe’s and Whole Foods often carry it as well. Just be sure to check the label for ‘young’ or ‘green’ jackfruit in ‘water’ or ‘brine’.

Conclusion

These jackfruit tacos are more than just a recipe; they’re a revelation in plant-based cooking. They prove that you don’t need meat to enjoy a smoky, savory, and incredibly satisfying meal.

By understanding the ingredients and mastering a few simple techniques, you can create a truly memorable dish that will impress everyone, from seasoned vegans to curious omnivores. So go ahead, give it a try, and get ready to discover your new favorite Taco Tuesday centerpiece. And if you’re looking for the perfect dessert to follow, our ooey-gooey vegan seven layer bars are an absolute must-try.