CHIPOTLE BBQ

Chipotle BBQ Jackfruit Tacos

These Chipotle BBQ Jackfruit Tacos are a fast and easy vegan meal that is perfect for Taco Tuesday! In case you’re unfamiliar with jackfruit, it has a shredded meat-like texture which makes it a fabulous plant-based substitute in recipes ranging from sandwiches, to pastas, to tacos just like these!

What I love most about these tacos is that they’re SO easy, SO delicious, and they will have even the pickiest meat eaters asking for more. Plus, they are full of veggies and plant protein to create a perfectly well-balanced meal. The chipotle peppers pack some heat with a spicy smoky flavor, but it’s instantly balanced by the sweetness of the BBQ sauce. This is a wonderful weeknight or meatless Monday meal because the entire sha-bang comes together in less than 30 minutes.

bbq jackfruit

Frequently Asked Jackfruit Questions:

What is Jackfruit?

You may not realize this, but jackfruit is indeed a fruit! It is a cousin to the fig and mulberry, and it is actually the largest fruit on earth. That’s right – mature jackfruits can weigh up to 100 pounds. Can you imagine having the job of harvesting those?! However, when harvested young, jackfruit has a very neutral, mild flavor and a meaty, stringy texture, similar to that of shredded pork. When making a recipe that traditionally calls for shredded meat, jackfruit is a wonderful substitute for any savory recipe.

Where to Buy Jackfruit?

It is important to note that there are two VERY different types of jackfruit, purely determined by its ripeness. Jackfruit sold in produce sections is always very ripe. This is the perfect jackfruit to buy to use in smoothies, fruit bowls, or desserts. However, for recipes like these tacos, you want young, green jackfruit. This variety can be found at most grocery stores in the canned or frozen section, and sometimes even in a refrigerated pouch.

how to cook jackfruit

How to Prepare Jackfruit for These BBQ Jackfruit Tacos?

My favorite type of jackfruit to use is canned jackfruit. When working with this variety there are a few simple steps to follow:

  1. Drain: Pour the contents of the can into a colander to drain the brine.
  2. Rinse: Next, rinse with cool water, letting excess water drain.
  3. Squeeze: Wrap the jackfruit pieces in a clean kitchen towel or cheese cloth and firmly squeeze over the sink to remove excess moisture.
  4. Chop or Shred: Use your hands or a knife to pull the pieces apart and create meat-like shreds.
  5. Bake, Simmer or Sauté

Is Jackfruit Healthy?

In short, Yes!! Jackfruit is rich with fiber, vitamins, and minerals, and is totally cholesterol-free unlike shredded meat. The one thing it lacks is high protein, so I always recommend pairing it with a plant-based protein option like legumes, tofu, tempeh, or nuts. This specific recipe combines jackfruit and shredded tofu for a protein-packed meal!

how to make jackfruit

Can These BBQ Jackfruit Tacos be Made with Other Flavors?

Heck yes! This recipe is a wonderful guide to make any flavor of taco! You could use traditional dry taco seasoning, curry powder, tikka masala sauce, buffalo sauce, seasoning, or anything your heart desires.

CHIPOTLE BBQ

Chipotle BBQ Jackfruit Tacos

An easy and simple vegan taco recipe with spicy, smoky and subtly sweet BBQ flavor.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Course: Dinner, lunch
Cuisine: American, bbq, Mexican, tex mex
Keyword: bbq tacos, gluten free tacos, tacos, vegan tacos
Servings: 10 tacos
Author: jackfruitfulkitchen

Ingredients

  • 1/2 small red onion diced
  • 2 large carrots shredded
  • 15 oz canned young green jackfruit
  • 16 oz super-firm high-protein tofu shredded*
  • 7.5 oz can chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
  • 1/3 cup bbq sauce
  • 2 tsp chipotle chili powder optional, for extra spice
  • salt and pepper to taste

To Serve

  • 10 6" corn tortillas
  • 3 cups lettuce chopped
  • 1 cup fresh or frozen yellow corn warmed
  • 1 avocado thinly sliced
  • 1/3 cup finely chopped cilantro
  • 1/2 cup plain, unsweetened vegan yogurt
  • 1 jalapeno thinly sliced
  • 1 lime cut into wedges

Instructions

  • Start by warming a large cast iron skillet over medium heat and adding a small amount of water, vegetable broth, or oil for cooking.
  • Add in the onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant, stirring occasionally. Next, add in the shredded carrot and cook for 2-3 more minutes, adding a bit of water or vegetable broth as needed to deglaze.
  • While the onion and carrot are cooking, prepare your jackfruit following the steps outlined in the "How to Prepare Jackfruit" section above by draining, rinsing, squeezing, and pulling apart your jackfruit into bite-sized pieces. Once this is complete, add the jackfruit to the skillet, along with your shredded tofu. Cook on medium high heat, adding a tbsp of water or broth as needed, for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally but letting the edges get browned and crispy.
  • Meanwhile, add your chipotle peppers in adobo sauce and bbq sauce to a blender and blitz until smooth. Pour the sauce into the skillet and stir to combine. Add the optional chipotle chili powder, salt and pepper if desired. Stir for another minute until the mixture is heated through. Turn off the skillet.
  • If you have a gas range, turn a separate burner on a low flame and place your tortillas directly over the flame flipping every 10 seconds or so until they are browned, and making sure to not let them burn or catch fire! If you do not have a gas range, warm your tortillas in a small skillet over medium low heat.
  • Assemble your tacos by adding a layer of lettuce to each tortilla, topping with the taco meat, and adding the remaining toppings, finishing with a squeeze of lime.

Notes

*It is important to use a high-protein super-firm tofu for this recipe! If you substitute for a firm or extra firm tofu, you will need to press it for 30 minutes first and the texture still won’t be quite as meaty, but it will still be delicious.
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
Chipotle Jackfruit Taquitos with Vegan Queso

Chipotle Jackfruit Taquitos + Vegan Queso

Chipotle Jackfruit Taquitos


A healthier take on a your favorite TexMex dish!

A healthier take on a your favorite TexMex dish!

Have friends and family that think gluten-free vegan food is bland and boring? 🙄 Jokes on them! 😃💁🏻‍♀️ Serve up these tasty Chipotle Jackfruit Taquitos with Vegan Queso at your next get together – they’ll be BEGGING for more! 🤤 These taquitos also reheat REALLY well and make great leftovers or meal prep! 🤗

Ingredients:

• 1 can @traderjoes jackfruit, rinsed, dried, and pulled apart
• 3 TBSP Adobo sauce from can of Chipotle peppers (more or less to taste)
• cumin
• paprika
• chili powder
• coriander
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can pinto beans, rinsed and drained
• shredded @so_delicious vegan cheddar cheese
• @sietefoods almond flour tortillas

Instructions:

1. Combine jackfruit, adobo sauce, and seasonings in a bowl. Mix well.
2. Spread on parchment lined baking sheet.
3. Bake for 15 minutes in a 400 degree oven.
4. Heat 1 tsp EVOO in a skillet. Add minced garlic cloves and sauté until fragrant. Add in beans and CAREFULLYYYY mash with a fork or spoon. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Add a row of beans, a sprinkle of vegan cheddar, and a layer of jackfruit to the edge of a tortilla. Roll up nice and tight! Repeat.
6. Place rolled taquitos on a fresh parchment lined baking sheet. Brush lightly with EVOO. Bake for 15 minutes or until golden brown.
7. Serve with cilantro, avocado, salsa, and vegan Queso (recipe below!!)

Vegan Queso 🧀

Ingredients:

• 1 tsp diced jalapeño (more or less to taste)
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1/2 C @so_delicious vegan cheddar
• 1/3 C canned diced tomatoes
• cayenne
• paprika
• @bobsredmill arrowroot powder

Instructions:

1. Sauté garlic and jalapeño in small saucepan until fragrant. Add in all ingredients except arrowroot. Bring to a simmer.
2. Stir to heat though until melted. Add a sprinkle of arrowroot powder to thicken.
3. Serve hot as dipping sauce for Taquitos!

BBQ Pulled Jackfruit

BBQ Pulled Jackfruit


BBQ Pulled Jackfruit

BBQ Pulled Jackfruit

So you’re not vegan or vegetarian? No problem. You will still 💯 L O V E this dish. Clinton, a KC native-meat eating-BBQ lover, went back for seconds and said it could even fool most meat lovers! 🙌🏼 If that doesn’t talk you into making this bomb BBQ Pulled Jackfruit ASAP, idk what will! 🤷🏻‍♀️ Check this super easy 20 min recipe below ⬇️

Ingredients

  • 1/2 red onion, diced

  • 2 carrots, shredded

  • 2 garlic cloves, minced

  • 1 can green jackfruit, drained and rinsed

  • cayenne

  • paprika

  • salt and pepper

  • 1/2 C vegan paleo BBQ sauce like Tessemae’s

  • GF hamburger bun

Directions

1. Sauté 1/2 small red onion and 2 shredded carrots in EVOO in a cast iron skillet until tender.
2. Add 2 minced garlic cloves.
3. Rinse and drain one can of @traderjoes green jackfruit. Pat dry and pull apart with fingers into shredded pieces. Add to skillet.
4. Season with cayenne, salt, pepper, and paprika.
5. Add in 1/2 C or more of @tessemaes vegan paleo BBQ sauce. Stir to combine and heat through.
6. Serve on an @udisglutenfree bun with coleslaw (recipe below) and a side salad.

Cabbage Jicama Coleslaw

Ingredients

  • purple cabbage

  • jicama

  • celery

  • green onion

  • 2 tbsp vegan mayo

  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar

  • 1/2 lemon

  • dash of maple syrup

1. Slice purple cabbage, jicama, carrots, celery, and green onion.
2. Make dressing out of 2 tbsp @followyourheart vegan mayo, 1 tbsp @bragglivefoodproducts apple cider vinegar, 1/2 lemon juiced, and maple syrup to taste.
3. Toss with sliced veggies.