🌶️ Sweet & Spicy Jackfruit Tacos with Lime Slaw 🌮

An exotic vegan twist on taco night that’ll fool even the most devoted meat-eaters.


🧑‍🍳 Overview

  • Difficulty: Medium
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Servings: 4 tacos (serves 2 people generously)
  • Cuisine: Fusion (Mexican + Asian influence)

📝 Ingredients

For the Jackfruit:

  • 1 can of young green jackfruit in brine (NOT syrup), drained and rinsed
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp ground cumin
  • 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, adjust to heat preference)
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp maple syrup
  • 1/2 cup vegetable broth
  • Juice of 1/2 lime

For the Lime Slaw:

  • 1 cup red cabbage, finely shredded
  • 1/2 cup carrots, julienned or shredded
  • 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

To Assemble:

  • 4 small corn tortillas
  • Sliced avocado or guacamole (optional)
  • Extra lime wedges for serving
  • Fresh chopped jalapeño (optional)

🧑‍🍳 Instructions

1. Prepare the Jackfruit

  • Use your fingers or a fork to shred the jackfruit pieces into pulled-pork-like strips.
  • In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté onion for 3–4 minutes until soft, then add garlic and cook 1 more minute.
  • Add jackfruit and spices (paprika, cumin, cayenne, salt). Stir well.
  • Stir in soy sauce, maple syrup, and vegetable broth. Cover and simmer on low for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  • Remove the lid and cook another 5–7 minutes until most liquid is absorbed and the jackfruit slightly crisps on the edges.
  • Finish with lime juice and stir once more.

2. Make the Lime Slaw

  • In a bowl, combine shredded cabbage, carrots, cilantro, lime juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
  • Mix well and refrigerate until serving to let flavors blend.

3. Warm the Tortillas

  • Warm tortillas in a dry pan or over open flame for a slight char.

4. Assemble the Tacos

  • Layer the pulled jackfruit onto each tortilla.
  • Top generously with lime slaw.
  • Add sliced avocado, jalapeño, and a final squeeze of lime if desired.

💡 Tips & Twists

  • Make it BBQ-style: Add a spoon of smoky BBQ sauce to the jackfruit for a Southern kick.
  • Make it spicier: Add chipotle sauce or pickled jalapeños.
  • Storage: Jackfruit filling can be refrigerated for up to 3 days.

🍽️ Nutritional Highlights (per serving, approx.)

  • Calories: 320
  • Protein: 6g
  • Carbs: 42g
  • Fat: 14g
  • Fiber: 7g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg

📂 Categories

  • Main Categories: Vegan, Vegetarian
  • Additional Categories:
    • Meat Alternative
    • Fusion Cuisine
    • Street Food
    • Dinner
    • 30-Minute Meals
    • High-Fiber
    • Dairy-Free
    • Plant-Based Protein
    • Summer Recipes

🛠️ Chef’s Little Secret Weapon

Let’s be real—cooking jackfruit without the right tools is like trying to salsa dance in ski boots. Not fun. 😅

To truly bring out the magic in this Sweet & Spicy Jackfruit Taco recipe, you’ll want this handy kitchen must-have:

🔥 Non-Stick Skillet

Crispy edges. Perfect caramelization. Zero sticking.
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Whether you’re sautéing jackfruit, flipping pancakes, or building your next AI food masterpiece, a good skillet changes the game.


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