Spicy, Smoky & Fresh

Mexican Style BBQ Jackfruit Tacos

Total Time: 25-35 mins + 10 mins for the slaw

Difficulty: Easy Breezy

Servings: 6-8 Tacos

These vibrant tacos are spicy, flavorful and fresh. Plus they have a touch of sticky smokiness from the addition of molasses. While you can use any salsa on these tacos, I highly recommend my Red Cabbage Lemon Slaw to take this meal to the next level and give it that pop of color. This dish pairs great with those beautiful hot days on the patio with some cold drinks or a casual dinner with a loved one. 

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Mexican Style BBQ Jackfruit Tacos

Total Time: 25-35 mins + 10 mins for the slaw

Difficulty: Easy Breezy

Servings: 6-8 Tacos

These vibrant tacos are spicy, flavorful and fresh. Plus they have a touch of sticky smokiness from the addition of molasses. While you can use any salsa on these tacos, I highly recommend my Red Cabbage Lemon Slaw to take this meal to the next level and give it that pop of color. This dish pairs great with those beautiful hot days on the patio with some cold drinks or a casual dinner with a loved one. 

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TIME TO COOK

The Recipe

Ingredients:

  • Taco Shells/Small Tortilla Wraps
  • 1 Can Young Green Jackfruit (511ml)
  • 1/2 Small Onion
  • 1/2 Jalapeno
  • 2-3 Cloves of Garlic
  • 1 Small Thumb Ginger (20g)
  • 1/2 Tsp Cumin Powder – I used fresh ground cumin seeds, if your powder is pre-ground, I would go 3/4 Tsp
  • 1/8 Tsp Cinnamon
  • 1/4 Tsp Coriander Seed Powder
  • 2 Tsp Oregano
  • Salt
  • Pepper
Sauce:
  • 1 Tomato (I used Roma)
  • 1/2 Small Onion
  • 1/2 Red Bell Pepper
  • 1 Tsp Soy Sauce
  • 2 Tsp Molasses (Or 2 Tsp Sugar)
Additional: You’ll need a cheesecloth or some sort of thin cloth.
 
Possible Garnishes:
  • Red Cabbage Lemon Slaw (Recommended) – Or a salsa you have on hand.
    • Ingredients for the Slaw:
      • Red Cabbage – Slice off side ~200g
      • 1/3 Cup Corn
      • 1/2 Small Sweet Onion
      • 1/2 Jalepeno
      • 1/2 Thumb of Ginger (8g)
      • 1 Small Clove of Garlic
      • Juice from 1 Lemon
      • 10-12 Springs of Cilantro
      • 1/2 Tsp Sugar
      • 2 Pinches Salt
  • Aioli – Recommended
  • Cilantro
  • Sesame Seeds
  • Green Onion
Jackfruit Tacos

Step 1: Red Cabbage Lemon Slaw

We want to make the slaw first so all the veggies have time to marinade in the lemon juice and reduce the rawness of all the ingredients. This recipe will result in extras to snack on 😉 . If you’re using a salsa you already have on hand you can skip to Step 5.

  • Slice a side off the head of Red Cabbage.
  • Mince into small pieces.
  • Add into a large Tupperware or sealable container.
Red Cabbage Slaw
Red Cabbage Slaw

Step 2

  • Mince 1/2 an Onion, 1/2 a Jalapeno, 1 small clove of Garlic, 1/2 a thumb of Ginger, and 10-12 springs of Cilantro.
  • Add all ingredients, including 1/3 cup of corn, in with the Cabbage.
Red Cabbage Slaw
Red Cabbage Slaw
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Red Cabbage Slaw

Step 3

  • Add the juice of 1 Lemon.
  • Add 1/2 Tsp of Sugar.
  • Add 2 pinches of Salt.
  • Mix all the ingredients together.
Red Cabbage Slaw

Step 4

  • Seal up the Slaw. 
  • Store in the fridge
  • Shake it up here in there while we’re making tacos to keep everything coated in the lemon juice. 
  • You’ll notice that there will be more and more liquid in the container as the juices from all the ingredients get pulled out and mingle together. 
  • Ahhh just smell that fresh salsa.. I mean slaw.. does cabbage instantly make it a slaw?
Red Cabbage Slaw

Step 5: The Tacos

Alright, let’s get to the main event!
  • Drain the can of Jackfruit.
  • Slice the large pieces into smaller pieces (Turn one chunk into 3)
  • Place the Jackfruit pieces in a cheesecloth. 
  • Twist and squeeze as much water as you can out of the Jackfruit. Use those muscles!
Jackfruit Tacos
Jackfruit Tacos
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Jackfruit Tacos

Step 6

  • Place a pan on med heat.
  • Add 1 Tbsp Oil.
  • Once hot, add in the Jackfruit.
  • Add the following spices:
    • 1/2 Tsp Cumin Powder
    • 1/8 Tsp Cinnamon
    • 1/4 Tsp Coriander Seed Powder
    • Pinch of Salt
    • Pinch of Pepper
  • Mix the ingredients together.
Jackfruit Tacos

Step 7

  • Slice the following ingredients and add to the Jackfruit. I sliced all my ingredients length wise to match the texture and form of the Jackfruit. You can also just mince the ingredients though.
    • 1/2 Small Onion
    • 1/2 Jalapeno
    • 2-3 Cloves of Garlic
    • 1 Small Thumb Ginger
  • Mix all the ingredients together and reduce heat to med-low. Move on to the next step and allow to cook for 4-5 mins.

Note: Keep an eye on the Jackfruit as we’ve drained all the liquid it can burn easily. The moisture from the ingredients will help prevent that, but be sure to mix occasionally.

Jackfruit Tacos
Jackfruit Tacos

Step 8: The Sauce

  • Roughly chop the following ingredients:
    • 1 Tomato (I used a Roma)
    • 1/2 Small Onion
    • 1/2 Red Bell Pepper
  • Add ingredients to a blender with:
    • 1 Tsp Soy Sauce
    • 2 Tsp Molasses or 2 Tsp Sugar
  • Blend until smooth.
Jackfruit Tacos
Jackfruit Tacos
Jackfruit Tacos

Step 9

  • Add the sauce to the Jackfruit mix.
  • Add 2 Tsp of Oregano.
  • Stir all the ingredients together.
  • Reduce heat to low.
  • Cover with lid and allow to cook for 5-7 mins. Stir occaisionally.
It’s smelling good in here!
Jackfruit Tacos
Jackfruit Tacos

Final Step!

  • Chop up your garnishes.
  • Prep your sauces – Aiolis or another cream sauce go great on these and help tie everything together! Whip up a quick one with some Vegan mayo, Mexican Hot Sauce, and a touch of sugar.
  • Prep your tacos – Toast em, warm em, make em how you want em.
  • Add some of the Jackfuit mixture on a taco. Top with the Red Cabbage Lemon Slaw (or a salsa you have on hand). Add some aioli or another creamy sauce. Top with some cilantro and sesame seeds. And you’re good to go!
Well damn, you just made one sexy looking dish there! Watch who you’re serving that to!
Jackfruit Tacos
Jackfruit Tacos