Go Back
+ servings
Three jackfruit tacos are on a plate with a jalapeño beside them. There is a bowl of salsa, a lime, and some fresh cilantro leaves in the background.
Print

Jackfruit Carnitas

Make this plant-based jackfruit carnitas recipe to serve with your favorite Mexican dishes, like vegan tacos, tostadas, burritos, and more. Carnitas are crispy, juicy and so flavorful! The trick is pan-frying before serving. See FAQs after the recipe.
Course Main Course
Cuisine Mexican
Diet Vegan
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Resting Time 5 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings 6 servings
Calories 139kcal

Ingredients

  • 20 oz can Jackfruit (young green in water)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
  • 1 cup chopped onion
  • 1 jalapeño, seeds removed and chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, peeled and minced
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • ½ cup orange juice
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 tablespoon taco seasoning

Instructions

  • Transfer jackfruit to a colander to drain the canning liquid. Run it under water for a few seconds to rinse any of the canning liquid. Set the colander over a bowl to let it drain.
  • Place a saucepan over medium heat and add one tablespoon of oil. Cook over medium heat until shimmering. Add the onions and jalapeno and cook for up to 5 minutes, until tender. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
  • Pour the jackfruit into the pan and cook for several minutes. Stir in the soy sauce, orange juice, and spices. Cook for 10 to 15 minutes over medium-low heat until the jackfruit becomes tender. Use a spatula to break it into pieces. The sauce should thicken.
  • Heat the remaining oil in a skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Add the jackfruit carnitas, spreading it out across the pan. Let it cook for several minutes to brown and crisp the bottom. Then use a spatula to turn the carnitas and cook on the other side, letting it sit in the skillet until browned.
  • Serve carnitas with vegan tacos, burritos, vegan nachos, salads, and more!

Nutrition

Calories: 139kcal | Carbohydrates: 28g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 3g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 400mg | Potassium: 534mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 21g | Vitamin A: 220IU | Vitamin C: 29mg | Calcium: 45mg | Iron: 1mg