Last updated on March 4th, 2026 at 02:05 am
These BBQ Jackfruit Tacos are a favorite in my household and ready in less than 30 minutes! Jackfruit is a great meat substitute, especially because of its tender texture that easily absorbs flavors and sauce.
Jackfruit is one of those ingredients that feels almost magical when you cook it right. When you shred and sauté young green jackfruit, it takes on that pulled-meat texture and absorbs whatever flavor you give it. Smoky BBQ sauce, garlic, onion, a little spice. It soaks it all up.
If you’re plant-based, trying to eat more fiber, or just want something different for taco night, this one hits. And if you pair it with something protein-rich on the side, like a hearty bean dish or my artichoke quinoa salad, it becomes a beautifully balanced meal.
Vegan BBQ Jackfruit Tacos
Ingredients
- 2 20-ounce cans young green jackfruit
- 1/2 Red Onion
- 3 Garlic Cloves, minced
- 1/2 tsp Smoked Paprika
- 1/2 tsp Chili Powder
- 1/2 tsp Dried Oregano
- 1/4 tsp Red Crushed Pepper
- 1/4 tsp Sea Salt
- 1/4 tsp Fresh Ground Pepper
- 1 cup Homemade Barbecue Sauce or your favorite barbecue sauce
- 1/3 cup Broth
- 1-2 tbsp Cooking Oil
Optional Ingredients for Assembling Tacos
- Tortillas
- Sliced Radishes
- Sliced Jalapeños
- Avocado Crema
- Salsa
Instructions
- First, prepare the jackfruit by pouring it into a strainer and thoroughly rinsing to remove any debris, salt, or liquid remains
- Transfer the jackfruit into a large bowl. Then, using a knife or your hands, pull apart (or slice) the jackfruit into thin pieces. (Do not discard the core or seeds)
- Season the jackfruit with the seasonings listed above. Mix well to ensure all the jackfruit is evenly coated.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add 1-2 tablespoons of oil of choice. Then, add the chopped garlic and onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes, until golden.
- Add the seasoned jackfruit to the pan andsaute for about 5 minutes. Then pour in the broth. Mix the ingredients and then cover the pan for 5 minutes on medium-low heat.
- After the broth has been absorbed by the jackfruit, add the barbecue sauce and cook over medium low heat for about 10 minutes.
- Remove from the heat and enjoy. Place generous portions of the pulled bbq jackfruit onto your prepared tortilla. Add toppings of your choice and Enjoy!
Video
Notes
Nutrition
What to Serve with BBQ Jackfruit Tacos
Make them with my homemade vegan barbecue sauce and top them with avocado crema and pineapple salsa for the best tacos ever! Pair your tacos with Cilantro Lime Rice and Cantaloupe Agua Fresca, and enjoy a delightful feast!
What a great twist to taco Tuesday! These were great; even my picky eaters gobbled this up!
Hi Sara! I am happy to hear that! 🙂
Yum these tacos look amazing! I’ve been meaning to try cooking with jackfruit, can’t wait to try this!
Hi Cate! I hope you have fun cooking with jackfruit!
This was a yummy introduction to the new-to-me jackfruit. Thanks for this creative recipe. So good!
Hi Lisalia! I am glad you like the recipe!
I am always looking for new ways to make vegetarian tacos, and these look great! I haven’t tried working with jackfruit before, but you make it seem so easy and delicious that I will have to give it a try.
Hi Kait, I promise you it’s super easy! I hope you enjoy!
These tacos were so flavorful and delicious! I served them to my whole family and everyone (even the meat eaters) devoured it!
Yes! I am so happy to hear that!
For the nutrition, what is the amount of bbq pulled jackfruit per serving size? Mt son has to measure daily protein as part of his medical conditions treatment plan, so I was curious how much is considered a serving size?
Hi! 2 tbsp to 1/4 cup is enough for one serving size