Dive into the world of plant-based cuisine with this jackfruit carnitas recipe. Known for its incredible ability to mimic the texture of pulled pork, jackfruit takes center stage in this dish, enhanced by a medley of flavorful spices and a slow cooking process. The result is a satisfying, meatless alternative that can be enjoyed in a variety of dishes from tacos to burritos, and much more.
Photos of Jackfruit Carnitas Recipe
The star of this recipe, jackfruit, is a tropical fruit that may not be readily found in all supermarkets. It's often available canned in brine or water in the international or health food aisles. When shopping for your ingredients, make sure to look for unripe, green jackfruit as it has a more neutral flavor that absorbs the spices well.
Ingredients for Jackfruit Carnitas
Jackfruit: This is the key ingredient for the recipe. Jackfruit is a tropical fruit known for its unique meat-like texture when cooked, and its ability to absorb flavors well.
Yellow onion: Adds a depth of flavor to the recipe. It's a basic ingredient in many dishes.
Garlic cloves: Provides a savory and warm flavor.
Kosher salt: Enhances the flavors of the other ingredients.
Black pepper: Adds a bit of heat and flavor.
Dried oregano: Gives a hint of earthy and minty flavor.
Chili powder: Provides a spicy kick to the dish.
Ground cumin: Adds a warm and earthy flavor, and is essential in Mexican cooking.
Bay leaves: Imparts a subtle bittersweet flavor.
Vegetable broth: Used to cook the jackfruit, providing hydration and flavor.
Orange: The juice gives a sweet and tangy flavor.
Lime: Lime juice adds a punch of acidity to balance the flavors.
One reader, Chalmers Shah says:
This jackfruit carnitas recipe is a game-changer! The flavors are so rich and savory, and the texture is spot-on. It's a fantastic plant-based alternative to traditional carnitas. I love serving it with guacamole and corn salsa for a burst of fresh flavors. Highly recommend trying it out!
Techniques Required for Jackfruit Carnitas Recipe
How to prepare jackfruit carnitas: This involves cutting the jackfruit, seasoning it, and cooking it in a slow cooker before baking it in the oven.
How to shred jackfruit: After cooking the jackfruit, it needs to be shredded using two forks until it reaches the consistency of pulled pork.
How to bake shredded jackfruit: Once the jackfruit is shredded, it should be spread on a baking sheet and baked in a preheated oven at 400 degrees F until the edges are slightly crisp.
Jackfruit carnitas is deliciously tender, completely vegan, and full of flavors. Believe me, the appeal of this Mexican-inspired plant-based dinner isn’t limited to vegetarians and vegans. Even non-vegans will swoon over its sheer deliciousness in every bite. Serve them during Taco Tuesdays, and no one would even notice there’s no meat!
Jackfruit, a tropical fruit native to Southeast Asia, is a healthy meat substitute. It has a texture that’s akin to that of a pulled pork: stringy and tender. You’re probably wondering: what does jackfruit taste like? Well, ripe jackfruits are generally sweet, and fairly comparable to mangoes and pineapples. Meanwhile, unripe ones have a neutral flavor, and when cooked properly, they can even rival the succulence of meaty dishes! You can even saute this fruit with onions and slather it with BBQ sauce to make a hearty sandwich filling.
Recently, I tried making carnitas tacos for dinner. But instead of the usual pulled pork, I used shredded jackfruit. The resemblance is uncanny, I’m telling you. Just like in the classic carnitas recipe, jackfruit meat has been seasoned and cooked until it’s juicy and fall-apart tender. My jackfruit carnitas recipe is proof that you can still enjoy tacos, enchiladas, and burritos even without the pork.
Cooking with fresh jackfruit is a bit of work. You have to slice the fruit into large chunks and pressure cook it before you can remove the seeds from the flesh. To save time and effort, I opted for canned jackfruit. I heard Trader Joe’s jackfruit is a good choice. Whichever brand you prefer, cherry-pick an unripe green jackfruit. It’s a better pretend meat than the ripe ones. But just a crucial tip: make sure to rinse away the brine and water as much as possible.
My jackfruit tacos recipe has the right elements–from seasonings to spices–to capture the taste of authentic Mexican carnitas. The mixture of dried oregano, cumin powder, and chili powder lends deep Mexican flavors to my vegan carnitas. And guess what else made my jackfruit recipe seem like the real deal? The orange juice and lemon juice duo! With these acidic ingredients, expect to have super tender jackfruit carnitas.
Making tacos de carnitas using jackfruit is so easy. After getting rid of any liquid from the canned jackfruit, I cut the chunks into pieces and placed them in the slow cooker. The jackfruit is then cooked slowly with spices, vegetable broth, orange juice, and lime juice. Feel free to add adobo sauce, soy sauce, and smoked paprika for extra flavors. Then, I let it simmer for 3 hours until the fruit was oh-so-tender and had soaked up all the flavors. Using forks, I pulled the cooked jackfruit apart into shreds to mimic pulled pork tacos. Lastly, I popped in the oven and baked it until the edges were deliciously crispy.
I love serving Mexican jackfruit carnitas rolled up on corn tortillas with guacamole and black beans. Toss some corn salsa and pico de gallo for the ultimate vegan jackfruit tacos. The toppings you can use for your pulled jackfruit tacos are endless: vegan sour cream, pickled jalapenos, and avocado slices. You can even divide your healthy carnitas into portions and prepare some tasty breakfast bowls, making for a fantastic meal prep idea. This recipe is downright one of the best vegan jackfruit recipes I’ve ever tried!
How To Make Jackfruit Carnitas
Have a healthy Mexican-inspired dinner with this jackfruit carnitas recipe. Serve this tender and slowly-cooked vegan carnitas as a filling for tacos and burritos.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 40 oz jackfruit, (2 cans), in brine or water, drained
- ½ medium yellow onion, sliced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1 tsp fresh ground black pepper
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 2 bay leaves
- ½ cup vegetable broth, low sodium
- ½ orange, juiced
- ½ lime, juiced
For Serving:
- corn tortilla
- guacamole
- black bean
- corn salsa
- pico de gallo
Instructions
- Cut each piece of jackfruit in half, then transfer to a slow cooker. Add the onion, garlic, salt, pepper, oregano, chili powder, cumin, bay leaves, vegetable broth, orange juice, and lime juice.
- Cover and cook on High for 3 hours or Low for 6 hours.
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Uncover the slow cooker and remove the bay leaves.
- Using two forks, shred the jackfruit until it resembles the consistency of pulled pork.
- Transfer the jackfruit to the prepared baking sheet and bake for 15 minutes, or until the edges are slightly crisp.
- Serve shredded jackfruit with tortillas, guacamole, black beans, corn salsa, and pico de gallo, and enjoy!
Recipe Notes
- The jackfruit will keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Sweeten your jackfruit carnitas and add a bit of brown color by adding sugar.
- You can also add a pinch of cinnamon for extra flavor.
Nutrition
- Calories: 197.30kcal
- Fat: 1.44g
- Saturated Fat: 0.41g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 0.37g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.25g
- Carbohydrates: 48.15g
- Fiber: 3.89g
- Sugar: 37.64g
- Protein: 3.80g
- Sodium: 334.74mg
- Calcium: 68.54mg
- Potassium: 917.17mg
- Iron: 1.04mg
- Vitamin A: 19.21µg
- Vitamin C: 34.65mg
Crucial Technique Tip for Jackfruit Carnitas Recipe
When shredding the jackfruit, it's important to ensure that it's cooked thoroughly. The texture should be soft and easily pulled apart with forks. If it's still tough, it may need more time in the slow cooker. Also, when baking the shredded jackfruit, keep a close eye on it. You want the edges to be slightly crisp for that authentic carnitas feel, but not too dry. Adjust the baking time as needed based on your oven.
Time-Saving Tips for Making Jackfruit Carnitas
Prep ahead: Chop vegetables, measure ingredients, and marinate the jackfruit the night before to save time on the day of cooking.
Use canned jackfruit: Opt for canned jackfruit instead of fresh to save time on preparing and cutting the fruit.
Slow cooker magic: Utilize a slow cooker to effortlessly cook the jackfruit while you attend to other tasks.
Double batch: Make a larger batch and freeze the extra jackfruit carnitas for future quick and easy meals.
Instant pot shortcut: Consider using an instant pot for a faster cooking time, reducing the overall preparation time.
Substitute Ingredients For Jackfruit Carnitas Recipe
jackfruit - Substitute with pulled pork: If you're looking for a meat-based alternative, pulled pork can provide a similar texture and flavor profile to jackfruit in a carnitas recipe.
yellow onion - Substitute with white onion: White onions can be used as a substitute for yellow onions, as they have a similar flavor and can be used interchangeably in most recipes.
garlic cloves - Substitute with garlic powder: Garlic powder can be used as a substitute for fresh garlic cloves, providing a similar flavor without the need for mincing or chopping.
kosher salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can be used as a substitute for kosher salt, providing a similar level of saltiness to the dish.
fresh ground black pepper - Substitute with ground white pepper: Ground white pepper can be used as a substitute for black pepper, providing a slightly different flavor profile to the dish.
dried oregano - Substitute with dried marjoram: Dried marjoram can be used as a substitute for oregano, providing a similar herbaceous flavor to the dish.
chili powder - Substitute with ancho chili powder: Ancho chili powder can be used as a substitute for regular chili powder, providing a slightly milder heat and a slightly sweet, smoky flavor.
ground cumin - Substitute with ground coriander: Ground coriander can be used as a substitute for cumin, providing a similar earthy and citrusy flavor to the dish.
vegetable broth - Substitute with chicken broth: Chicken broth can be used as a substitute for vegetable broth, providing a savory base for the dish.
orange - Substitute with tangerine: Tangerine can be used as a substitute for orange, providing a similar citrusy flavor to the dish.
lime - Substitute with lemon: Lemon can be used as a substitute for lime, providing a similar level of acidity and citrus flavor to the dish.
Presenting Jackfruit Carnitas in Style
Elevate the plating: When presenting the jackfruit carnitas, focus on creating an elegant and visually appealing plate. Use clean lines and minimalistic design to showcase the vibrant colors and textures of the dish.
Incorporate microgreens: Add a touch of sophistication by delicately placing a few sprigs of microgreens on top of the jackfruit carnitas. This not only adds a pop of color but also brings a fresh, earthy flavor to the dish.
Utilize contrasting textures: Create a dynamic visual and sensory experience by pairing the tender jackfruit carnitas with crispy corn tortillas and creamy guacamole. The interplay of textures will captivate the palate.
Emphasize precision: Pay attention to the placement of each component on the plate. Every element should be meticulously arranged to demonstrate attention to detail and culinary finesse.
Garnish with a citrus twist: Enhance the flavors of the dish by incorporating a decorative orange and lime twist. This not only adds a burst of freshness but also serves as a visually striking garnish.
Consider the vessel: Select a serving platter or plate that complements the colors of the dish. The vessel should enhance the overall presentation without overshadowing the star of the show – the jackfruit carnitas.
Essential Tools for Making Jackfruit Carnitas
Cutting board: A flat surface used for cutting, slicing, and chopping ingredients.
Chef's knife: A versatile, all-purpose knife used for chopping, slicing, and dicing various ingredients.
Slow cooker: A countertop electrical cooking appliance used for simmering food at a lower temperature over a longer period of time.
Baking sheet: A flat, rectangular metal sheet used for baking and roasting in the oven.
Parchment paper: A non-stick paper used for lining baking sheets and pans to prevent food from sticking.
Forks: Utensils with two or more prongs used for shredding the jackfruit.
Oven: A kitchen appliance used for baking and roasting food.
Rimmed baking sheet: A baking sheet with raised edges to prevent juices from spilling.
Food processor: A kitchen appliance used for chopping, blending, and pureeing ingredients.
Mixing bowl: A bowl used for mixing and combining ingredients.
Storing and Freezing Jackfruit Carnitas
Once the jackfruit carnitas have cooled to room temperature, transfer them to an airtight container or resealable plastic bag. Make sure to include any leftover juices from the slow cooker, as they will help keep the jackfruit moist and flavorful.
Stored properly in the refrigerator, the jackfruit carnitas will stay fresh for up to 4-5 days. When you're ready to enjoy them again, simply reheat the desired portion in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through.
If you want to keep the jackfruit carnitas for longer, freezing is a great option:
- Allow the jackfruit carnitas to cool completely before portioning them into freezer-safe containers or resealable plastic bags.
- Remove as much air as possible from the bags before sealing to prevent freezer burn.
- Label the containers or bags with the date and contents for easy reference.
Frozen jackfruit carnitas can be stored for up to 3 months. When you're ready to enjoy them, thaw the desired portion in the refrigerator overnight.
To reheat frozen jackfruit carnitas, place them in a skillet over medium heat and cook until they're heated through and any excess liquid has evaporated. You can also reheat them in the microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.
If you find that the reheated jackfruit carnitas are a bit dry, add a splash of water, vegetable broth, or orange juice to help moisten them and restore their original texture and flavor.
How To Reheat Leftover Jackfruit Carnitas
The best way to reheat leftover jackfruit carnitas is in a skillet on the stove. Heat a tablespoon of olive oil or vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the jackfruit carnitas and cook, stirring occasionally, until heated through and slightly crispy on the edges, about 5-7 minutes. This method helps to restore the texture and flavor of the jackfruit carnitas.
Another option is to reheat the jackfruit carnitas in the oven. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the jackfruit carnitas in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover the baking sheet with aluminum foil to prevent the jackfruit from drying out. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. Remove the foil for the last 2-3 minutes of baking to allow the edges to crisp up slightly.
If you're in a hurry, you can also reheat the jackfruit carnitas in the microwave. Place the desired amount of jackfruit carnitas in a microwave-safe dish and cover it with a damp paper towel. This will help to prevent the jackfruit from drying out. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through. Stir the jackfruit carnitas halfway through the reheating process to ensure even heating.
For a quick and easy meal, reheat the jackfruit carnitas and serve them in tacos, burritos, or enchiladas. Top with your favorite toppings, such as guacamole, salsa, sour cream, or shredded cheese.
If you have leftover jackfruit carnitas and want to switch things up, try using them as a topping for nachos or as a filling for quesadillas. Simply reheat the jackfruit carnitas using one of the methods above and add them to your favorite nacho or quesadilla recipe.
Interesting Fact About Jackfruit Carnitas
The jackfruit carnitas recipe is a delicious plant-based alternative to traditional pork carnitas. It is a great source of dietary fiber and provides essential nutrients such as vitamin C, potassium, and antioxidants. This versatile fruit is also known for its meaty texture, making it a popular choice for vegan and vegetarian dishes. Additionally, jackfruit is a sustainable food option as it requires less water and resources to cultivate compared to animal-based proteins. So, next time you're looking for a meat-free alternative, consider trying jackfruit carnitas for a flavorful and nutritious meal!
Is Making Jackfruit Carnitas at Home Cost-Effective?
This jackfruit carnitas recipe is highly cost-effective for a household. Jackfruit is a budget-friendly alternative to meat, and the additional ingredients are affordable and readily available. The dish offers a burst of flavors and can be served in various ways, making it versatile for different meals. On a scale of 1-10, I would rate this recipe a solid 9 for its affordability, taste, and versatility. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $15, making it an economical and delicious choice.
Is This Jackfruit Recipe Healthy or Unhealthy?
The jackfruit carnitas recipe is a healthier alternative to traditional pork carnitas, as jackfruit is a plant-based ingredient that is low in calories, fat, and cholesterol. The recipe also includes a variety of spices and seasonings that provide flavor without relying on excessive amounts of salt or unhealthy fats. Additionally, the recipe suggests serving the carnitas with nutrient-dense accompaniments like guacamole, black beans, and fresh salsas, which can help to balance out the meal and provide additional vitamins and minerals.
However, there are a few areas where the recipe could be improved to make it even healthier:
- Use a low-sodium vegetable broth to reduce the overall sodium content of the dish
- Increase the amount of onion and garlic used, as these ingredients provide beneficial compounds like quercetin and allicin
- Experiment with adding other vegetables to the slow cooker, such as bell peppers or carrots, to increase the fiber and nutrient content of the dish
- Use whole grain tortillas instead of corn tortillas to provide more fiber and complex carbohydrates
- Serve the carnitas with a side salad or other non-starchy vegetables to help balance out the meal and provide additional nutrients
Editor's Opinion on This Jackfruit Recipe
The jackfruit carnitas recipe is a delightful plant-based alternative to traditional carnitas. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld together, resulting in a savory and tender dish. The addition of citrus juices adds a refreshing brightness, balancing the richness of the jackfruit. The final step of baking the shredded jackfruit creates a satisfying crispness, adding a textural contrast to the dish. When served with warm tortillas and vibrant accompaniments like guacamole, black bean, corn salsa, and pico de gallo, this dish offers a delightful explosion of flavors and textures. It's a perfect option for a meatless meal that doesn't compromise on taste.
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Why trust this Jackfruit Carnitas Recipe:
This #food# recipe offers a #authentic# take on #Mexican# cuisine, using #jackfruit# as a #vegan# alternative to traditional carnitas. The combination of #spices# such as #oregano#, #chili powder#, and #cumin# infuses the jackfruit with rich, #flavorful# taste. Slow-cooking the ingredients allows for a thorough melding of #flavors#, while the addition of #orange# and #lime juice# provides a zesty, #citrusy# kick. The final step of #baking# the shredded jackfruit creates a delightful #crispy# texture, enhancing the overall #eating# experience. This #recipe# promises a #satisfying# and #delicious# #meal# that #celebrates# the #diversity# of #plant-based# cooking.
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