About the Recipe
Jackfruit is a tropical fruit that is native to South and Southeast Asia. It's known for its distinctive flavor and texture, which makes it a popular ingredient in many vegan and vegetarian dishes. The fruit is large, with a tough, spiky exterior that needs to be removed before it can be eaten. The flesh of the jackfruit is sweet and fragrant, with a slightly fibrous texture.
Often used to recreate pulled pork, jackfruit is perfect for carnitas - a traditional Mexican dish made from pork that has been slow-cooked until tender and then fried until crispy. The pork is usually seasoned with a blend of spices and herbs, and it's often served with cilantro, onions, and lime.
Jackfruit is the perfect substitute for pulled pork because it has a similar texture and can absorb the flavors of the spices and seasonings used in traditional carnitas. When cooked, jackfruit can be pulled apart into shreds, just like pork, and it has a chewy texture that is similar to meat.
Ingredients
1 12 oz. package ripe jackfruit
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 onion, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/4 teaspoon cumin
Salt and pepper to taste
Juice of 1 lime
1/4 cup vegetable broth
1 mango, diced
1/4 red onion, diced
1 jalapeño, diced
1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
Juice of 1 lime
Salt to taste
Preparation
Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, and sauté until translucent.
Add the jackfruit, chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes.
Add the lime juice and vegetable broth to the skillet. Cover and cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the jackfruit is tender and the liquid has been absorbed.
While the jackfruit is cooking, make the mango salsa. In a bowl, combine the mango, red onion, jalapeño, cilantro, lime juice, and salt. Mix well.
Warm the tortillas in a skillet or microwave.
Using two forks, separate the cooked jackfruit into shreds.
Assemble the tacos by filling each tortilla with the jackfruit and mango salsa.
Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes:
Ripe jackfruit is typically sold prepared with the flesh removed at most Asian grocers. However, Pitaya Foods sells a frozen package, which is sold in most chain grocery stores, and is the one used here.
You could also use canned jackfruit, which is sold in most stores in the international foods section.
If you prefer spicier carnitas, add more chili powder or jalapeño to the recipe.
These carnitas can also be served over rice or in a burrito bowl.
