Carnitas Jackfruit Tacos

 Carnitas Jackfruit Tacos Recipe

Introduction:

Tacos are a popular Mexican dish enjoyed by people all over the world. Traditionally, tacos are made with meat like carnitas, but for those looking for a plant-based alternative, jackfruit is a great option. Jackfruit has a meaty texture and can easily be flavored to mimic the taste of carnitas. In this recipe, we will show you how to make delicious and flavorful carnitas jackfruit tacos that are sure to impress your friends and family.

Ingredients:

For the jackfruit carnitas:

- 2 cans of young green jackfruit in brine

- 1 tablespoon olive oil

- 1 onion, diced

- 3 cloves of garlic, minced

- 1 teaspoon cumin

- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

- 1 teaspoon chili powder

- 1/2 teaspoon oregano

- Salt and pepper to taste

- 1 cup vegetable broth

- Juice of 1 lime

For the tacos:

- Corn tortillas

- Avocado, sliced

- Cilantro, chopped

- Red onion, thinly sliced

- Lime wedges

- Salsa (store-bought or homemade)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the jackfruit:

- Drain and rinse the jackfruit. Remove the core and seeds, then shred the jackfruit using your hands or a fork.

- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and garlic and sauté until translucent.

- Add the shredded jackfruit to the skillet and season with cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.

- Pour in the vegetable broth and lime juice, then reduce heat to low and let simmer for 20-30 minutes, or until the jackfruit is tender and the liquid has evaporated.

2. Assemble the tacos:

- Warm the corn tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave.

- Fill each tortilla with a spoonful of the jackfruit carnitas.

- Top with sliced avocado, chopped cilantro, red onion, and a squeeze of lime juice.

- Serve the tacos with salsa on the side.

3. Optional toppings:

- Feel free to customize your tacos with additional toppings like shredded cabbage, pickled jalapeños, vegan cheese, or hot sauce.

4. Storage and reheating:

- The jackfruit carnitas can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through.

- Store leftover assembled tacos in the refrigerator without toppings and reheat in the oven or microwave before adding fresh toppings.

Conclusion:

These carnitas jackfruit tacos are a delicious and satisfying plant-based alternative to traditional meat tacos. The jackfruit carnitas are flavorful and tender, and when paired with fresh toppings and warm tortillas, they make for a perfect meal. Whether you're a vegan, vegetarian, or simply looking to incorporate more plant-based meals into your diet, these tacos are sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy!