Late Night Vegan Jackfruit Tacos with Spicy Cilantro Slaw

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender shredded jackfruit tacos topped with a vibrant, spicy cilantro slaw, inspired by Detroit’s vegan late night kitchen. This vegan (vegan) ready in about 25 minutes pairs olive oil, smoked paprika, ground cumin for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 220 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 Vegan cuisine 220 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 2 cups shredded jackfruit, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, and 1/2 tsp salt. Sauté for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until edges crisp and jackfruit is heated through.
  2. Step 2: In a medium bowl, combine 2 cups finely shredded green cabbage, 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro, 1 finely chopped seeded jalapeño, 2 tbsp lime juice, 1/4 cup vegan mayo, and 1 tsp maple syrup. Toss until the slaw is evenly coated and slightly creamy.
  3. Step 3: Warm 8 small corn tortillas in a dry skillet over medium heat for 30 seconds per side until pliable and slightly toasted.
  4. Step 4: Assemble tacos by dividing the jackfruit evenly among the tortillas, then topping each with a generous spoonful of spicy cilantro slaw. Serve immediately.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Late Night Vegan Jackfruit Tacos with Spicy Cilantro Slaw take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (15 min prep + 10 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Late Night Vegan Jackfruit Tacos with Spicy Cilantro Slaw?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep olive oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Late Night Vegan Jackfruit Tacos with Spicy Cilantro Slaw?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Late Night Vegan Jackfruit Tacos with Spicy Cilantro Slaw for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Late Night Vegan Jackfruit Tacos with Spicy Cilantro Slaw vegan?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegan based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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