Texas BBQ Jackfruit Tacos

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

Tender barbecue jackfruit simmered in a smoky tomato glaze, served in warm corn tortillas with pickled slaw. This tex-mex-inspired vegan (vegetarian, gluten-free) ready in about 70 minutes pairs canned jackfruit, tomato sauce, brown sugar for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 8, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with rice, quinoa, or a quick salad. 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: 40 min Cook: 30 min Serves 8 Tex-Mex cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large skillet, combine shredded jackfruit, tomato sauce, brown sugar, smoked paprika, and apple cider vinegar. Simmer over medium-low heat for 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tender and glazed.
  2. Step 2: While jackfruit cooks, prepare pickled slaw: Toss sliced red onion with 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 1 tsp sugar, and a pinch of salt. Let sit for 10 minutes.
  3. Step 3: Warm tortillas in a dry skillet over medium heat for 30 seconds per side. Spoon 1/2 cup jackfruit into each tortilla, top with pickled slaw and cilantro, then squeeze lime juice over each taco.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Texas BBQ Jackfruit Tacos take to make?

Total time is about 70 minutes (40 min prep + 30 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 Texas BBQ Jackfruit Tacos?

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 canned jackfruit from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Texas BBQ Jackfruit Tacos?

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 Texas BBQ Jackfruit Tacos for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 8 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 8). 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 Texas BBQ Jackfruit Tacos vegetarian?

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

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