Jackfruit Carnitas
Easy stovetop jackfruit carnitas that make a flavorful stand-in for the real thing. Smoky and spicy, this gluten-free and vegan recipe will become a taco night staple.
Easy stovetop jackfruit carnitas that make a flavorful stand-in for the real thing. Smoky and spicy, this gluten-free and vegan recipe will become a taco night staple.
- 1 tsp liquid smoke
- 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
- juice of 1 orange
- 5 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/2 tbsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tbsp ground coriander
- 1/2 tbsp ground cumin
- 1 tbsp olive oil (or other oil of choice)
- 1 yellow or white onion (thinly sliced)
- 2 jalapeno peppers (seeds and pith removed thinly sliced (or to taste))
- 2 20 oz. cans green jackfruit in brine (thoroughl
- jackfruit carnitas spice blend ((recipe below))
- 3 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce ((or tamari for gluten-free)
- freshly-squeezed lime juice (to taste (i use abou
- 1/2 tbsp nutritional yeast
- 1/2 tbsp smoked paprika ((or regular paprika))
- 1/4 tsp freshly-ground black pepper
- Carbohydrate 5.27701047195741 g
- Cholesterol 0 mg
- Fat 0.470196667146662 g
- Fiber 0.951158329440523 g
- Protein 1.53989083368124 g
- Saturated Fat 0.0522408333668075 g
- Serving Size 1 1 serving (47g)
- Sodium 80.8599478772399 mg
- Sugar 4.32585214251688 g
- Trans Fat 0.113381333409023 g
- Calories 29 calories
Step-by-step
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat until shimmering.
- Add the onion, garlic, and jalapeno peppers along with a pinch of salt. Cook, stirring frequently, for about 5 minutes or until the onions are translucent.
- If needed, use a towel to pat excess liquid from the jackfruit. Then add the jackfruit to the pan and stir.
- Continue cooking, stirring occasionally, for another 5-6 minutes or until the jackfruit has dried out somewhat.
- Add about two thirds of the carnitas spice blend to the pan and stir.
- Cook for about 60 seconds or until fragrant.
- Reserve remaining spice blend to season to taste at the end of cooking, if desired. (I use almost all of it, but I like it pretty heavily spiced).
- Add the orange juice, red wine vinegar, soy sauce, and liquid smoke, and stir.
- Simmer until most of the liquid is cooked off, about 15 minutes.
- Season to taste with additional salt, spice mix, and fresh lime juice.
- Serve hot.
Jackfruit Carnitas: A Taco Night Game-Changer
As a busy working mom, finding quick and healthy dinner options is a constant challenge. Taco Tuesday, once a beloved tradition, had become a source of stress, not joy. The usual ground beef was getting monotonous, and the time commitment felt overwhelming after a long day at the office. Then, I discovered jackfruit carnitas, and my weeknight dinners were transformed.
This recipe is a revelation. It's unbelievably easy to make, requiring minimal prep time and even less cooking time. The jackfruit, with its naturally stringy texture, perfectly mimics the shredded pork of traditional carnitas. But here's the kicker: it's entirely vegan and gluten-free, opening up delicious possibilities for my family and friends with various dietary restrictions. No more frantic last-minute substitutions or feelings of culinary inadequacy when hosting.
The smoky and spicy flavors are simply irresistible. I've experimented with different spice blends, always tweaking the ratios to suit my palate. Sometimes I like it extra spicy, other times a milder kick is preferred. The beauty of this recipe is its flexibility. You can customize it completely to your preferences. This recipe is also incredibly versatile. I typically serve my jackfruit carnitas in warm corn tortillas with all the classic taco toppings – shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, a dollop of creamy avocado, and a generous squeeze of fresh lime juice. The combination of textures and tastes is delightful! The vibrant colors add a beautiful aesthetic to the dish, making it a perfect choice for casual weeknight dinners or more elaborate gatherings.
But the applications extend far beyond tacos. I’ve used the carnitas as a filling for burritos, quesadillas, and even salads. The possibilities are endless! It's a fantastic way to use up leftover tortillas or to add a flavorful protein to other dishes. And the leftovers, if any, are just as delicious the next day, making it a perfect make-ahead meal for busy schedules.
Beyond the convenience and adaptability, this recipe has become a significant source of pride for me. I can effortlessly whip up a healthy, flavorful, and satisfying meal that my family loves, without spending hours in the kitchen. It's a testament to the power of simple, well-executed recipes to bring joy and nourishment to our lives. It’s a reminder that even on the busiest of days, we can still sit down to a memorable and delicious meal together.
So, if you’re looking for a delicious, easy, and versatile meal that will become a new family favorite, look no further. Give this jackfruit carnitas recipe a try. You won't regret it. I promise, it’s a game-changer for busy weeknights and a delightful surprise for unexpected guests. The ease of preparation and the delicious result will make you a culinary hero, even if you’re just a busy mom trying to navigate the chaos of daily life.
This recipe isn’t just about the food; it’s about making time for family, enjoying healthy meals, and feeling good about the food we’re putting on the table. And that’s a recipe for happiness that’s worth savoring.
Beyond the Recipe: A Culinary Journey
This recipe has also sparked a newfound interest in exploring plant-based cooking. I’ve been inspired to try other vegan and vegetarian recipes, expanding my culinary horizons and discovering new flavors and textures. It’s a journey of discovery, a testament to how one simple recipe can open doors to a wider world of delicious possibilities. This exploration has been as rewarding as the delicious meals themselves. It’s a journey that’s both delicious and empowering.
Tips and Tricks for Success
Choosing the Right Jackfruit: Make sure to use young green jackfruit in brine. This type of jackfruit has the best texture for mimicking pulled pork.
Spice it Up: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different spice blends to find your perfect flavor combination.
Make it a Meal: Serve your jackfruit carnitas with all your favorite taco toppings, or get creative and use it in other dishes.
Embrace the Leftovers: This recipe is even better the next day! The flavors meld together beautifully, creating an even more delicious dish.
This recipe has become more than just a meal; it’s a symbol of my commitment to healthy eating, family time, and creative cooking. It’s a reminder that even amidst the daily grind, there’s always time to create something delicious and meaningful in the kitchen.
