Vegan Jackfruit Carnitas Tacos

Vegan Recipes - Jackfruit Carnitas Tacos. I tried this great recipe the other day. The amount and combination of spices in this particular recipe was just right, and the outcome was really awesome. I want to post the original link and provide another source for the recipe here on my blog. My photos aren't as nice as on the original website, but you get the idea. Jackfruit is native to Southeast Asia and you can buy it canned in salt and water at your local Asian market. It is quite commonly used in vegan recipes as a substitute for meat because, when cooked, it shreds into meat-like fibers.

I fried the carnitas in a cast-iron skillet adding more oil when it became a bit too dry. The idea is to fry it long enough to get the edges a bit crispy. The maple syrup helps with this. I was really impressed with the result.

Jackfruit Carnitas Tacos

Ingredients:
Spice Blend:
2 tsp ground cumin
2 tsp chili powder
pinch cayenne pepper
1/4 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp oregano
1/4 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp pepper
1/2 tsp salt
pinch cinnamon
1 tsp lime juice

For the carnitas:
1 Tbsp cooking oil (Canola or something neutral)
1 small onion, diced
2 clove garlic, crushed
Homemade spice blend (see above)
1 20 oz can of Jackfruit in brine, drained
1 Tbsp maple syrup

Directions:
Place a pan on medium heat. Add oil, onion, garlic, and spice blend. Stir until onions are clear and coated with spices. Add jackfruit and maple syrup and stir occasionally to break up the jackfruit. It will be ready when the liquid is dissolved and the jackfruit darkens and starts to look like shredded meat.