Vegan jackfruit BBQ pulled tacos get my mouth watering just thinking about them, but I know what you’re probably facing right now. You want a super-satisfying taco night, but you need it plant-based, not boring, and definitely not anything that tastes like “health food.” Been there. Honestly, vegan recipes can sometimes sound trickier than they are. Don’t sweat it. If you’ve ever checked out something like these scrumptious breakfast tacos with eggs and zesty salsa, you know good tacos come in all shapes. BBQ pulled jackfruit is easy if you take it step by step—and trust me, you’ll have leftovers begging for a second meal. 
What Is Jackfruit?
So, jackfruit isn’t some fancy, mystical fruit. It’s a massive thing from Southeast Asia, and I’m talking huge. The first time I saw one at the grocery store, I thought it was a weird spiky watermelon. WHEN it’s young and not sweet, the texture inside is almost shockingly meaty—shreds just like pulled pork or chicken.
People have been using it in curries and other dishes for years, but once it hit the vegan BBQ pulled taco circuit, it basically went viral. It’s totally plant-based, it soaks up sauce like a sponge, and after cooking, it has a hearty, chewy bite. There’s real magic in how a big green fruit can stand in for meat and fool even your most skeptical friend (my cousin thought I’d snuck in some chicken).
“I served these pulled jackfruit tacos to my family and my picky uncle seriously asked if there was meat in them. Honestly, everyone raved. Such a pleasant surprise!” – Janet, reader review
Where To Buy Jackfruit
Here’s the honest scoop: most people do not grab a whole jackfruit to make tacos. Way too much effort. The easiest way? Grab jackfruit in a can. Look for it in brine or water—not syrup. That stuff’s meant for dessert, trust me.
You’ll usually find canned jackfruit at:
- Asian grocers (they almost always have it)
- Health food stores (like Trader Joe’s or Whole Foods)
- The international aisle of bigger supermarkets
Don’t stress about the brand too much, just scan the label for “young” or “green” jackfruit. If all else fails, online grocery shopping is your friend.
How To Prepare Your Jackfruit
Okay, once you’ve got that can open, drain and rinse the jackfruit really well. You do not want a briny taco.
Pick out any seeds or hard bits. There usually aren’t too many, but you’ll notice them if you look. Then, pull apart the jackfruit pieces with your fingers or a fork till they’re all nice and stringy—think like tiny pulled pork chunks. (This part is oddly satisfying.)
Toss the shreds onto paper towels and pat dry, so they don’t steam in the pan. I know it seems extra, but it makes a difference for getting that chewy texture. Don’t overthink it, just give them a little squish and you’re golden.
How to Make Vegan Pulled Pork Jackfruit
Now for the fun part! Get a nonstick skillet and warm a dab of oil. Toss in the jackfruit and add a little onion or garlic if you want (totally optional, but adds flavor). Let it all sizzle for a few minutes, then pour on your favorite BBQ sauce. (Go smoky, go sweet, whatever makes you happy).
Mix it well! Let it cook until the jackfruit starts to caramelize a tiny bit—edges get sticky and browned. Taste and salt as needed. That’s it. It’s wild how much like pulled pork it looks (and honestly, tastes pretty close too). Pile it in soft tortillas, top with whatever you’ve got—coleslaw, avocado, hot sauce. You do you.
Ways To Use Leftover Pulled Jackfruit
Making taco filling and have leftovers? High five! The stuff keeps great in the fridge for a couple days. You can:
- Heat it up for sandwiches like sloppy joes or sliders.
- Toss it onto nachos for a messy snack.
- Stir into a grain bowl with rice and beans.
- Add to wraps or even use as pizza topping.
Gets along with just about anything—flavor just improves with time too.
Common Questions
Do I need any fancy equipment for this recipe?
Nope. Just a can opener, a skillet, and maybe a fork for shredding.
How long does BBQ pulled jackfruit last in the fridge?
Usually good for three days, sometimes four, in a sealed container.
Can I freeze the cooked pulled jackfruit?
Yep! Toss it into a freezer bag and you’re good for up to a month. It does well reheated, especially in tacos or sandwiches.
Is this recipe spicy?
Not unless you want it to be. Pick a mild BBQ sauce or add hot sauce if you like a kick.
Do I need to add any special seasoning?
BBQ sauce does the heavy lifting, but a sprinkle of smoked paprika, cumin, or garlic powder doesn’t hurt if you want more oomph.
Ready For Taco Night?
That’s pretty much the lowdown. You’ll be amazed how these vegan jackfruit BBQ pulled tacos can transform a regular meal into a five-star fiesta. Don’t be shy—mix it up with toppings or sneak in whatever sauce you like. If you’re after more fun taco ideas, don’t miss the BBQ Pulled Jackfruit Tacos Recipe for a different approach, or even see what’s trending on this white bbq chicken subs recipe for more sandwich inspiration. Grab your skillet and get mashing! 
Vegan Jackfruit BBQ Pulled Tacos
Ingredients
Method
- Open the can of jackfruit, drain, and rinse it well under cold water.
- Remove any seeds or hard bits from the jackfruit.
- Shred the jackfruit pieces using your fingers or a fork until they resemble pulled pork.
- Pat the shredded jackfruit dry using paper towels to avoid steaming in the pan.
- Heat the oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
- Add the shredded jackfruit to the skillet along with chopped onion and minced garlic, if using.
- Cook for a few minutes until the jackfruit begins to sizzle.
- Pour in the BBQ sauce and mix well, allowing it to coat the jackfruit.
- Continue to cook until the jackfruit caramelizes slightly, approximately 5-7 minutes.
- Taste and adjust salt as necessary.
- Spoon the BBQ pulled jackfruit into soft tortillas.
- Top with coleslaw, avocado slices, and hot sauce as desired.
- Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious vegan tacos!