Are you ready to revolutionize your weeknight meals with a dish that’s both incredibly flavorful and wonderfully simple? Look no further than these Crockpot BBQ Pulled Jackfruit Tacos (Vegan). This recipe delivers all the smoky, but in a plant-based package that’s perfect for vegans, vegetarians, and anyone looking to incorporate more delicious plant-forward meals into their diet. Get ready for an easy, hands-off cooking experience that culminates in perfectly tender, BBQ-soaked jackfruit, ideal for stuffing into warm tortillas.
Key Ingredients for Crockpot BBQ Pulled Jackfruit Tacos (Vegan)
- 2 (20-ounce) cans young green jackfruit in brine or water, drained, rinsed thoroughly, and cored (remove the tough, triangular core pieces)
- 1 cup BBQ sauce, your favorite brand (ensure it’s vegan-friendly)
- ½ cup vegetable broth
- ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar, packed
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper, optional, for a little heat
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 24 small corn or flour tortillas
- For serving: diced red onion, fresh cilantro, lime wedges, avocado slices or guacamole, pickled jalapeños
How to Make Crockpot BBQ Pulled Jackfruit Tacos (Vegan)
This dish is a weeknight warrior’s dream, offering an effortless path to a deeply satisfying meal. The magic happens in your slow cooker, transforming humble jackfruit into tender, beef bathed in a smoky, tangy BBQ sauce. With minimal active prep time (around 15 minutes), the crockpot does all the heavy lifting, yielding a rich, flavorful, and incredibly versatile filling that’s perfect for tacos but also fantastic on sandwiches or bowls. The total cooking time is approximately 4-6 hours on low or 2-3 hours on high.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Prepare the Jackfruit: Drain and rinse the canned young green jackfruit thoroughly. Pat the pieces dry with a clean kitchen towel. Using your hands, shred the jackfruit. You’ll notice some tougher, triangular core pieces – remove and discard these as they won’t soften as much during cooking. The softer, stringy parts are what you want for the “pulled” texture.
- Sauté the Onion (Optional but Recommended): In a large skillet over medium heat, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Sauté the thinly sliced onion until softened and lightly caramelized, about 5-7 minutes. This step adds a deeper, sweeter flavor to the dish. If you’re short on time, you can skip this and add raw onion directly to the crockpot, though the flavor won’t be as developed.
- Combine Ingredients in the Crockpot: Add the shredded jackfruit and sautéed onion (if using) to your slow cooker.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together the BBQ sauce, vegetable broth, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper (if using).
- Pour and Stir: Pour the BBQ sauce mixture over the jackfruit in the crockpot. Stir everything together gently to ensure the jackfruit is evenly coated with the sauce.
- Cook: Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours. The jackfruit should be very tender and easily shreddable.
- Shred and Serve: Once cooked, use two forks to further shred any larger pieces of jackfruit directly in the crockpot. The jackfruit should have absorbed most of the sauce and have a wonderfully tender, pulled texture.
- Warm Tortillas: While the jackfruit is cooking, warm your corn or flour tortillas according to package directions (on a dry skillet, in the microwave, or oven).
- Assemble Tacos: Fill warm tortillas with the BBQ pulled jackfruit. Top with your favorite taco toppings like diced red onion, fresh cilantro, a squeeze of lime, avocado or guacamole, and pickled jalapeños for an extra kick. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Why You’ll Love These Crockpot BBQ Pulled Jackfruit Tacos (Vegan)
You’re going to adore these Crockpot BBQ Pulled Jackfruit Tacos (Vegan) for so many reasons, but the main highlight has to be its incredible versatility and flavor. The jackfruit absorbs the smoky, tangy BBQ sauce beautifully, mimicking the texture and taste of traditional pulled without any animal products. Plus, by making these at home, you’re looking at significant cost savings compared to ordering out, making it a budget-friendly gourmet experience!
The magic truly comes alive with a medley of toppings – fresh cilantro, zesty lime, creamy avocado, and crunchy pickled jalapeños transform each bite into an explosion of flavors and textures. If you’re a fan of our Sweet Potato & Black Bean Tacos, you absolutely have to give this plant-based pulled a try. It’s a comforting, satisfying meal that proves vegan food can be packed with personality.
What to Serve Crockpot BBQ Pulled Jackfruit Tacos (Vegan) With
These tacos are fantastic on their own, but they also pair beautifully with a variety of sides to make a complete meal.
- Coleslaw: A creamy or vinegar-based coleslaw provides a refreshing crunch and balances the richness of the BBQ jackfruit.
- Mexican Rice or Cilantro Lime Rice: These classic choices add a hearty, flavorful starch component.
- Black Bean Salad: A simple salad with black beans, corn, red onion, and a lime vinaigrette is light and complements the taco flavors.
- Roasted Sweet Potatoes: Sweet and savory roasted sweet potato cubes make a wonderful side that echoes the subtle sweetness of the BBQ sauce.
- Grilled Corn on the Cob: A perfectly charred cob of corn, perhaps with a sprinkle of chili powder and lime, is a quintessential summer pairing.
- Guacamole and Tortilla Chips: Because you can never have too much avocado or a good crunch!
- Drinks: A crisp lager, a refreshing agua fresca, or a bright margarita would all be excellent choices to wash these down.
Top Tips for Perfecting Crockpot BBQ Pulled Jackfruit Tacos (Vegan)
- Rinse Jackfruit Thoroughly: Jackfruit packed in brine can be quite salty. Rinsing it well under cold water and then patting it dry is crucial for the best flavor. Don’t skip the step of removing the tough, triangular core pieces either, as they won’t soften to the desired “pulled” texture.
- Choose the Right Jackfruit: Always use young (green) jackfruit packed in brine or water, not in syrup. Jackfruit in syrup is ripe and sweet, suitable for desserts, and will not work for this savory application.
- Adjust BBQ Sauce to Taste: Your choice of BBQ sauce dramatically impacts the final flavor. Use a brand you love. Feel free to adjust the amount of brown sugar or cayenne pepper to make it sweeter or spicier.
- Enhance Umami: A splash of tamari or liquid smoke (just a few drops, as it’s potent!) can deepen the savory, smoky notes if your BBQ sauce isn’t already rich in them.
- Don’t Overcook: While jackfruit is quite forgiving, cooking it too long can sometimes make it a bit mushy. Follow the recommended cooking times, and check for tenderness.
- Consider a Quick Sear (Optional): For extra texture, after shredding the jackfruit in the crockpot, you can transfer it to a baking sheet and broil for 5-10 minutes, or sear it in a hot skillet for a few minutes until some pieces get slightly caramelized and crispy edges. This adds another layer of deliciousness!
Storing and Reheating Tips
The Crockpot BBQ Pulled Jackfruit Tacos (Vegan) filling is fantastic for meal prep!
- Storing: Once cooled, transfer the BBQ pulled jackfruit to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. Keep any toppings separate to maintain their freshness and texture.
- Reheating: For best results, reheat the jackfruit on the stovetop in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of vegetable broth or a little extra BBQ sauce if it seems dry. Stir occasionally until heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave (covered) in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between, until hot.
- Freezing: For longer storage, the BBQ pulled jackfruit freezes beautifully. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe airtight container or heavy-duty freezer bag. It will last for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating as directed above.
Final Thoughts: Crockpot BBQ Pulled Jackfruit Tacos (Vegan) FAQs
Can I make this in an Instant Pot instead?
Yes! To adapt this recipe for an Instant Pot, combine all ingredients in the inner pot. Cook on high pressure for 15-20 minutes, then allow a natural release for 10 minutes before quick releasing any remaining pressure. Proceed with shredding.
What kind of BBQ sauce should I use?
Use your favorite vegan-friendly BBQ sauce. Sweet, smoky, or spicy – any style will work! Just check the label to ensure it doesn’t contain honey or other non-vegan ingredients.
Can I add different vegetables to the crockpot?
Absolutely! Sliced bell peppers, shredded carrots, or even some diced pineapple would be delicious additions to the crockpot for added flavor and nutrition. Add them along with the jackfruit and onion.
How do I make this spicier?
Increase the amount of cayenne pepper, add a pinch of red pepper flakes, or incorporate a few drops of hot sauce into your BBQ sauce mixture. You can also top your tacos with fresh or pickled jalapeños.
try also : Easy Pumpkin Dump Cake Recipe and find more in pinterest