These jackfruit carnitas are a great vegan and vegetarian dinner idea that’s easy to make and delicious to eat! Packed with a spicy flavor and a citrusy zip, you’re sure to love these vegan carnitas in a variety of ways from taquitos to tacos. Oh, and they’re a great addition to vegan nachos.
Add a pinch of salt and cook for 3-5 minutes or until the onions are translucent.
Simmer the jackfruit.
Add the jackfruit along with the marinade. Cover and bring to a simmer.
Once simmering, turn the heat to medium low and continue to cook (covered) for another 10 minutes.
How to Shred Jackfruit
Remove the pot from heat and use tongs or a slotted spoon to transfer the jackfruit pieces from the pot to a large mixing bowl (leave the marinade in the pot for now).
Now, it’s time to shred the jackfruit using a potato masher and/or two forks. I like to use a combination of both!
Shred the jackfruit until it takes on the texture of a pulled pork.
Finish the jackfruit carnitas.
Add the shredded jackfruit back to the non-stick skillet with the marinade and sitr to make sure everything is well-coated.
Turn the heat to medium-low and cook for another 10 minutes, covered.
Then, remove the cover, turn the heat to high, and cook for another 5-10, stopping to stir the jackfruit around every 2-3 minutes (and not more often). The timing on this last step may depend on what kind of cooking surface you’re using. It’s ready when it has a nice char in places!
How to Make Avocado Lime Crema
While you're cooking the jackfruit, make the avocado lime sauce by adding all the ingredients to a small food processor and blending until smooth and creamy.
Taste and adjust salt and pepper as desired.
Cover and refrigerate until ready to use!
Notes
To Serve / Store Vegan Carnitas
Serve these jackfruit carnitas in tacos, burritos, nachos, salads, and bowls topped with the avocado crema! Store leftover jackfruit carnitas in an air-tight container in the fridge for up to a week or the freezer for up to 8 weeks. See notes for more storage tips.
Souper Cubes Tip
We love to freeze leftover jackfruit in our 1/2 cup Souper Cubes to make individual servings. That way, you can pop out as many servings as you need at a time and avoid having to defrost one giant block.