| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 30 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 418 | 8g | 1g | 71g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 6g | 9g | 10g | 1.1g |
Why I Love American Vegan Jackfruit Carnitas Burritos
Exploring the Beauty of Plant-Based Fusion
Today, I want to share my Vegan Jackfruit Carnitas Burritos recipe, a delightful fusion dish that flawlessly marries my Louisiana roots and my French-inspired culinary passion. The jackfruit, a fruit native to Southwest India, serves as the tropical twist to this recipe. As some of you may know, much like the beignet and the éclair, food can be considered art, a culinary canvas that allows us to explore, overlap and play. So, even when I’m cooking up American favorites, I never hesitate to cross culinary borders. 
The Passion Behind The Fusion
My Vegan Jackfruit Carnitas Burritos recipe takes inspiration from chefs like Richard Blais, who is renowned for his brilliant use of unconventional ingredients to recreate traditional dishes. But at its heart, this recipe simply reflects my own commitment to creating accessible, plant-based versions of comforting classics. It’s a dish I’d confidently serve to any food lover, regardless of their dietary choice.
One bite into these burritos, and the fresh, tangy kick of lime and aromatic spices combine with the unique, meat-like texture of the jackfruit to create a carnival of flavors. Much like the diversity represented in Creole cuisine and the elegance of French gastronomy, these burritos are a blend of cultures. They are a perfect testament to how we can seamlessly introduce healthier alternatives into our familiar favorites with some creativity and flair. If you love experimenting with flavors like I do, this recipe is going to be a delightful addition to your repertoire.
Pairing and Enjoying Your Burritos
While the Vegan Jackfruit Carnitas Burritos can be enjoyed as a standalone meal, they also pair well with a variety of side dishes. Consider adding a refreshing mango salsa or a tangy quinoa salad on the side to complete your dining experience. And, of course, no Mexican-inspired meal would be complete without a tall glass of classic Margarita.
I’ve always believed in the power of food as another medium of art, culture, and shared human experience. In creating, sharing, and savoring this Vegan Jackfruit Carnitas Burritos recipe, I hope it sparks joy in your kitchen and at your dinner table—and inspires you as it did me, to see every cuisine as an endless, delightful journey of taste exploration.
What You’ll Need
- 3 cans (20 ounces each) young green jackfruit in water
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 jalapeno, finely chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 2 teaspoons cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup vegetable stock
- 1/4 cup lime juice
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari
- 6 large tortillas
- 1 cup cooked brown rice
- 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn kernels, fresh or frozen
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 1 cup vegan cheese shreds
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- Additional toppings: salsa, vegan sour cream, and guacamole
Method
Step One
Thoroughly rinse and drain the jackfruit. Cut out the core portion of the fruit and discard. Set aside.
Step Two
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, chopped jalapeno, and diced red bell pepper. Sauté until the vegetables are softened.
Step Three
Add the prepared jackfruit to the skillet along with cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, chili powder, and black pepper. Stir well to combine and cook for about 5 minutes, until the jackfruit is heated through.
Step Four
Pour in the vegetable stock, lime juice, and soy sauce. Cover the skillet and simmer on medium-low heat for 20-25 minutes, or until the jackfruit is tender and has absorbed the flavors. Use a fork to shred the jackfruit as it cooks to resemble the texture of pulled meat.
Step Five
While the jackfruit is cooking, warm your tortillas in a dry skillet or in the microwave. Prepare your rice, beans, and corn, and slice your avocado.
Step Six
Once the jackfruit is ready, assemble your burritos. Start with a large tortilla, spread a layer of cooked brown rice, followed by black beans, corn, shredded jackfruit mixture, avocado slices, vegan cheese shreds, and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro.
Step Seven
Fold in the sides of the tortilla and roll up tightly. Repeat with the remaining tortillas and ingredients.
Step Eight
Serve the burritos warm with additional toppings like salsa, vegan sour cream, and guacamole. Enjoy!
