Jackfruit is a strange ingredient, one that’s not all too common in traditional American cuisine, but which is having a resurgence in popularity as the quest for meat-like plant alternatives continues. Though the jackfruit used in this recipe does in fact mimic shredded chicken, it’s also got a character all of its own!
This recipe takes jackfruit to a whole new level. When mixed with green salsa and fried in oil, these taquitos are ones you’ll...
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Heat a cast iron pan over medium-high heat. Once the pan is hot (you can hover your hand a couple inches from the surface to check for heat), add the tomatillos, tomato, jalapeños, and quartered onions. Cook until browned on all sides, turning with tongs every couple of minutes so all sides are equally toasted. This should take 6 to 8 minutes.
Take the veggies off heat using tongs. Place on a cutting board to cut into smaller chunks so they are easier to blend. In the blender, add the garlic, cilantro, and vegetable broth. Blend until the mixture looks like a green salsa.
Place the salsa to a sauce pan and heat over low heat. Add the cumin and kosher salt. Let the sauce cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
In the now empty cast iron skillet, heat a couple tablespoons of avocado or olive oil over medium heat. Once shimmering, add the drained jackfruit pods. As it cooks, break down the pods with a wooden spoon, stirring all the while. The pods should break down enough to where they have the look of shredded chicken. Cook for 5 minutes, or until the jackfruit is completed shredded and heated through.
Add 3/4 cup of the green sauce and mix in with the jackfruit. Stir so everything is incorporated. Add more if it doesn’t look like enough. Cook another two minutes then take off the heat.
In a deep fryer or medium-sized pan, heat the frying oil until it’s 350 degrees or sizzles when you sprinkle some water inside.
Meanwhile, start assembling your taquitos. Heat your tortillas briefly in a pan (just so they’re warm). Take a 1/4 cup of jackfruit mixture and place at one end of the tortilla. Gently, but tightly fold the tortilla over the mixture, making sure to encompass everything. Once completely folded over, take two toothpicks and place them at each end to hold everything together. Continue until all the tortillas have been assembled.
Once the oil is hot enough, carefully place one of the taquitos in the oil using tongs. Let cook until the tortilla starts to brown. This won’t take long at all, maybe only 1 to 2 minutes. Flip over if needed to get all sides.
Take out of the oil and place on paper towel lined plate to drain. Cover with tin foil to keep warm, or alternatively have the oven on at 150 degrees Fahrenheit and place on a baking sheet to keep warm while you cook the rest of the taquitos.
Once all the taquitos have been fried, carefully take out all the toothpicks. Serve with your choice of salsa (including the green salsa you used in cooking the jackfruit), crema, queso, pickled onions, or anything else that's calling you.
There are several sauces and condiments that would go well with these. I opted for simple and reused the green salsa that the jackfruit cooks in, but safe to say you could also use your own hot sauce, try a different salsa, or add some sour cream, queso, or other cheese.
This recipe calls for the jackfruit to be cooked in the green salsa made at the beginning. If you have another sauce you’d prefer to try out here, go for it!
When assembling your taquitos, air on the side of less filling so you’re able to fold the tortilla over everything and hold it all together with the toothpicks. Too much, and it will spill out in the oil. Worse case scenario, you have leftover jackfruit that you can use as a topping with nachos.
How do I store leftover Jackfruit Taquitos for later use?
To store leftover Jackfruit Taquitos, let them cool completely and then place them in an airtight container. They can be refrigerated for up to 3 days. For longer storage, consider freezing them. Wrap each taquito in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, reheat in the oven or air fryer for a crispy texture.
What are some good substitutions for jackfruit in taquitos?
If you can't find jackfruit or prefer a different ingredient, you can substitute it with shredded mushrooms, lentils, or even pulled jackfruit from a can of young green jackfruit. For a more traditional flavor, shredded chicken or tofu can also work, but keep in mind that the texture and taste will differ from the original recipe.
Are Jackfruit Taquitos suitable for a vegan diet?
Yes, Jackfruit Taquitos are entirely vegan as they are made with jackfruit, vegetables, and spices. Just ensure that any optional toppings like cheese or sour cream are plant-based alternatives to keep the dish vegan-friendly.
What can I serve with Jackfruit Taquitos for a complete meal?
Jackfruit Taquitos pair wonderfully with a variety of sides. Consider serving them with a fresh salad, guacamole, or a side of black beans. You can also add a zesty salsa or crema for dipping to enhance the flavors. For a heartier meal, serve with Mexican rice or corn on the cob.
How can I make Jackfruit Taquitos spicier?
To add more heat to your Jackfruit Taquitos, you can include additional jalapeños in the salsa or mix in some diced serrano peppers. You can also sprinkle some cayenne pepper or chili powder into the jackfruit mixture while cooking. For serving, consider a spicy salsa or hot sauce on the side.
I'm a plant-based eater and food writer dedicated to making cooking and plant-based eating approachable and fun! I'm the creator of Samosas and Mimosas and regularly write on Medium about all things food.
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