By Justin Thatcher
Crispy Jackfruit Carnitas
7 steps
Prep:15minCook:15min
Crispy Jackfruit Carnitas a Mexican-inspired vegan recipe that can be used as a meat substitute in tacos, enchiladas, burritos or burrito bowls. Perfect for Sunday meal prep- this lasts 4 days in the fridge.
Updated at: Sat, 09 Sep 2023 01:11:45 GMT
Nutrition balance score
Unbalanced
Glycemic Index
45
Low
Glycemic Load
20
High
Nutrition per serving
Calories313.8 kcal (16%)
Total Fat15.1 g (22%)
Carbs44 g (17%)
Sugars4.1 g (5%)
Protein3.4 g (7%)
Sodium1086.3 mg (54%)
Fiber3.3 g (12%)
% Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet
Ingredients
2 servings
20 ounceJackfruit
can, packed in WATER not syrup, drained
2 tablespoonolive oil
divided
1 cupred onion
diced, or one fat shallot
4garlic cloves
rough chopped
0.5jalapeno
finely diced, add more or less depending on spice preference- this is medium spicy
½ teaspoonsalt
1 tablespoonsoy sauce
or braggs liquid amino acid
1 teaspoonchili powder
1 teaspooncumin
whole seeds are nice too
1 teaspoondry mexican oregano
½ teaspoonsmoked paprika
more for smokier
½ teaspoonsugar
Instructions
Step 1
Drain the jackfruit and cut into very thin slices, slicing through the core, see photo.
Step 2
Place it in the middle of a kitchen towel, roll it up and wring it out very very firmly. Squeeze out as much water as you can. You should see quite a bit of liquid release.
Step 3
Heat 1 tablespoon oil (save the other tablespoon for later) and saute the onion, garlic and jalapeno over medium heat until deeply golden and fragrant, about 5-6 minutes stirring often. Be patient here, this is where the flavor is. 🙂
Step 4
Add the jackfruit, and soy sauce and stir well and lower heat. This is where you’ll let the moisture cook-off even more- you want to get this fairly dry but without burning. So low heat, stirring occasionally, uncovered, 3-5 minutes.
Step 5
When it seems good and dry, add the salt, sugar, and spices- chili powder, cumin, oregano smoked paprika, and add 1 tablespoon olive oil – stir-frying the spices and jackfruit a bit until jackfruit begins to caramelize crisp and deepen in color. It should smell amazing!
Step 6
Taste, and adjust salt and spice level ( feel free to add cayenne, ground chipotle or more smoked paprika). For more tang, squeeze with lime, keeping in mind jackfruit has a natural tanginess, so taste it first.
Step 7
Use Jackfruit Carnitas in tacos, enchiladas, burritos or burrito bowls, and breakfast bowls.
Notes
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