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    Home » Recipes » Mains

    Quick + Easy Jackfruit Fajitas

    Published: Mar 12, 2021 by Rosa · This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases, meaning if you click through and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you.

    383 shares
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    A quick and simple dinner that’s ready in 25 minutes. These jackfruit fajitas are perfectly seasoned, incredibly flavourful and an easy weeknight dinner you’re going to make again and again.

    Cutting board with fajitas in corn tortillas with avocado, cilantro and crema fresca garnish.

    If you haven’t tried jackfruit as a meat substitute before, you’re truly missing out.

    I know, it’s a fruit. So how does it work as a mock meat?

    Young green jackfruit that is CANNED (not fresh) is truly a magical ingredient.

    It comes in triangular wedges in a can packed with water or brine (and make sure not to get the kind canned in syrup.) The wedges are tender and stringy and pull apart very easily.

    Jackfruit absorbs flavour well, so you can season it in multiple ways, whether it’s BBQ pork style like my pulled jackfruit nachos, or chicken style like these jackfruit fajitas, or my vegan chicken salad.

    Five jackfruit fajitas on cutting board with lime wedges and cilantro scattered around.

    How to make them

    (This is a summary with step by step photos, full recipe measurements and instructions are in the recipe card below.)

    Gather all your ingredients and open your can of jackfruit. Drain and rinse very well to remove the brine flavour.

    Can of jackfruit, bell peppers, onion, lime, tortillas and seasoning on brown deck.

    Slice your veggies and set aside. (photo 1)

    Then use your hands to shred and pull apart the jackfruit chunks. Place them in a pan with the oil (if using) or broth and sauté until lightly browned. (photos 2-3)

    Sliced onion and peppers on cutting board and shredded jackfruit in pan.

    Now add the sliced veggies and all the fajita seasoning to the pan and continue to sauté for another 2-3 minutes, until the veggies are tender crisp. (photos 4-5)

    NOTE: Do not overcook the veggies.

    Cast iron pan with jackfruit, onion and peppers before and after cooking.

    Serve your jackfruit fajitas with all your favourite toppings and enjoy!

    Close up of jackfruit fajitas with avocado slices and cilantro on top.

    What toppings can I use?

    So many options and ways to fill your jackfruit fajitas, but here are some of my favourites.

    • Avocado slices or guacamole.
    • Fresh cilantro, parsley, or dill. (Cilantro works best, but switch it up if you’re not a fan.)
    • Black beans or refried beans for extra protein.
    • Extra lime wedges for more zing.
    • Some vegan sour cream or crema fresca.
    • Lettuce or coleslaw.
    • Chopped tomatoes, black olives, green onion, salsa or pico de gallo.
    Hand holding up jackfruit fajita with more of them below on cutting board.

    Jackfruit FAQs

    Is jackfruit healthy?

    Yes, it’s a fruit, after all. It’s high in vitamin C, potassium and other vitamins and minerals. It’s also higher in protein when compared to other fruit, making it a great meat substitute.

    What kind of jackfruit do I need?

    Make sure to purchase young green jackfruit that has been canned in water or brine. Do NOT buy the canned kind in syrup as it will be extremely sweet and alter the overall flavour of this dish.

    Where to buy canned jackfruit?

    We find ours in large chain grocery stores, Asian supermarkets or you may also purchase on Amazon. (affiliate link)

    What else can I do with canned jackfruit?

    So many options! Use it in soups, salad, burritos, on pizza and so much more.

    How long do my jackfruit fajitas keep?

    Store unassembled fajitas in a sealed container in your fridge for 3-4 days. Just reheat the jackfruit and veggie mixture and assemble when you’re ready to eat. Don’t assemble in advance or the tortilla will get soggy.

    Can I make any substitutions?

    • Use any colour bell peppers you have or like. Green, yellow, orange and red all work well.
    • Adjust the heat level to your taste. I’m using ¼ teaspoon of cayenne which results in a mild to medium spice level. Omit for heat free, or double it to half a teaspoon for spicier jackfruit fajitas.
    • Use corn tortillas for gluten free, if needed.
    • Make it a jackfruit fajita bowl by skipping the tortilla and adding your favourite toppings.

    Expert Tips

    1. Make sure to use young green jackfruit canned in water or brine. Do not sub for fresh jackfruit, dried jackfruit that comes packaged and seasoned, or the canned jackfruit in syrup.
    2. Do not over cook the veggies, you want them tender crisp for best texture.
    3. Serve the jackfruit fajitas unassembled and let everyone make their own. The tortillas will get soggy if assembled too far in advance.

    More vegan Mexican dishes

    • Mexican Zucchini Boats
    • Vegan Elote Salad
    • Veggie Ground Tacos
    • Mexican Stuffed Peppers

    If you tried this recipe, please let me know about it in the comments below. I always love hearing from you! Don’t forget to Subscribe to This Healthy Kitchen to be among the first to get my new recipes! You can also FOLLOW ME on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest and Twitter to see more delicious food and get all the latest updates.

    Buon appetito

    Rosa

    Cutting board with fajitas in corn tortillas with avocado, cilantro and crema fresca garnish.

    Quick + Easy Jackfruit Fajitas

    These jackfruit fajitas are perfectly seasoned and incredibly flavourful for an easy weeknight dinner ready in 25 minutes.
    5 from 7 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe Rate Recipe Add to Collection Go to Collections
    Prep Time: 15 minutes
    Cook Time: 10 minutes
    Total Time: 25 minutes
    Course: Main Course
    Cuisine: Mexican
    Servings: 4 Servings
    Calories: 173kcal
    Author: Rosa

    Ingredients

    • 1 tablespoon avocado oil optional *sauté in broth or water for no oil
    • 20 ounce can young green jackfruit in brine or water, NOT in syrup
    • 1 red onion sliced
    • 1 red bell pepper sliced
    • 1 yellow bell pepper sliced

    Fajita Seasoning

    • 1 tablespoon chili powder
    • 1 teaspoon cumin
    • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
    • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
    • ½ teaspoon dried oregano
    • ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
    • 1 teaspoon sea salt
    • 2 teaspoons liquid smoke
    • 2 tablespoons lime juice approx. 1 medium lime

    Serve with (optional)

    • whole wheat or corn tortillas
    • vegan crema fresca
    • fresh cilantro
    • avocado slices
    • guacamole
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Instructions

    • Drain and rinse your jackfruit very well and use your hands to pull apart the chunks to resemble shredded chicken. Use all the pieces, even the slightly harder core bits, no need to toss any of that out.
    • Add the oil (if using) to a pan and over medium high heat, sauté the jackfruit until lightly browned, approx. 8-10 minutes.
    • Then add the veggie slices and ALL the seasoning and sauté an additional 2-3 minutes until the peppers are tender crisp. Do not over cook. Remove from the heat and serve with tortillas and toppings of choice.

    Notes

    Make sure to use young green jackfruit canned in water or brine. Do not sub for fresh jackfruit, dried jackfruit that comes packaged and seasoned, or the canned jackfruit in syrup.
    Do not over cook the veggies, you want them tender crisp for best texture.
    Serve the jackfruit fajitas unassembled and let everyone make their own. The tortillas will get soggy if assembled too far in advance.
    Store leftovers in separate containers (don’t store assembled fajitas or they’ll get soggy) in your fridge for 3-4 days.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 173kcal | Carbohydrates: 43g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 1g | Sodium: 640mg | Potassium: 385mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 1900IU | Vitamin C: 98mg | Calcium: 93mg | Iron: 2mg
    DID YOU TRY THIS RECIPE?Mention @this.healthy.kitchen on IG and tag #thishealthykitchen!
    *Nutritional information is an estimate, calculated using online tools and does not include optional ingredients unless otherwise indicated.
    383 shares

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    1. Mary

      January 30, 2023 at 10:04 am

      5 stars
      Made these jackfruit burritos they are very good 😊 👍👍

      Reply
      • Rosa

        February 01, 2023 at 8:34 am

        So glad you enjoyed them!

        Reply
    2. Kristi

      June 05, 2022 at 4:02 pm

      5 stars
      These were very delicious and satisfying. My husband and I enjoyed them with guacamole on top! 😋

      Reply
      • Rosa

        June 06, 2022 at 9:20 am

        Thrilled you both enjoyed our jackfruit fajitas Kristi! 🙂

        Reply

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    Hi, I'm Rosa! Welcome to This Healthy Kitchen where you'll find tasty and nutritious, plant-based recipes. I'm an avid home cook who believes food is medicine. Each recipe is made using wholesome ingredients, and under 400 calories per serving with several gluten-free and oil-free options! Occasional cheat days included. 😉

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    383 shares