Pulled BBQ Jackfruit Tacos with Citrus Corn Slaw

The perfect, plant-based combination of smoky and tangy flavors.

InIf you’re looking for a fun, flavorful twist on taco night, these bbq jackfruit tacos are hands down one of my favorite meals to make. They’re smoky, slightly sweet, and have that amazing pulled texture that makes them feel like a plant-based version of pulled pork tacos. Paired with a bright, zesty citrus corn slaw, these vegan BBQ jackfruit tacos hit that perfect balance of savory and fresh. Whether you’re new to cooking with jackfruit or already love plant based tacos, this recipe is such an easy and delicious place to start.

Why I Love These Tacos

I keep coming back to these bbq jackfruit tacos for so many reasons.

First, the texture is incredible. When you cook jackfruit down with a good sauce, it creates that shredded, “pulled” consistency that makes these feel like classic jackfruit pulled pork tacos—but completely meatless.

Second, the flavor is next level. Smoky BBQ sauce combined with the tangy citrus slaw creates that sweet, savory, and slightly spicy combo I crave in a good taco. It’s one of those healthy taco recipes that doesn’t feel like you’re sacrificing anything.

I also love how easy they are. This is one of my go-to quick vegan dinner ideas because everything comes together fast with minimal prep.

And finally, they’re perfect for mixing things up. If you’re tired of the same old taco fillings, these vegetarian taco ideas bring something totally different (and really delicious) to the table.

Ingredients Needed for Pulled Jackfruit Tacos

For the Tacos:

• 2 teaspoons avocado oil
• 16 ounces jackfruit, drained and rinsed
• 1/2 cup vegan smoky BBQ sauce
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 8 6-inch corn tortillas

For the Slaw:

• 1 cup green cabbage, shredded
• 1 cup red cabbage, shredded
• 1 cup carrots, peeled and shredded
• 1/2 cup corn kernels (frozen, thawed)
• 1/4 cup orange juice
• 2 tablespoons orange zest
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

This combo creates the perfect balance of smoky BBQ jackfruit recipe flavor and fresh, crunchy citrus slaw for tacos.

How to Make BBQ Jackfruit Tacos

Start by preparing the filling. Heat the avocado oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the drained and rinsed jackfruit, then use a spatula to break it apart into a shredded texture.

Stir in the BBQ sauce and let it simmer for about 5 to 8 minutes, until everything is heated through and coated in that rich, smoky flavor. Add salt to taste.

While that cooks, make the slaw. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cabbage, carrots, corn, orange juice, orange zest, chili powder, cumin, and salt. Toss everything together until well combined.

Warm your tortillas, then assemble your bbq jackfruit tacos by adding a generous scoop of the pulled jackfruit and topping with the citrus corn slaw.

These pulled jackfruit tacos are best served fresh and loaded with toppings.

Ingredient Swaps and Additional Toppings

One of the best things about these easy jackfruit tacos is how customizable they are.

If jackfruit isn’t your thing, you can easily swap it for another protein like shredded chicken, tofu, or even black beans for a different take on meatless taco filling.

If you’re not big on smoky flavor, you can use a sweetened or spicy bbq sauce instead!

For toppings, I love adding sliced avocado, fresh pico de gallo, or a squeeze of lime juice. You could also drizzle on a little vegan crema or add pickled onions for extra flavor. Fresh herbs like cilantro or chopped green onion go a long way, too!

If you want to switch up the slaw, try a simple lime corn slaw or even a creamy version instead of the citrus-based one. You might also like our Creamy Vegan Coleslaw.

Jackfruit Tacos FAQ

What does jackfruit taste like?
Jackfruit itself has a mild flavor, which makes it perfect for soaking up sauces. In this recipe, it takes on the smoky, sweet flavor of the BBQ sauce.

Is this recipe vegan?
Yes! These are fully vegan taco recipes, as long as your BBQ sauce is plant-based.

Can I make this gluten free?
Yes—just use corn tortillas to keep these gluten free tacos.

Where can I find jackfruit?
Canned jackfruit is usually found in the canned fruit or international section of most grocery stores.

Can I make the filling ahead of time?
Definitely. The BBQ jackfruit reheats well, making this great for meal prep or leftovers.

Side Dish Options

If you’re turning these bbq jackfruit tacos into a full meal, there are so many great sides you can pair with them. Think fresh salads, roasted vegetables, rice dishes, or even simple chips and salsa. Adding a couple of sides is an easy way to round out your taco night and make it feel a little more complete. Consider trying:

More Taco Recipes

If you love these bbq jackfruit tacos, you’ll probably enjoy trying other taco variations too. From healthy vegan tacos to creative meatless Monday tacos, there are so many ways to mix up flavors and keep taco night exciting. Whether you’re in the mood for something smoky, fresh, or protein-packed, having a few go-to taco recipes makes meal planning so much easier.

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