How To Make Jackfruit Carnitas (Fresh or Canned Jackfruit)

Easy to make on a sheet tray, jackfruit carnitas are a flavorful vegan option for tacos, burritos, bowls, and so much more! Made with either fresh or canned jackfruit, they’re a delicious meat alternative you’ll love. And don’t worry—we’ll show you how to break down jackfruit, too, if you want to try fresh fruit!

When I’m at a Mexican restaurant, I typically order carnitas. Often, the vegetarian option is just fajita vegetables! While still delicious, they don’t compare to authentic carnitas.

This is where jackfruit is perfect. It takes on the intense depth of flavor that carnitas is known for and even has a super similar texture! It’s pretty affordable, and you can use canned jackfruit to save yourself the hassle of cutting one of these monster fruits. So, let’s get to making some carnitas!

grab these ingredients

Carnitas requires a specific combination of spices to develop the delicious flavor! And while this may seem like a lot of spices, you can always mix the spices ahead of time to have them on hand (just like taco seasoning!). Jump to the recipe card for the full measurements.

• Young Green Jackfruit: Be sure to use canned jackfruit packed in water, NOT brine. You can also use fresh jackfruit, but be sure to check the notes in the recipe card for this (we tried it both ways and preferred the canned jackfruit in this recipe).
• White Onion: White onion is a slightly milder onion, making it great for carnitas. It adds to the flavor but doesn’t overpower it.
• Garlic: Fresh is best! But you can use pre-minced garlic too.
• Tomato Paste: Tomato paste is a bomb of umami! It adds depth of flavor and sweetness with very little effort.
• Spices: To achieve that amazing flavor, we will combine cumin, oregano, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and bay leaves.
• Orange Juice: Orange juice gives these carnitas a tangy, bright flavor. It’s an interesting ingredient, but one that I strongly support!
• Lime Juice: Like orange juice, lime juice adds a brightness that takes these carnitas to the next level!
• Liquid Smoke: This is the most unusual ingredient, but one I love to keep in my pantry for vegetarian meat replacement recipes. Since we are baking these, the liquid smoke helps mimic traditional carnitas’ low and slow-roasted flavor.
• Toppings and Sides: For jackfruit carnitas tacos, grab some mini street tortillas, avocado, white onion, cilantro, and lime juice to enjoy with the carnitas.

How to make Jackfruit Carnitas

These may sound intimidating, but I promise they are super simple to make! This is just an overview. Jump to the recipe card for the full instructions.

Step 1: Dry the Jackfruit (If Using Canned Jackfruit)
Drain the jackfruit and rinse it well under running water. Transfer the jackfruit to a clean dishcloth, roll it up, and wring it tightly to squeeze as much moisture out of it as possible. We do not want any excess moisture that could make the carnitas soggy.

Step 2: Make the Flavor Base
Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, cooking until onion is soft and a bit translucent, 3 to 5 minutes. At this point, the house should smell amazing!

Step 3: Season
Stir in the tomato paste and all spices. Cook for another 2 minutes. Keep stirring this to keep the tomato paste from sticking to the pan.

Step 4: Add the Jackfruit
Stir in jackfruit, orange juice, water, lime juice, and liquid smoke. Cover and let simmer for 30 minutes.

Step 5: Bake it
Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C). Spread jackfruit onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 15 minutes, or until crispy at the edges. You can also broil at the very end for crispy edges. Just keep an eye on it so as not to burn the carnitas.

Step 6: Serve
Serve hot on tacos with avocado, cilantro, onion, and lime juice!

storage

Store these carnitas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. To enjoy them later, simply reheat them in the microwave or in the oven (an air fryer or toaster oven would work great, too!) to get them crispy again.

More Ways to Enjoy Jackfruit

Try out any of these other fun ways to enjoy it, and what to serve with your jackfruit tacos!

What to Serve with Jackfruit Carnitas

• Chipotle Copycat Cauliflower Rice pairs perfectly with carnitas. Enjoy on the side or wrapped in a taco with this low-carb rice.
• Street Corn Salad is also delicious alongside jackfruit carnitas. It’s made with fresh produce and tons of flavor. Yum!
• Avocado Crema is one of the best condiments for tacos, burritos, salads, and burrito bowls.

Ways to Use Jackfruit Carnitas

• Vegan Burritos are great with jackfruit carnitas substituted for their usual filling.
• Mexican Sweet Potatoes are so fun and packed with nutrients. Simply add the carnitas to the filling.