Vegan BBQ Jackfruit Lettuce Tacos

Featured in: Everyday Sweet Bakes

Enjoy tender jackfruit cooked in a smoky BBQ sauce, served inside crisp butter lettuce leaves. The jackfruit is perfectly seasoned with smoked paprika and cumin, then simmered until flavorful and tender. A creamy slaw made from vibrant green and purple cabbage, carrot, and green onions dressed with vegan mayo and apple cider vinegar adds a refreshing tang. Garnished with cilantro and lime wedges, this dish delivers a satisfying plant-based alternative with fresh textures and balanced flavors, ready in just 40 minutes.

Updated on Sun, 15 Feb 2026 15:08:55 GMT
Vegan BBQ jackfruit lettuce tacos with creamy slaw, served in crisp butter lettuce cups and topped with fresh cilantro.  Save
Vegan BBQ jackfruit lettuce tacos with creamy slaw, served in crisp butter lettuce cups and topped with fresh cilantro. | sweetasirem.com

These Vegan BBQ Jackfruit Lettuce Tacos offer a delightful fusion of smoky flavors and refreshing textures. By using young green jackfruit, this recipe creates a satisfying plant-based alternative to pulled pork, perfectly complemented by a crisp, tangy cabbage slaw and light butter lettuce cups.

Vegan BBQ jackfruit lettuce tacos with creamy slaw, served in crisp butter lettuce cups and topped with fresh cilantro.  Save
Vegan BBQ jackfruit lettuce tacos with creamy slaw, served in crisp butter lettuce cups and topped with fresh cilantro. | sweetasirem.com

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This easy-to-make main dish is a testament to how vibrant and flavorful vegan cuisine can be. Whether you are looking for a healthy lunch or a fun dinner option, these tacos provide a balanced meal that is as visually appealing as it is delicious.

Ingredients

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  • BBQ Jackfruit: 2 cans (400 g each) young green jackfruit in brine, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 small red onion, 3 garlic cloves, 1 cup vegan BBQ sauce, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp ground cumin, salt and pepper.
  • Creamy Slaw: 2 cups shredded green cabbage, 1 cup shredded purple cabbage, 1 medium carrot, 1/4 cup green onions, 1/4 cup vegan mayonnaise, 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 1 tsp maple syrup, salt and pepper.
  • For Serving: 8 large butter lettuce leaves, fresh cilantro, lime wedges.

Instructions

1. Prepare the Creamy Slaw
In a large bowl, combine cabbage, carrot, and green onions. Whisk together mayonnaise, vinegar, maple syrup, salt, and pepper in a separate bowl. Toss the vegetables in the dressing and refrigerate until needed.
2. Shred the Jackfruit
Use your hands or forks to shred the rinsed jackfruit pieces, ensuring you remove any hard cores or seeds to achieve the best texture.
3. Sauté Aromatics
Heat olive oil in a skillet and sauté the red onion for 3–4 minutes, then add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
4. Season the Jackfruit
Add the shredded jackfruit and spices to the skillet. Cook for 2 minutes to coat the fruit thoroughly.
5. Simmer in Sauce
Stir in the BBQ sauce, reduce heat, and simmer for 10–12 minutes until the sauce thickens and the jackfruit is tender.
6. Assemble and Serve
Fill each lettuce leaf with the BBQ jackfruit, top with the chilled creamy slaw, garnish with cilantro, and serve with lime wedges.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

To ensure the best results, use a sharp knife for julienning the carrots and a large skillet for simmering the jackfruit. Using tongs or forks makes shredding the jackfruit much easier and gives it a more authentic shredded texture. Don't forget to refrigerate the slaw while cooking the jackfruit to keep it crisp and refreshing.

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Varianten und Anpassungen

For a different texture, you can substitute the jackfruit with shredded oyster mushrooms. If you follow a strict gluten-free diet, always ensure your BBQ sauce is certified gluten-free. For those who prefer a deeper flavor, adding a dash of liquid smoke to the jackfruit mixture provides an extra layer of smokiness.

Serviervorschläge

Enhance your tacos by adding fresh avocado slices or tangy pickled red onions. Each serving of two tacos contains approximately 270 calories, 10g of fat, and 4g of protein, making it a light yet satisfying meal. Always remember to check labels for potential allergens like soy or mustard in your vegan mayonnaise.

Smoky, tender jackfruit simmered in BBQ sauce, nestled in crunchy lettuce and paired with tangy, creamy cabbage slaw.  Save
Smoky, tender jackfruit simmered in BBQ sauce, nestled in crunchy lettuce and paired with tangy, creamy cabbage slaw. | sweetasirem.com

Enjoy these vibrant BBQ jackfruit tacos as a fresh, plant-based dinner that doesn't compromise on flavor or satisfaction. They are the perfect example of how simple ingredients can create a truly remarkable meal.

Recipe FAQs

How do I prepare the jackfruit for cooking?

Drain and rinse young green jackfruit, then shred it by hand or with forks, removing any hard cores or seeds before cooking.

Can I make the creamy slaw ahead of time?

Yes, prepare the slaw and its dressing in advance and refrigerate until serving to allow flavors to meld.

What spices enhance the BBQ jackfruit?

Smoked paprika and ground cumin add depth and smokiness, complementing the BBQ sauce perfectly.

Are there substitutions for jackfruit?

Shredded oyster mushrooms can be used as an alternative for a different texture and similar plant-based appeal.

How should the tacos be assembled for best flavor?

Place a generous scoop of the BBQ jackfruit into crisp lettuce leaves, top with creamy slaw, garnish with cilantro, and serve with lime wedges.

Is this dish gluten-free and suitable for vegan diets?

Yes, using gluten-free BBQ sauce and vegan mayonnaise ensures it meets gluten-free and vegan dietary needs.

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Vegan BBQ Jackfruit Lettuce Tacos

Smoky BBQ jackfruit in lettuce cups with a creamy, tangy cabbage slaw for a fresh plant-based twist.

Prep Time
20 mins
Time to cook
20 mins
Overall Duration
40 mins
Created by Ariel Monroe


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Type American

Makes 4 Number of servings

Diet-Friendly Options Plant-Based, No Dairy, Free from Gluten

What You'll Need

BBQ Jackfruit

01 2 cans (14 oz each) young green jackfruit in brine, drained and rinsed
02 2 tablespoons olive oil
03 1 small red onion, finely diced
04 3 garlic cloves, minced
05 1 cup vegan BBQ sauce
06 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
07 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
08 Salt and pepper to taste

Creamy Slaw

01 2 cups shredded green cabbage
02 1 cup shredded purple cabbage
03 1 medium carrot, julienned
04 1/4 cup thinly sliced green onions
05 1/4 cup vegan mayonnaise
06 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
07 1 teaspoon maple syrup
08 Salt and pepper to taste

For Serving

01 8 large butter lettuce leaves
02 Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish
03 Lime wedges

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 01

Prepare the Creamy Slaw: In a large bowl, combine shredded green and purple cabbage, julienned carrot, and sliced green onions. In a separate small bowl, whisk together vegan mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, salt, and pepper. Pour the dressing over the vegetables and toss until evenly coated. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

Step 02

Prepare the Jackfruit: Using your hands or two forks, shred the drained jackfruit pieces, removing any hard core sections or seeds.

Step 03

Sauté the Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced red onion and sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 04

Toast the Spices: Add the shredded jackfruit, smoked paprika, ground cumin, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Cook for 2 minutes while stirring to evenly coat the jackfruit with the spices.

Step 05

Simmer the Jackfruit: Stir in the BBQ sauce and reduce heat to low. Simmer uncovered for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the jackfruit becomes tender and the sauce thickens. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Step 06

Assemble the Tacos: Place a generous spoonful of BBQ jackfruit into each lettuce leaf. Top with creamy slaw, garnish with fresh cilantro, and serve with lime wedges.

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Equipment Needed

  • Large skillet
  • Mixing bowls
  • Sharp knife
  • Cutting board
  • Tongs or forks for shredding

Allergy Details

Always check ingredient labels for allergens and talk to a medical expert if needed.
  • May contain soy if present in vegan mayonnaise or BBQ sauce
  • May contain mustard if present in vegan mayonnaise
  • Always check ingredient labels for hidden allergens

Nutrition Details (per portion)

Nutrition details are just for reference. For medical matters, consult a professional.
  • Energy: 270
  • Fats: 10 g
  • Carbohydrates: 40 g
  • Proteins: 4 g

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