Zesty Vegetarian Tacos al Pastor

Discover the essence of Mexican street food in your own kitchen with this delightful vegetarian twist on Tacos al Pastor. Traditionally made with pork, our version uses succulent marinated jackfruit to deliver an equally savory experience. With a zesty blend of spices and sweet pineapple, these tacos are sure to tantalize your taste buds.
“Tacos al pastor: A symphony of flavors where sweetness meets spice in every bite.”
Highlights
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Calories: 280kcal
Ingredients
For the Jackfruit Marinade
2 cups canned young green jackfruit in water or brine, drained and shredded
1/4 cup pineapple juice (from a can)
3 tablespoons olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
Salt and pepper to taste
For the Tacos
8 small corn tortillas
1 cup pineapple chunks (from a can)
Fresh cilantro, chopped
Red onion, thinly sliced
Lime wedges for serving
Salsa of choice for serving
Instructions
Prepare the Jackfruit Marinade: In a bowl, mix together the shredded jackfruit with pineapple juice, olive oil, garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper until well coated.
Cook the Jackfruit: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the marinated jackfruit and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it starts to brown and becomes crispy on the edges.
Add Pineapple: Stir in the pineapple chunks and continue cooking for another 5 minutes or until the pineapple is heated through and slightly caramelized.
Warm Tortillas: In a separate skillet, warm the corn tortillas over medium heat, flipping them occasionally to prevent burning. You can also wrap them in a clean kitchen towel and briefly warm them in the microwave if preferred.
Assemble Tacos: Place a generous amount of jackfruit and pineapple mixture onto each warmed tortilla. Garnish with chopped cilantro, red onion slices, and a squeeze of fresh lime juice.
Serve: Offer additional salsa on the side for extra flavor. Enjoy your vegetarian tacos al pastor hot!
Nutrition
Estimated nutrition for this recipe, keep in mind that it may vary based on ingredients selected or substituted:
- Serving: 2 tacos
- Calories: 280kcal
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Protein: 4g
- Fat: 12g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fiber: 5g
- Sugar: 10g
Indulge in these vibrant tacos al pastor, where the rich flavors of Mexico meet modern vegetarian tastes. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a festive gathering, this dish is sure to impress with its balance of sweet and savory notes. Pair it with a refreshing margarita or agua fresca for an authentic Mexican dining experience. Enjoy every bite!