Fancy a quick and easy weeknight dinner? These Jackfruit Fajitas will definitely hit the spot! Perfectly seasoned and so easy to make these spicy fajitas can be ready in under 30 minutes and they're vegan!
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Fajita night is a cherished night in our house and we rarely miss it! Whether it's veggie fajitas or halloumi fajitas we love fajita night! It's a family tradition now and we love it.
These jackfruit fajitas are a newer addition to our fajita rota and we love them! They are so quick and easy to make and they always go down a treat. They are perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or for your meat-free Monday meal.
What is Jackfruit?
If you're new to a vegetarian or vegan diet and have been looking at meat substitutes then you might have heard of Jackfruit. And if you're wondering what it is and how do I use it? Then this is for you.
Jackfruit grows in tropical areas of Southeast Asia, Brazil, and Africa. Its consistency is similar to chicken or pork, which has led to its popularity as a meat substitute. Young jackfruit has a fairly neutral taste so it takes on the flavour of whatever sauce or seasoning you pair it with. That is why most savoury recipes call for young jackfruit, usually canned in water. You'll find canned jackfruit in most of the larger supermarkets or in health food stores. You will also find it online.
Here's What You'll Need
Ingredient Notes
- Jackfruit - I use tinned young jackfruit canned in water. You can find it in most large supermarkets now. If not you should find it online.
- Peppers - You can use a mix of bell peppers like I do or you can use just one colour. You can also add in more veggies if you like, mushrooms are a good ad in. Black beans are also great in this recipe.
- Spices - I use a mix of ground cumin, ground coriander and plain paprika.
- Herbs - I use a mix of fresh and dried herbs for these, I use dried oregano, dried coriander and fresh coriander (cilantro).
- Chipotle Paste - this is a paste made from puréed chipotle chillies, which are jalapeño chillies that have been smoked and dried. It usually includes ingredients such as onion, garlic, tomato purée, vinegar, spices, dried herbs and sugar. If you can't find the paste you can use chili sauce, but be carefull to use that sparingly!
How To Make Jackfruit Fajitas
This is just a quick visual guide please see the recipe card below for full instructions and ingredient list
1. Start by cooking the onions, then add the garlic, spices and dried herbs.
2. Next drain the jackfruit, rinse it then add it to the pan along with the chipotle paste and maple syrup if using. Stir well until the jackfruit is covered in spices and paste.
3. Add the peppers and lime juice and again stir well. Finally, add the fresh coriander. Serve with flour tortillas and lime wedges.
Expert Tips
- Make Sure You Use Young Jackfruit - Make sure the jackfruit you buy is young jackfruit canned in water, this is very inportant! Young jackfruit has a neutral taste. Jackfruit canned in syrup is very sweet and not suitable for this recipe.
- Don't overcook jackfruit - jackfruit can turn a bit mushy when overcooked and you don't want that, so be carefull not to cook it for more than it needs.
- Heat - These fajitas are spicy! If you plan on serving these to young children or people who don't tolerate spicy food very well then I would reduce the chipolate to just a teaspoon or omit it altogether, the fajitas will still taste great!
- Maple Syrup - I add maple syrup to balance the flavours of these fajitas, you can use brown sugar if you prefer or omit altogether.
- Don't overcook the peppers - We love our peppers crisp not soggy, so I add them after the jackfruit. This will give you the best texture in your fajitas.
How To Serve Jackfruit Fajitas
It's best to serve these fajitas by bringing the skillet to the table and letting everyone make their own fajitas. If you assemble them before serving you run the risk that they will get all soggy. I serve these with flour tortillas, I warm them in the oven just before serving. Serve with your favourite toppings.
What Toppings Should I Use?
- We love these fajitas with salsa, go for a milder salsa as these fajitas are spicy.
- Slices of avocado or some homemade guacamole is really great in these fajitas!
- Lime wedges, some freshly squeezed lime juice really brings the jackfuit to life!
- Pickled jalapeños, if you're brave enough!
- Vegan Sour Cream is great for adding some coolness to these fajitas.
More Tasty Weeknight Dinner Ideas
- Veggie Fajitas Pasta Bake - Love pasta as much as you love fajitas? Then you'll love this! Packed with veggies in spicy tomato fajita seasoned sauce, this is such a great weeknight dinner.
- Smoky Chipotle Mushroom Tacos - Potobello mushrooms marinated in a smoky chipotle sauce, served with cabbage slaw and smashed avocado. These are my favourite tacos of all time!
- Jackfruit Curry - This is one of the most popular curries on my blog that always goes done well in my house too! Jackfruit is cooked in a creamy sauce with sweet potatoes, This curry is delicious!
- Black Bean Enchiladas - cheesy black bean enchiladas packed with spinach and extra veggies. Smothered in a tasty sauce this is a great weeknight family dinner.
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Spicy Jackfruit Fajitas
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium brown onion cut in half widthways then sliced.
- 3 cloves of garlic put through a garlic press or finely grated
- 2 level tsp ground cumin
- 1 level tsp paprika
- 1 level tsp ground coriander
- 1 ½ tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried coriander (cilantro)
- 1 x 400g (14oz) can of young jackfruit in water drain from the can rinse in running water then leave to drain.
- ½ a level tbsp chipotle paste use less if you don't want it too spicy! Or omit it you want.
- 2 tsp maple syrup optional but recommended
- 3 medium bell peppers sliced into thin strips, seeds and pith removed
- 1 medium lime, the juice of + extra wedges for serving
- A small handful of fresh coriander (cilantro) + more for serving
- 1 tsp sea salt divided into two halves
- ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 8 x 8inch/20cm flour tortillas
Instructions
- Heat the oil in the skillet. Add the onion and half a teaspoon of sea salt. Cook until the onions are slighyly softened, about 10 minutes. Stir them often to avoid burning.
- Add the garlic and stir into the onions, then add the spices and herbs. You'll need 2 teaspoons of ground cumin, 1 teaspoon of ground coriander, 1 teaspoon of paprika, 1 and a half teaspoons of dried oregano and 1 teaspoon of dried coriander (cilantro).Stir the spices well into the onion and cook for a minute until the spices release their aromas, just a minute or two will do, be careful not to burn them!
- Now add the drained jackfruit and the chipotle paste and stir well. Making sure the jackfruit is covered in paste and spices. Use a wooden spoon to break up the chunks of jackfruit.Season with the remaining sea salt and black pepper.
- Add the peppers to the pan along with the lime juice and maple syrup. Stir well and cook the peppers until they are slightly softened. If you prefer your peppers softer add them when you add the garlic. Finally, stir in the coriander and serve.I usually bring the skillet to the table, but be careful it will be very hot!Serve with warm tortillas, fresh coriander, lime wedges, avocado or guacamole and salsa if you wish.
Notes
- Jackfruit - Make sure the jackfruit you buy is young jackfruit canned in water, this is very important! Young jackfruit has a neutral taste. Jackfruit canned in syrup is very sweet and not suitable for this recipe.
- Don't overcook jackfruit - it can turn a bit mushy when overcooked and you don't want that, so be careful not to cook it for more than it needs.
- Heat - These fajitas are spicy! If you plan on serving these to young children or people who don't tolerate spicy food very well then I would reduce the chipotle to just a teaspoon or half a teaspoon or omit it altogether, the fajitas will still taste great!
- Maple Syrup - I add maple syrup to balance the flavours of these fajitas, you can use brown sugar if you prefer or omit it altogether.
- Storing/Making Ahead/ Freezing - These fajitas are best made fresh and are not suitable for freezing. Any leftovers can be stored in the fridge and should be used within a day or two. Reheat the jackfruit and pepper mixture on the hob until piping hot before serving.
- Nutritional Information - is calculated using an online nutrition tool and is approximate. It is based on two fajitas per person and does not include any toppings.
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