Jerk Spiced Vegan Tacos are a delicious and vibrant way to enjoy a plant-based meal with a kick. These tacos are filled with jerk-spiced jackfruit, mango avocado salsa, and a creamy jerk aioli, making them a perfect combination of spicy, sweet, and tangy flavors.
The jerk seasoning, a blend of aromatic spices like allspice, cumin, and cinnamon, gives the jackfruit a bold and flavorful taste that mimics the texture of pulled pork. The mango avocado salsa adds a refreshing sweetness, while the creamy jerk aioli provides a rich and tangy finish.
Jerk Spiced Vegan Tacos
Ingredients
For the Jerk Seasoning:
- 1½ teaspoons onion powder
- 1 teaspoon sweet or hot paprika
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon ground allspice
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
For the Jackfruit:
- 2 20-ounce cans jackfruit in brine or water, drained and rinsed
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 6 scallions white and light green parts, sliced
- 4 garlic cloves minced
- 1½- inch piece fresh ginger grated
- 1 habanero serrano, or jalapeño pepper, minced
- 2 tablespoons coconut sugar or agave nectar
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- ¼ cup tamari
- 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice
For the Mango Avocado Salsa:
- 2 cups peeled and diced mango about 2 medium
- 1 medium ripe avocado diced
- ¾ cup diced red onion
- ½ cup diced cucumber
- 3 tablespoons fresh orange juice
- 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- ½ cup cilantro finely chopped
- Sea salt to taste
For the Creamy Jerk Aioli:
- ½ cup vegan mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 teaspoon jerk seasoning from above
For Serving:
- 12 corn tortillas charred or warmed
- Fresh cilantro leaves
- Lime wedges
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Jerk Seasoning
- In a small bowl, combine the onion powder, paprika, black pepper, dried thyme, ground allspice, ground cumin, cayenne pepper, ground cinnamon, and nutmeg. Mix well and set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Jackfruit
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the sliced scallions, minced garlic, grated ginger, and minced pepper. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
- Add the drained jackfruit, coconut sugar, tomato paste, tamari, lime juice, and the prepared jerk seasoning. Stir well to combine.
- Cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the jackfruit is tender and the flavors are well combined. Use a fork to shred the jackfruit into a pulled pork-like texture.
Step 3: Prepare the Mango Avocado Salsa
- In a medium bowl, combine the diced mango, avocado, red onion, cucumber, orange juice, lime juice, and cilantro. Season with sea salt to taste. Mix well and set aside.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Jerk Aioli
- In a small bowl, whisk together the vegan mayonnaise, lime juice, and jerk seasoning. Set aside.
Step 5: Assemble the Tacos
- Warm the corn tortillas in a dry skillet or over an open flame until pliable.
- Fill each tortilla with a generous portion of the jerk-spiced jackfruit.
- Top with mango avocado salsa and a drizzle of creamy jerk aioli.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves and serve with lime wedges.
Tips and Information
- Jackfruit: Ensure the jackfruit is well-drained and rinsed to remove any brine or water flavor.
- Tortillas: Warming the tortillas makes them more pliable and easier to fold without cracking.
- Serving: These tacos pair well with a side of rice and beans or a fresh salad.
Experience the taste of Caribbean and Mexican cuisine with homemade Jerk Spiced Vegan Tacos. The aromatic and flavorful jackfruit filling, combined with the mango avocado salsa and creamy jerk aioli, makes for a delightful meal.
Serve them hot with a side of lime wedges and cilantro to fully enjoy the flavors of this traditional dish.