Jackfruit Tacos with Cashew Cream Sauce

Magical jackfruit makes its mark yet again!

The last time I experimented with jackfruit, I used it in my BBQ Pork Buns. And even before that it made a center stage appearance in my Pulled Pork Sandwiches.

In this interpretation, I flex jackfruit's versatility by using it to imitate shredded chicken in these delicious soft tacos!

Topped simply with shredded green cabbage, cherry heirloom tomatoes, and a tangy cashew cream sauce, the complex flavors of the jackfruit really shine through (which is great because it was seasoned perfectly!)

Shredded Jackfruit Tacos

• 1 can jackfruit in brine
• 1.5-2 Tbsp vegan taco seasoning OR homemade taco seasoning blend (recipe to follow)
• Wet ingredients blend (recipe to follow)

Taco Dry Seasoning Blend

• 1/2 tsp crushed red peppers
• 1 tsp cayenne pepper
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp salt

Wet Ingredients Blend
You have some flexibility with the wet seasoning blend. The tomato paste and veggie broth are both crucial for the right color and moisture, but the rest is kind of up to you! Choose your own hot sauce, sweetener (I use BBQ sauce!) and other additives. I call this the "whatever is in your fridge" adaptation.

In addition to the tomato paste and broth, this is what was on my line up:

Sriracha (SHOCKING, I know), Ketchup, Salsa Verde, BBQ Sauce

The wet ingredients breakdown looks something like this:

• 2 Tbsp tomato paste
• 1/4 cup (plus more as needed) veggie broth
• 2 Tbsp Sriracha
• 1 Tbsp Ketchup
• 2 Tbsp Salsa Verde
• 1-2 Tbsp BBQ Sauce

Start by rising, draining and cutting the core of the jackfruit off so you are left with the washed stringy pieces.

Add the jackfruit and the entire dry seasoning blend to the pan and slowly toast them together over medium-low heat (about 7-8 minutes).

Then add the wet seasoning mix, reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 20 minutes.

Using a fork, break apart the softened jackfruit pieces until they have a stringy, "shredded" type consistency. Adding veggie broth as necessary, continue to simmer over low heat for another 10-15 (as many as 30) more minutes.

While the jackfruit is in simmer stages, begin on the cashew cream sauce!

Cashew Cream Sauce

• 1/4 cup RAW cashews 
• 1/4 cup tahini
• 2 Tbsp nutritional yeast
• 1 Tbsp lemon juice
• 2 Tbsp cold water

Start by soaking the cashews in a bowl of water for a minimum of 20 minutes

They will look something like this!

Soaking Away!

Mmm soggy cashews...

When they are done soaking, combine all ingredients in food processor and blend until smooth (about a minute)! Easy peasy!

As your jackfruit is finishing up, prepare your other toppings. Also you might want to think about heating up your tortillas - if that's your thing of course. I heated my "Food for Life" sprouted corn tortillas in the oven on 300 for about 10 minutes!

Compile your tacos, top with cashew cream sauce/any other hot sauce and munch!

So good and SO good for you :)

Live long and prosper! Jackfruit style!!