Vegan Jackfruit Nachos (2024)

Vegan Jackfruit Nachos are a mouthwatering twist on the classic favorite, offering a meaty, savory experience that's entirely plant-based. With the incredible texture of jackfruit, smoky spices, and layers of creamy plant-based cheese, these vegan nachos are a crowd-pleaser that'll satisfy everyone's cravings.

Whether you're planning a game day feast, a taco Tuesday dinner, an appetizer for parties, or a hearty dish for a get-together with friends, these versatile nachos have you covered. They are even great for leftovers for a savory lunch. It is much like Easy Vegan Nachos but with the added jackfruit for a meatier texture and delicious visual appeal.

Plus, I have delicious options to suit all preferences. Instead of using the easy vegan cashew queso suggested in the recipe, try a nut-free cheese sauce for those with dietary restrictions. This easy and delicious recipe delivers cheers from everyone who tries it.

What is jackfruit, and why is it used in nachos?

Jackfruit is a tropical fruit known for its meaty texture. It's used in nachos as a meat substitute due to its ability to mimic pulled pork or chicken. See the picture above? Visually, it's pretty similar, right?

But does jackfruit really taste like pulled pork or chicken?

I go into more detail about jackfruit in A Simple Guide to Jackfruit, but in a nutshell, here is my quick answer - Unripe jackfruit, when cooked and seasoned, has a meat-mimicking look and texture, resembling shredded chicken or pork, but it has a distinct, somewhat neutral, slightly fruity taste, making it an interesting meat alternative. So, while it's not an exact meat replica, it's really good at taking on the flavors of spices and sauces and a good look-a-like. Let me know what you think in the comments.

While jackfruit's meaty texture shines in vegan nachos as a meat substitute, it's also versatile enough to explore in other delicious recipes. If you enjoy the flavors of these nachos with jackfruit, you might want to give Vegan Jackfruit Quesadillas, Vegan Tunacado Sandwich, or BBQ Jackfruit Sliders With Vegan Coleslaw a try.

Ingredients

See a list of quantities in the recipe card below.

For the Jackfruit Filling:

• canned jackfruit (young green)
• onion
• garlic
• bell pepper (any color)
• jalapeño pepper
• tomato sauce
• black beans
• Mexican oregano
• ground cumin
• chili powder
• smoked paprika
• salt and pepper

For the Nachos:

• prepared jackfruit mixture
• tortilla chips
• vegan cashew queso
• black olives
• shredded lettuce
• jalapeño slices
• fresh cilantro
• guacamole, salsa, and vegan sour cream

Ingredient Notes

I use my hands to shred the canned jackfruit because it's the most straightforward method. It only takes me between 5-10 minutes. If there are any pieces that are difficult to shred, I set them aside and finely chop them with a knife. It's important to note that everything in the can, including the seeds, is edible and can be either shredded or chopped, so there's no need to discard any part. They sell shredded Jackfruit at Whole Foods, but you get less in the bag for more money.

I like to use fire-roasted tomatoes for the flavor and puree them to make tomato sauce. You can leave them diced or use regular tomato sauce.

Substitute the Mexican oregano with regular oregano or omit.

I like these jackfruit nachos on the spicier side, so using between a teaspoon and ½ teaspoon of chili powder may be a bit much for some people. Reduce to ¼ a teaspoon if you are sensitive to spicy things. You can also make sure to deseed the jalapenos to reduce the spice.

Use pinto beans, kidney beans, or chili beans as an alternative to black beans.

If you need a cheese sauce with no nuts, substitute the vegan cashew queso with Best Nut-Free Vegan Cheese Sauce.

Instructions:

For more detailed instructions, see the recipe post.

Prepare the Jackfruit Filling:

Drain, wash, and shred the canned jackfruit.

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté chopped onion until translucent (about 5 minutes).

Add minced garlic and the spices. Saute for about one minute.

See Also

Jackfruit Enchilada Bowls - Karissa's Vegan KitchenVegan jackfruit tagine - Lazy Cat Kitchen8 Vegan Jackfruit Recipes That Are So Good, You Won't Miss The MeatInstant Pot Vegan Beef Stew - Monkey and Me Kitchen Adventures

Add the diced bell pepper and jalapeño pepper. Cook until peppers soften (about 4-5 minutes).

Then, add drained and rinsed beans along with the shredded jackfruit to the skillet. Also, add diced tomatoes, salt, and pepper.

Mix thoroughly, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally to let the jackfruit absorb flavors and become tender.

Assemble the Nachos:

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

Spread tortilla chips in a large oven-safe dish, large cast iron skillet, or baking sheet, and spread jackfruit filling evenly over chips.

Top with vegan queso and any additional toppings you may want to heat up. Bake nachos in the oven for 5-10 minutes until the cheese is warm.

Serve hot and garnish with olives, shredded lettuce, diced jalapeños, guacamole, salsa, and vegan sour cream.

Serve with extra toppings on the side if you want to add more.

Top Tips

Use canned young green jackfruit in brine, not in syrup. This type of jackfruit has a meaty texture that works best for savory dishes like nachos.

Drain and rinse the jackfruit well to remove the brine, which can be quite salty.

Keep an eye on the nachos while they're in the oven. Be ready to pull them out when the cheese is heated up. The easy vegan cashew queso sauce does not dry out. If you use the Best Nut-Free Vegan Cheese Sauce it may dry out a bit if left too long in the oven, so check it often.

For variation and easier cooking, you can season the jackfruit with a packet of taco seasoning. (Follow the instructions on the taco seasoning packet in case you need to add water)

Other Topping Suggestions

When you bring together crispy tortilla chips, savory jackfruit, hearty beans, and a luscious vegan cheese sauce and combine it with fresh toppings, you're taking these nachos from "yum" to a whole new level of "mouthwateringly yummy." So don't hold back on those toppings! The interplay of various textures, the combination of cold ingredients with warm nachos, and the contrast between freshness and creaminess elevate these nachos to a new level.

Trust me, everyone will adore this dish, so feel free to load up on toppings or set up a serve-yourself buffet-style spread. Here are some additional topping suggestions.

• sliced avocado
• finely diced red onions
• cherry tomatoes or diced tomatoes
• corn kernels
• vegan avocado crema
• sliced scallions (aka green onions)
• pineapple chunks
• mango habanero salsa
• mango cucumber salsa
• pickled red onions
• shredded red cabbage
• chopped spinach or arugula
• lime wedges/juice

FAQS

• Best Nut-Free Vegan Cheese Sauce
• Easy Vegan Nachos
• Easy Food Swaps When You Are Going Plant-Based
• Savory Black Beans
• Taco Bowls

What did you think?

Got a minute? Dive into the comments and rate this recipe to let me know how it turned out for you. Was it a hit? Any twists you added? I want to know if my directions were any good or if you plan to make it. Follow me on Pinterest,Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube for inspiration.

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