Name: Jamaican Jerk Vegan Tacos Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Jamaican
Ingredients: 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; 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; 2 (20-ounce) cans jackfruit in brine or water; 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; 12 corn tortillas, charred or warmed

Jump to Recipe·5.3 from 24 reviews

If you’re craving a whirlwind of flavor, color, and sunshine on a plate, Jamaican Jerk Vegan Tacos are about to be your new favorite obsession. Bursting with spicy, smoky jackfruit, wrapped in warm tortillas, and topped with a juicy mango avocado salsa, each bite is a tropical mini-vacation. This dish delivers that irresistible jerk spice heat and a satisfying, meaty texture—all completely plant-based. It’s a total weeknight win that feels like a fun foodie adventure, perfect for pleasing a crowd or brightening up your own dinner table!

Jamaican Jerk Vegan Tacos Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every element in Jamaican Jerk Vegan Tacos serves a delicious purpose, from the aromatic spice mix and bold jackfruit filling to the cool, fruity salsa. Pull together these simple staples for a flavor-packed experience that’s both easy and unbelievably vibrant.

Mango: Adds juicy sweetness and tropical zest to the salsa, balancing the heat.
Avocado: Creamy bites help mellow out spice and add richness.
Red Onion: Brings sharp, savory crunch to contrast the fruitiness.
Cucumber: Offers cool freshness and a splash of color to the salsa.
Fresh Orange Juice: Gives a burst of bright, tangy flavor.
Fresh Lime Juice: Essential for zingy acidity in both salsa and jackfruit filling.
Cilantro: Adds herbal brightness and an unmistakable Caribbean vibe.
Sea Salt: Makes all the other flavors shine.
Onion Powder: Provides an easy, savory boost to the jerk seasoning.
Sweet or Hot Paprika: Lends color and smoky-sweet depth to the spice blend.
Freshly Ground Black Pepper: A classic jerk component for a subtle bite.
Dried Thyme: Key herb for that true Jamaican seasoning taste.
Ground Allspice: The must-have warm, peppery note in jerk flavoring.
Ground Cumin: Adds earthiness and complexity.
Cayenne Pepper: Cranks up the heat—use more or less to taste!
Ground Cinnamon: Layers in intrigue and a gentle sweetness.
Nutmeg: Deepens the spice profile with aromatic warmth.
Jackfruit (Canned in Brine): Shreds up into a meaty texture that soaks up spice perfectly.
Extra-virgin Olive Oil: Helps sauté the aromatics and jackfruit.
Scallions: Bring mellow onion flavor and a pop of green.
Garlic: Infuses the filling with robust flavor.
Fresh Ginger: Lends heat and brightness, key to island flavor.
Habanero, Serrano, or Jalapeño Pepper: Your ticket to customizable spice levels.
Coconut Sugar or Agave Nectar: Offers balance to the jerk spices.
Tomato Paste: Gives richness and umami depth.
Tamari: Supplies a shot of umami and saltiness (keep it gluten-free, too!)
Corn Tortillas: The warm, hearty vessel that ties it all together.

How to Make Jamaican Jerk Vegan Tacos

Step 1: Mix up the Mango Avocado Salsa

Begin with your bowl of sunshine: combine mango, avocado, red onion, cucumber, fresh orange juice, lime juice, and cilantro in a medium bowl, giving it all a gentle toss. The goal is to let the flavors mingle without mashing the delicate avocado cubes. Finish with a sprinkle of sea salt to taste. This salsa is what takes Jamaican Jerk Vegan Tacos from tasty to totally unforgettable!

Step 2: Create the Jamaican Jerk Seasoning

In a small bowl, stir together onion powder, paprika, black pepper, dried thyme, allspice, cumin, cayenne, cinnamon, and nutmeg. This homemade mix packs a punch, layering aromatic, smoky, and spicy notes that make jerk cuisine so crave-worthy. Bonus: you’ll want to sprinkle it on everything after this!

Step 3: Prepare and Shred Your Jackfruit

Open up your cans of jackfruit, drain away the brine, and give them a quick rinse to mellow any tangy canned taste. Use your fingers to remove any tough cores or seeds, then gently pull apart the jackfruit pieces until they resemble shredded pork. This is the “meaty” base for your Jamaican Jerk Vegan Tacos—ready to soak up flavor.

Step 4: Sauté Aromatics and Toast the Spice

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium. Toss in those sliced scallions and let them caramelize for a minute or two. Then stir in minced garlic, grated ginger, and your chosen chile, cooking just until fragrant—careful not to let anything burn! Add all your jerk seasoning, stir, and toast for about 30 seconds. Smell that? Island magic!

Step 5: Add Jackfruit and Simmer

Pile in the shredded jackfruit along with coconut sugar (or agave), tomato paste, tamari, and lime juice. Add half a cup of water, stir well, and let everything mingle. Cover and simmer on low for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally as the jackfruit absorbs bold jerk flavor and turns gloriously saucy.

Step 6: Assemble and Serve

Warm or char your corn tortillas for a little extra flavor. Spoon a generous heap of jerk jackfruit onto each tortilla, then top with your vibrant mango avocado salsa. Prepare for smiles all around—the sweet-spicy combo in Jamaican Jerk Vegan Tacos is a guaranteed celebration!

How to Serve Jamaican Jerk Vegan Tacos

Garnishes

Don’t hold back when it comes to garnishing these tacos. A handful of fresh cilantro, extra lime wedges for squeezing, and thinly sliced jalapeños all make for a gorgeous, punchy finish. A dash of hot sauce or a drizzle of vegan crema can add even more personality.

Side Dishes

Jamaican Jerk Vegan Tacos are wonderful with a side of coconut rice, charred sweet corn, or black beans. A light slaw dressed in citrus vinaigrette adds crunch and coolness to the plate. For a truly festive spread, try serving plantain chips or a simple tropical fruit salad on the side.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, serve your tacos “DIY-style” on a big platter—pile your jackfruit, salsa, tortillas, and toppings separately. Let everyone build their own! Or, turn Jamaican Jerk Vegan Tacos into mini street tacos using small tortillas for fun, handheld bites that are perfect for entertaining.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover jerk jackfruit keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. The flavor actually deepens overnight, making for even tastier tacos the next day! Keep the mango avocado salsa stored separately and add just before serving to maintain its freshness.

Freezing

The jerk jackfruit filling freezes surprisingly well! Once cooled, portion it into airtight freezer bags or containers and freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Definitely skip freezing the salsa—the avocado won’t thank you.

Reheating

To reheat the jackfruit, simply warm it gently in a skillet over medium heat until hot, adding a splash of water if needed. You can also microwave it in short intervals, stirring between each, until sizzling. Re-warm tortillas right before serving for the best taste and texture.

FAQs

Can I use fresh jackfruit instead of canned?

Fresh jackfruit is a fun option if you can find it, but canned jackfruit is far more convenient and works perfectly for Jamaican Jerk Vegan Tacos. If using fresh, make sure to select unripe jackfruit—ripe is too sweet for this savory recipe.

How spicy are these tacos?

You’re in control! Dial up or down the heat by picking your preferred chile (habanero is hottest, jalapeño is mildest) and adjusting the cayenne in the jerk seasoning. If you’re feeding folks who prefer milder flavors, you can leave out the chile altogether and offer hot sauce on the side.

Can I prepare the filling ahead for meal prep?

Absolutely! The jerk jackfruit filling can be made up to three days in advance and stored in the fridge, ready to scoop onto tortillas whenever you need a quick, flavorful meal. The salsa is best made fresh, but you can prep everything else ahead of time for effortless assembly.

Are there gluten-free options?

Yes! As long as you use corn tortillas and tamari (instead of regular soy sauce), Jamaican Jerk Vegan Tacos are completely gluten-free. Double-check your tortilla label to be sure, and you’ve got an allergy-friendly feast.

What protein can I use besides jackfruit?

For a different spin, try using shredded oyster mushrooms, cooked chickpeas, or crumbled tofu as your base—they all soak up jerk seasoning beautifully. Just follow the same instructions for seasoning and sautéing as you would with jackfruit.

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready to spice up your weeknight routine or wow a group of friends, Jamaican Jerk Vegan Tacos are the way to go. They’re fresh, bold, and downright fun—exactly the kind of meal that makes you look forward to dinner. Give them a try and watch, they might just steal the show at your next gathering!