Name: MEATLESS BIRRIA TACOS WITH JACKFRUIT Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 4 dried guajillo peppers; 4 dried ancho chiles; 4 chipotle peppers in adobo; 1 onion, chopped; 4 garlic cloves; ½ cup crushed tomatoes; ½ cup vegetable stock, organic; 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar; 2 tsps Mexican oregano; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; ½ teaspoon cumin; ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon; ½ teaspoon smoked paprika; ½ teaspoon ground allspice; 2 (14 oz) cans organic young jackfruit, drained + rinsed; 1-2 Tbsps Extra virgin olive oil; 1 carrot, peeled + chopped; 1 onion, chopped; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 2 bay leaves; 3 cups vegetable stock, organic; 2 cups chili paste; 1-2 tsps chili powder; 1 teaspoon sea salt; ½ teaspoon cumin; TACOS: 8 organic corn tortillas; 1 ½ cups Quesadilla cheese; Chopped fresh cilantro

Jump to Recipe·5.3 from 13 reviews

If you’re craving that bold, deeply savory birria taco experience but prefer a plant-powered feast, MEATLESS BIRRIA TACOS WITH JACKFRUIT are here to rock your kitchen! This irresistible recipe replaces traditional meat with juicy, pull-apart jackfruit, which soaks up an outrageously rich, spicy broth made with layers of chiles and warming spices. Each cheesy golden tortilla is brimming with jackfruit “meat,” tangy dipping sauce, and fresh herbs, making it the ideal treat for cozy nights, gatherings with friends, or just an epic taco night at home.

MEATLESS BIRRIA TACOS WITH JACKFRUIT Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll be amazed by how these simple yet purposeful ingredients come together to deliver color, heat, and authentic birria flavor—totally meat-free! Each element is chosen to contribute succulent texture, mouthwatering spice, or creamy meltiness, so don’t skip the details.

Guajillo Peppers: Bring mild heat and a lovely brick-red color, plus deep, tangy flavor.
Ancho Chiles: Dark and mildly smoky, these dry chilies ground the birria sauce with earthy sweetness.
Chipotle Peppers in Adobo: Add a layer of smoky, fiery depth to the chili paste—just three or four do the trick!
Onion: Adds foundational sweetness and body both to the sauce and jackfruit filling.
Garlic: Don’t skimp—garlic infuses both the paste and filling for full-bodied flavor.
Crushed Tomatoes: Keeps the sauce vibrant, tangy, and well balanced.
Vegetable Stock: The braising magic; use organic if you can for the cleanest base.
Apple Cider Vinegar: A splash of acidity for brightness in the chili paste.
Mexican Oregano: Heady and citrusy, though regular oregano works in a pinch.
Dried Thyme, Cumin, Cinnamon, Allspice, Smoked Paprika: These bring warmth, fragrance, and complexity to every bite.
Organic Young Jackfruit: The star “meat”—tender, pale jackfruit easily takes on all the birria flavors.
Carrot: Adds a touch of sweetness and color to the “meat” mixture.
Bay Leaves: Offer herbal undertones while the filling simmers.
Chili Powder, Sea Salt: Adjust to preference for your perfect spice and savory balance.
Olive Oil: For sautéing and frying those golden tacos.
Corn Tortillas: Traditional and sturdy—they’ll soak up every drop of sauce while staying toasty.
Quesadilla Cheese: Melts into oozy, gooey, taco bliss; try Oaxaca or mozzarella for a twist!
Fresh Cilantro: Lively, herbal, and classic—sprinkle generously or swap for parsley.

How to Make MEATLESS BIRRIA TACOS WITH JACKFRUIT

Step 1: Prepare the Chili Paste

Start by removing the stems and seeds from the dried guajillo and ancho chiles—don’t worry, this is easier than it sounds! Next, bring your vegetable stock to a gentle boil and soak the chiles for about 15 to 20 minutes until they’re supple and rehydrated. Pop them into your blender along with chipotle peppers, onion, garlic, tomatoes, vinegar, and all those fragrant spices. Blend until smooth and thick, adding more stock if needed. This vibrant sauce is the soul of your MEATLESS BIRRIA TACOS WITH JACKFRUIT!

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables and Spices

In a deep skillet, heat a drizzle of olive oil and toss in onion and garlic. Sauté until they turn translucent and your kitchen smells heavenly—just a couple of minutes will do. Stir in the carrot, chili powder, extra cumin, and a pinch of salt. Let everything soften and bloom together, unlocking sweet and spicy undertones for the filling.

Step 3: Simmer the Jackfruit

Add the chili paste, extra vegetable stock, drained jackfruit, and bay leaves to your skillet. Stir it all together and turn the heat low, letting it gently bubble for about 20 to 25 minutes. The jackfruit should become tender and shred perfectly with a fork, soaking up every bit of bold birria flavor. If it gets a little dry, just ladle in more stock and sauce until you’ve got a luscious, stew-like consistency.

Step 4: Make the Birria Dipping Sauce

Once your jackfruit birria is saucy and tender, scoop out about 1 cup of the flavorful broth into a bowl. Top with fresh cilantro and set this aside—this is your rich, aromatic dipping sauce ready for taco dunking. It’s the little detail that takes MEATLESS BIRRIA TACOS WITH JACKFRUIT from delicious to unforgettable.

Step 5: Assemble and Fry the Tacos

Grab a non-stick skillet and swish it with a bit of olive oil. Dip your tortillas in the reserved birria broth, then lay them in the hot pan. Add a mound of jackfruit, a sprinkle of cheese, and fresh cilantro. Fold and fry until the cheese melts and the tortillas get irresistibly golden and crisp on both sides. The smell alone will have everyone circling the kitchen!

Step 6: Serve and Savor

Stack those cheesy, saucy tacos high and serve with warm birria dipping sauce for dunking. This is taco night at its finest—vegan, vibrant, and absolutely packed with bold, soulful flavor.

How to Serve MEATLESS BIRRIA TACOS WITH JACKFRUIT

Garnishes

Garnishing is all about freshness and that final pop of color! Shower your tacos with loads of chopped cilantro or parsley, a few thinly sliced radishes, and maybe a squeeze of fresh lime. These simple touches brighten up every bite and balance the rich, spicy filling.

Side Dishes

MEATLESS BIRRIA TACOS WITH JACKFRUIT pair beautifully with classic sides like Mexican street corn (elote), a vibrant mango salsa, creamy guacamole, or smoky black beans. If you want to keep things light, a simple shredded cabbage slaw offers the perfect crunch alongside all that melty cheese.

Creative Ways to Present

Make dinner interactive by setting up a birria taco bar: lay out little bowls of cheese, cilantro, veggies, and extra sauce so everyone can build their own creation. Or, make mini tacos for party bites—the perfect appetizer that will have all your guests talking. For extra flair, serve your tacos with mini dipping cups for individual birria bliss!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you somehow have extra, keep the filling, tortillas, cheese, and dipping sauce in separate sealed containers in the fridge. Everything stays fresh for 3 to 4 days, and assembling just before serving means your tacos will still be gooey and crisp!

Freezing

The birria jackfruit filling also freezes like a dream! Portion it into airtight containers and freeze for up to two months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating for quick, flavor-packed tacos anytime.

Reheating

For best results, reheat the filling on the stovetop over medium heat until hot and juicy. To revive tacos you’ve already assembled, pop them in the oven at 350°F until warmed through and the cheese is melty again. This helps bring back that signature crispy shell!

FAQs

Can I make MEATLESS BIRRIA TACOS WITH JACKFRUIT ahead of time?

Absolutely! Prepare the filling and sauce up to a couple of days before. Just keep the components separate, store tightly covered, and assemble the tacos fresh for serving so they stay crisp.

What can I use instead of jackfruit?

If you can’t find jackfruit, try shredded king oyster mushrooms or even high-protein vegan “chicken” strips. Both soak up the birria flavors and give a great texture!

Are these tacos spicy?

They have a warm kick, but you completely control the heat! Use fewer guajillo or chipotle peppers for a milder version, or toss in extra for extra heat. Taste as you go and adjust to your liking.

Is there a gluten-free option for MEATLESS BIRRIA TACOS WITH JACKFRUIT?

Yes! Simply stick to 100 percent corn tortillas, which are naturally gluten-free. Double-check all your store-bought ingredients if you have strict dietary needs.

How can I make this recipe fully vegan?

Swap out the dairy cheese for your favorite vegan meltable cheese. There are lots of great plant-based options that will keep the tacos deliciously gooey and dairy-free!

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready for big flavors, hearty textures, and a show-stopping plant-based dinner, these MEATLESS BIRRIA TACOS WITH JACKFRUIT absolutely deserve a spot on your table. Gather your ingredients, invite a few friends, and dunk those crispy, cheesy tacos into that glossy birria broth—you won’t believe this classic could taste so rich and satisfying without meat!