Meet your new favorite taco-night star: Slow Cooker Jackfruit Carnitas! This plant-based twist on a classic carnitas recipe is tender, packed with smoky flavor, and surprisingly effortless—just toss it together and let your slow cooker work its magic. Whether you’re a longtime jackfruit lover or brand new to this fiber-rich fruit, you’ll adore how the spices come together for a crave-worthy, meaty texture that’s perfect for tacos, burritos, or rice bowls.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Totally Effortless: Just toss everything in the slow cooker and let it do all the work—perfect for busy days or meal prepping ahead.
- Big, Bold Flavors: Thanks to smoky chili powder, zesty lime, and a kick of jalapeño, every bite is bursting with depth and personality.
- Incredibly Adaptable: This recipe is naturally vegan and gluten-free (with corn tortillas), but works equally well for eaters of all kinds!
- Fantastic Texture: Jackfruit shreds beautifully for the kind of crispy, tender “carnitas” experience everyone craves—no meat required.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredient list for these Slow Cooker Jackfruit Carnitas is refreshingly simple, but each component brings something special. The blend of seasonings creates richness and complexity, while fresh garnishes add color, crunch, and brightness to every taco. Here’s how the pieces come together:
- Chili Powder: Adds classic warmth and gentle smokiness—the very soul of carnitas flavor.
- Dried Minced Onion: Gives the jackfruit savory backbone, while melting into the sauce for a subtle sweetness.
- Cornstarch: Lightly thickens the cooking liquid, creating irresistible sauciness for your tacos.
- Garlic Powder: An earthy punch that ties it all together with classic Mexican aromatics.
- Cumin: Brings savory depth and a touch of earthiness. Essential for that authentic carnitas aroma!
- Oregano: Adds an herby freshness that brightens and balances the dish.
- Paprika: Gives subtle smokiness and vibrant color to mimic the best slow-roasted carnitas.
- Cayenne: Just a pinch for sneaky heat. Adjust to taste if you love spice!
- Young Jackfruit (in brine): The magic “meat” of the recipe—choose young, unripe jackfruit for the best texture.
- Water: Keeps the jackfruit juicy as it cooks and soaks up flavors.
- Salsa: A shortcut to complexity; it brings acid, richness, and a touch of sweetness to the mix.
- Lime Juice: Adds pop and brightness at just the right moment—really lifts the spices and unifies flavors.
- Diced Jalapeños: Provide a little heat and tang, plus great texture in every bite.
- Corn or Flour Tortillas: Whether you prefer classic corn or pillowy flour, use your favorite for scooping up every bite.
- Taco Sauce or Hot Sauce (optional): Drizzle over finished tacos for an extra punch of flavor.
- Onion, Tomato, Cilantro, and Lime Wedges (for garnish): These fresh toppings add crunch and color, making your Slow Cooker Jackfruit Carnitas totally irresistible!
Variations
One of the most magical things about Slow Cooker Jackfruit Carnitas is how easily you can adapt them! Whether you want to go spicier, have dietary requirements, or are simply working with what’s in your pantry, these simple twists keep things endlessly interesting and totally delicious:
- Extra Crispy “Carnitas”: After slow cooking, spread the jackfruit on a sheet pan and broil for a few minutes for crispy edges.
- Mild & Kid-Friendly: Skip the cayenne and halve or omit jalapeños for a gentler, family-approved version.
- Sweet & Smoky: Stir in a touch of smoked paprika or chipotle powder for an even deeper, smoky flavor.
- Low-Carb Option: Serve your Slow Cooker Jackfruit Carnitas over lettuce wraps or cauliflower rice instead of tortillas.
- Bean & Veggie Boost: Toss in a drained can of black beans or some corn during the last hour for an extra hit of protein and sweetness.
How to Make Slow Cooker Jackfruit Carnitas
Step 1: Mix the Spice Blend
Start by combining all your dried spices—chili powder, minced onion, cornstarch, garlic powder, cumin, oregano, paprika, and cayenne—in a bowl. Mixing them together beforehand guarantees an even distribution of flavor throughout the entire batch of jackfruit carnitas.
Step 2: Prepare the Jackfruit
Rinse the jackfruit well in a fine-mesh strainer. Squeeze out as much liquid as possible—this trick helps the jackfruit soak up all that savory spice blend and prevents the finished carnitas from getting soggy.
Step 3: Load Up the Slow Cooker
Add the prepared jackfruit to your slow cooker. Sprinkle the spice blend over the top, then pour in the water, salsa, lime juice, and those vibrant diced jalapeños. Give everything a gentle stir so each bite is showered in flavor.
Step 4: Cook Low and Slow
Pop the lid on and set your slow cooker to low for eight glorious hours. This gives the jackfruit plenty of time to break down, absorb the punchy seasonings, and transform into a succulent, pulled “carnitas” texture—no peeking necessary!
Step 5: Shred and Serve
After eight hours, use a fork to gently shred the jackfruit—it should pull apart beautifully, just like traditional carnitas. Taste and adjust for seasoning, then scoop generous helpings onto warm tortillas. Finish with your favorite garnishes and dig in!
Pro Tips for Making Slow Cooker Jackfruit Carnitas
- Jackfruit Prep Matters: Really squeeze out that brine after rinsing the jackfruit—this ensures it soaks up all those vibrant carnitas flavors.
- For Next-Level Crisp: Give the shredded jackfruit a quick run under the broiler, or sauté in a hot skillet before serving, for irresistibly crispy edges just like traditional carnitas.
- Hands-Off Perfection: Set your slow cooker and walk away. Resist the temptation to lift the lid often—steady, even heat is key for that “pulled” texture.
- Garnish Generously: Don’t skimp on fresh onion, tomato, cilantro, and lime wedges. These finishing touches take your Slow Cooker Jackfruit Carnitas from good to absolutely rave-worthy!
How to Serve Slow Cooker Jackfruit Carnitas
Garnishes
Top your Slow Cooker Jackfruit Carnitas with bright, fresh garnishes like diced tomato, onion, and loads of chopped cilantro. A squeeze of lime wakes up all the flavors, while a drizzle of your favorite taco sauce or hot sauce adds a finishing zing. These simple extras really transform each taco into a flavor-packed masterpiece!
Side Dishes
For a crowd-pleasing meal, serve these carnitas tacos alongside bowls of Mexican rice, refried or black beans, and a simple cabbage slaw. Chips and guacamole or street corn on the cob make easy, festive additions for taco night that’ll have everyone coming back for seconds.
Creative Ways to Present
Beyond tacos, use your Slow Cooker Jackfruit Carnitas to fill burritos, nourish bowls, or even quesadillas. For party vibes, offer a “DIY carnitas bar” with assorted toppings so everyone can customize their own. Or stuff the jackfruit into crispy lettuce cups for a lighter but equally delicious twist!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover jackfruit carnitas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. The flavors only get better over time, making leftovers a real treat for quick lunches or last-minute dinners!
Freezing
Your Slow Cooker Jackfruit Carnitas freeze beautifully. Cool completely, portion into freezer-safe containers, and freeze for up to two months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating to preserve their texture and freshness.
Reheating
To reheat, simply warm the jackfruit carnitas in a skillet over medium heat until hot and slightly crispy, or microwave in short bursts if you’re in a hurry. Add a splash of water or salsa to prevent drying, and enjoy just like fresh!
FAQs
-
Can I use fresh jackfruit instead of canned?
Absolutely! If you have access to fresh, unripe jackfruit, feel free to use it—just peel, core, and cut into chunks as you would with canned. It does take more prep work to remove the tough core and seeds, but the result is fantastic. Just note that fresh jackfruit can be harder to find and messier to work with.
-
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, Slow Cooker Jackfruit Carnitas are a meal prep dream! Make a big batch and store in the fridge or freezer—then simply reheat when you need an easy, flavor-packed meal. They’re perfect for lunches, dinners, or even meal-prep-friendly burritos and bowls.
-
Will this taste like meat carnitas?
While jackfruit has a different (and lighter) flavor than pork, its texture when shredded and slow cooked is incredibly similar to traditional carnitas. The secret is all in the spices and the long, slow simmer—which gives you that signature “pulled” effect and a deep, savory bite. Even carnitas lovers will be shocked by how satisfying these are!
-
Can I make Slow Cooker Jackfruit Carnitas in an Instant Pot?
Yes! If you’re short on time, pressure cook the seasoned jackfruit on high for 8–10 minutes, then quick-release and shred. The final results are delightfully tender, though a slow cook gives slightly richer flavor. Either way works for busy weeknights!
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a flavorful, fun, and fuss-free meal to brighten up your week, Slow Cooker Jackfruit Carnitas are about to become your go-to. They’re hearty, wholesome, and every bit as satisfying as classic carnitas—so don’t wait, gather your ingredients and enjoy taco night magic at home!
Print
Slow Cooker Jackfruit Carnitas Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 hours
- Total Time: 8 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Vegan
Description
These Slow Cooker Jackfruit Carnitas are a plant-based take on traditional carnitas, using jackfruit simmered in savory seasonings until tender and flavorful. Perfect for tacos or burrito bowls!
Ingredients
Seasoning Mix:
- 3 teaspoons chili powder
- 4 teaspoons minced dried onion
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Remaining Ingredients:
- 2 cans young jackfruit in brine (14-ounce each)
- 3/4 cups water
- 1/4 cup salsa
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1 can diced jalapenos (small)
- Small corn or flour tortillas
- Taco sauce or hot sauce (optional for garnish)
- 1 medium onion, diced (for garnish)
- 1 medium tomato, diced (for garnish)
- Cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Lime wedges
Instructions
- Prepare Seasoning Mix: Combine chili powder, minced onion, cornstarch, garlic powder, cumin, oregano, paprika, and cayenne pepper in a bowl. Set aside.
- Prepare Jackfruit: Rinse jackfruit in a strainer and squeeze out excess water. Place jackfruit in the slow cooker.
- Add Seasonings: Stir in the prepared seasoning mix. Add water, salsa, lime juice, and jalapenos.
- Cook: Cover and cook on low for 8 hours.
- Shred Jackfruit: Using a fork, shred the cooked jackfruit in the slow cooker.
- Assemble Tacos: Serve the jackfruit on tortillas and top with taco sauce, diced onions, tomatoes, cilantro, and lime wedges.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 270
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 2g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 10g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
