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Barbacoa

Barbacoa

  • Author: Michael
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

Enjoy a rich, smoky, and tender plant-based Barbacoa bursting with bold flavors and simple ingredients. This easy recipe delivers complex spices, juicy shredded jackfruit, and a mouthwatering aroma perfect for tacos, bowls, sandwiches, or salads. A versatile and wholesome meal prep option that stores well and tastes even better as the flavors deepen.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 2 cans young green jackfruit in water, drained and rinsed
  • 2–3 chipotle peppers (natural flavoring), adjust to taste
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced (natural aromatics)
  • 1 small onion, chopped (natural aromatics)
  • 2 tablespoons vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (natural)
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin (natural spices)
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano (natural spices)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 teaspoon natural gelling agent
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for cooking)

Optional Variations

  • 1 tablespoon maple syrup (natural) for a smoky sweet twist
  • Fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped for garnish
  • Diced pineapple or mango for a fruity touch
  • Substitute shredded mushrooms or tempeh in place of jackfruit
  • Plant-based cheese (plant-based) or plant-based yogurt to serve

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Base: Drain and rinse the jackfruit thoroughly. Shred it using your hands or forks until it resembles pulled meat. This creates the perfect plant-based foundation to soak up all the flavors.
  2. Blend the Sauce: In a blender, combine chipotle peppers, garlic, onion, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth to make a smoky, spicy sauce that will coat the jackfruit beautifully.
  3. Cook the Barbacoa: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add vegetable oil. Add the shredded jackfruit to the skillet and stir in the blended sauce. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 15 to 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to reduce slightly.
  4. Add the Natural Gelling Agent: Mix the natural gelling agent with a small amount of water until dissolved. Stir this mixture into the jackfruit and continue cooking for another 5 minutes to thicken the texture and create a satisfying consistency.
  5. Final Touches: Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. Remove the skillet from heat and let the Barbacoa rest for a few minutes so the flavors can settle before serving.

Notes

  • Use fresh chipotle peppers and garlic for the best flavor.
  • Let the sauce simmer to intensify the taste.
  • A splash of apple cider vinegar brightens and balances the spices.
  • Take your time shredding the jackfruit or chosen protein to mimic traditional Barbacoa texture.
  • This dish tastes even better the next day after the flavors meld.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Appetizers
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Mexican-inspired

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: 180
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 400mg
  • Fat: 5g
  • Saturated Fat: 0.5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 25g
  • Fiber: 7g
  • Protein: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: Barbacoa, plant-based, jackfruit, smoky, vegetarian, vegan, meatless, meal prep, bold flavors

Find it online: https://classicrecipehub.com/barbacoa/