Transport your taste buds to the vibrant flavors of Puerto Rico with this irresistible Vegan Carne Frita. Crafted with tender, shredded young green jackfruit, this plant-based twist on a traditional dish delivers bold, authentic flavors seasoned with smoky paprika, zesty lime, and aromatic spices like cumin and oregano. Marinated to perfection and pan-fried until delightfully crispy, the jackfruit mimics the texture of shredded meat, making it a satisfying option for vegans and curious carnivores alike. Simmered in a savory vegetable broth and finished with fresh cilantro and lime juice, this recipe is a feast for the senses. Serve it alongside rice, beans, and tostones for a complete, mouthwatering meal thatβs bursting with Caribbean-inspired flair. Perfectly balanced, easy-to-make, and packed with plant-based goodnessβthis Vegan Carne Frita is a must-try for anyone looking to explore vegan Puerto Rican cuisine!
Drain and rinse the canned young green jackfruit thoroughly. Pat dry with a clean kitchen towel to remove excess moisture.
In a large bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, ground cumin, garlic powder, smoked paprika, dried oregano, onion powder, black pepper, and sea salt to create a marinade.
Add the jackfruit to the marinade and toss well to ensure all pieces are evenly coated. Allow to marinate for at least 20 minutes.
In a large skillet or frying pan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the marinated jackfruit, spreading it out in a single layer.
Cook the jackfruit for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking and prevent sticking. Use a fork to gently shred the jackfruit into smaller pieces, mimicking the texture of shredded meat.
Once the jackfruit is lightly browned, add the vegetable broth to the pan, scraping any browned bits from the bottom. Reduce the heat to low and cover, allowing the jackfruit to simmer for an additional 15 minutes until the liquid has mostly reduced.
Uncover and increase the heat to medium-high to crisp up the jackfruit pieces, stirring frequently for about 5 more minutes until lightly caramelized.
Remove from heat and sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro and lime juice over the top before serving.
Serve the Vegan Carne Frita with rice, beans, and tostones for a complete Puerto Rican-inspired meal.
Calories |
487 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 30.7 g | 39% | |
| Saturated Fat | 4.7 g | 24% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 3.1 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 2641 mg | 115% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 47.5 g | 17% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 11.5 g | 41% | |
| Total Sugars | 8.2 g | ||
| Protein | 9.4 g | 19% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 209 mg | 16% | |
| Iron | 5.3 mg | 29% | |
| Potassium | 2793 mg | 59% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.