Vegan Jackfruit Tamales (Instant Pot or Stovetop)

These vegan tamales are loaded with seasoned jackfruit and sautéed onion and bell pepper. Plus, the step-by-step instructions will help guide you through the tamale-making process. They're so easy to make you'll be enjoying flavorful vegan tamales any time of the year!  Steam them in the Instant Pot or on the stovetop.  Instructions for both are included!

Jackfruit tamales may not sound easy to make, but if you grab a few friends the process will move along much quicker!  

And who doesn't love a vegan tamale party?  Especially when you get to finally eat them!  

Ingredients

Vegan jackfruit tamales are made with 5 main ingredients and lots of seasonings.

• Corn Masa – I prefer organic masa but use whatever you have on hand.
• Young Green Jackfruit – For the best taste use jackfruit that is in water. Its neutral flavor is best for taking on the flavors of the seasonings.  I use Trader Joe's jackfruit, but most markets should carry it.
  I don’t suggest using fresh, mature jackfruit. It has a much sweeter “juicy-fruit” taste. Therefore, it’s often enjoyed alone as a snack.
• Dried Corn Husks – These can be found at most grocery stores or get them online here.
• Diced onion – Use any variety you like. I used a white onion. You can even add bell pepper to the filling for more flavor.
• Coconut Oil – This is used in the masa. Choose refined oil to keep the tamale flavor neutral.  If you don’t have coconut oil you can use any neutral oil.
• Seasonings – cumin, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, dried oregano, and salt.

Now that we’ve gone over our ingredients...

Let's make some Vegan Tamales!!

Step-by-Step Instructions

This recipe is simple to prepare following the instructions.

Step 1: Shred the jackfruit 

We're going to start by, prepping the jackfruit filling so it's ready to add to the tamales.

Pulse the jackfruit, in batches, a few times in a food processor.  This will perfectly shred the jackfruit as seen in the photos above.

You can also shred it by hand or cut it with kitchen shears. But, the food processor is quick and easy.

Step 2: Cook the Jackfruit

The jackfruit can be seasoned and cooked in the oven or on the stovetop.

Baking the jackfruit in the oven is the easier of the two methods. Simply toss the shredded jackfruit with the seasonings until coated.

Then, spread it out on a baking sheet along with the onion (and bell pepper if using), and bake.

To cook the jackfruit on the stovetop, sauté the onion (and bell pepper if using) in a large pan until softened. Turn off the heat and mix in the jackfruit and seasonings. Allow everything to sit for about 5 minutes.  This will help it absorb all the flavors. Then heat the filling up to cook the jackfruit and remove some of its moisture.

If you have any leftover jackfruit these street tacos are a great way to use it up!

Step 3: Prepare the Corn Masa

Mix the dry ingredients in a large bowl until the oil is well incorporated.

Then, slowly mix in the liquid (water or broth) until the masa resembles a thick hummus-like texture, as pictured above. Not too dry and not too wet.

Step 4: Assemble the tamales

Before you start assembling the tamales, make sure everything is in close reach –soaked corn husks, prepared corn masa, seasoned jackfruit, salsa (or any other add-ins if using), and corn husk strips for tying.  

Lay down a presoaked corn husk. Then add a scoop of corn masa on top. As pictured above.

Spread out the masa with the back of a spoon.  Add a scoop of jackfruit filling down the middle of the masa.  At this point, you can add salsa or any other filling to the inside of the tamales.

Close up the tamales

Close up the tamales by bringing the masa and corn husks together as pictured above. Then, fold the corn husk flaps to one side of the tamale and fold up the tail.

The top will be open as pictured above.

Use a corn husk strip to tie the tamale closed.

Now it's time to steam them.

Steaming Tamales

There are 2 ways to steam cook these vegan tamales. In the Instant Pot or on the stovetop.

Steam in the Instant Pot

Fill the Instant Pot with 2 cups of water.

Add the trivet, or a raised steamer basket, to the bottom of the pot.

Arrange the tamales in the pot face up.  Be sure they are raised up and not submerged in the water.

Set the Instant Pot to high pressure for 15 minutes.  Once the tamales are finished cooking they can be left for natural pressure release or you may quick-release the pressure after 10 minutes.

Carefully open the lid and let the tamales cool before removing them from the pot.

Steam on the stovetop

For this method, you will need a large stockpot with a deep steamer basket, like the one below.

Fill the pot with 2 cups of water.

Add the jackfruit tamales to the steamer basket and cover with the lid.  Simmer for 30-40 minutes, or until the masa is no longer wet and sticky and the tamales are fully cooked.

Allow the tamales to cool before removing them from the pot.

Serving Suggestions

Serve jackfruit tamales with any of these toppings.

• tomatillo salsa
• hot salsa
• guacamole
• pico de gallo
• vegan cheese
• diced avocado
• vegan sour cream

Add a side of chips and salsa and Spanish rice for the perfect Mexican-inspired vegan meal!

Pro Tips

• The jackfruit filling can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for 1-2 days before making the tamales.  In fact, preparing the filling in advance allows the flavors to really come together.
• The masa works well with both water and vegetable broth.  I’ve tested this recipe with both and equally enjoyed the tamales.  My only advice would be to adjust the salt according to the broth used.
• Other options that can be added to the filling are – black beans, corn, salsa, jalapeño peppers, taco sauce, and vegan cheese.
• Leaving one end of the tamale open makes tying up the tamale easier. If your corn husks are long enough, feel free to fold up both ends.
• For more protein add black beans to the filling. The jackfruit can also be replaced with a double batch of tofu ground beef.

More Mexican-inspired Vegan Recipes

• Vegan taco soup
• Black bean enchiladas
• Mango Pico De Gallo
• Mexican Quinoa Bowl

More Vegan Favorites

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