Papalotes de Espinazo
Papalotes de Espinazo is a delicious vegan twist on a traditional Mexican BBQ dish, featuring marinated jackfruit that mimics the texture of meat, wrapped in banana leaves for a smoky flavor. This dish is not only rich in flavor but also packed with nutrients, making it a delightful and healthy option for any BBQ lover.

60 minutes
Difficulty: Medium
Mexican
320 kcal
Ingredients
- Green jackfruit - 400 grams (canned in water, drained and rinsed)
- Banana leaves - 4 large pieces (for wrapping)
- Olive oil - 2 tablespoons
- Garlic - 3 cloves (minced)
- Onion - 1 medium (finely chopped)
- Smoked paprika - 1 teaspoon
- Ground cumin - 1 teaspoon
- Chili powder - 1 teaspoon
- Soy sauce - 2 tablespoons
- Lime juice - 2 tablespoons
- Salt - 1 teaspoon
- Black pepper - 1/2 teaspoon
- Fresh cilantro - 1/4 cup (chopped for garnish)
- Lime wedges - for serving
Steps
- Preheat your BBQ grill or oven to medium heat.
- In a large bowl, shred the drained jackfruit using forks until it resembles pulled meat.
- In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat and sauté the minced garlic and chopped onion for about 3-4 minutes until translucent.
- Add the shredded jackfruit to the skillet along with smoked paprika, ground cumin, chili powder, soy sauce, lime juice, salt, and black pepper. Mix well and cook for an additional 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Lay out the banana leaves on a flat surface. Place an equal portion of the jackfruit mixture in the center of each leaf.
- Fold the banana leaves over the filling to create a package, securing the edges with kitchen twine or toothpicks if necessary.
- Place the wrapped papalotes on the grill or in the oven, cooking for about 30-35 minutes, turning halfway through to ensure even cooking.
- Once done, carefully unwrap the banana leaves, garnish with fresh cilantro, and serve with lime wedges on the side.
Nutrition
- Calories: 320
- Protein: 7 g
- Carbs: 52 g
- Fiber: 10 g
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Total Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Water: 0.5 L
Health Benefits
- Rich in fiber, promoting digestive health.
- Low in saturated fat, supporting heart health.
- High in vitamins and minerals from the vegetables and herbs.
Tags
MexicanVeganBBQ