Vegan Arepa with Shredded Beef

Savor the bold flavors of this Vegan Arepa with Shredded Beef, a plant-based twist on the classic South American dish that’s as satisfying as it is wholesome! These golden, crispy arepas made from gluten-free precooked cornmeal are filled with jackfruit “shredded beef,” perfectly spiced with smoked paprika, cumin, and a splash of vegan Worcestershire sauce for a rich, meaty texture and flavor. Topped with sautéed red onion and bell pepper, creamy avocado slices, and a fresh sprinkle of cilantro, this recipe is a delightful explosion of textures and tastes. Finished with a zesty squeeze of lime, these customizable, handheld vegan arepas make an irresistible meal for lunch, dinner, or any occasion—ideal for vegans and non-vegans alike. Perfectly balancing traditional Latin flavors with innovative plant-based ingredients, this recipe will have everyone coming back for seconds!

Nutriscore Rating: 73/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:50 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 cup Precooked cornmeal (masarepa)
• 1.25 cups Warm water
• 0.5 teaspoon Salt
• 1 tablespoon Olive oil
• 1 can Jackfruit (canned, drained and rinsed)
• 1 tablespoon Soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon Smoked paprika
• 0.5 teaspoon Ground cumin
• 0.5 teaspoon Garlic powder
• 0.5 teaspoon Onion powder
• 0.25 teaspoon Black pepper
• 1 tablespoon Vegan Worcestershire sauce
• 0.5 cup Red onion (thinly sliced)
• 0.5 cup Red bell pepper (thinly sliced)
• 1 Avocado, sliced
• 2 tablespoons Cilantro, chopped
• 2 Lime wedges

Directions

Step 1

In a large bowl, combine the precooked cornmeal and salt. Gradually add warm water, mixing with your hands until a dough forms. Let it rest for 5 minutes.

Step 2

Divide the dough into 4 equal portions and shape them into patties about 1/2 inch thick.

Step 3

Heat a large non-stick skillet over medium heat and add olive oil. Cook the arepas for about 5-7 minutes on each side, until they are golden and crispy. Remove from the pan and set aside.

Step 4

For the jackfruit 'shredded beef', break up the drained jackfruit pieces with your fingers or a fork to mimic shredded meat texture.

Step 5

In a medium bowl, combine soy sauce, smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and vegan Worcestershire sauce. Toss the jackfruit in this marinade, ensuring it's well coated.

Step 6

In the same skillet, add a bit more olive oil if needed, and sauté the thinly sliced red onion and red bell pepper until soft, about 5 minutes.

Step 7

Add the marinated jackfruit to the skillet and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring often, until it's heated through and has absorbed the flavors.

Step 8

To assemble, slice each arepa horizontally (not all the way through) to create a pocket.

Step 9

Fill each arepa with the shredded jackfruit mixture, sliced avocado, a sprinkle of chopped cilantro, and a squeeze of lime juice.

Step 10

Serve immediately, optionally with extra lime wedges on the side.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1266.9g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1716.8

Total Fat 41.6g	0%
Saturated Fat 6.4g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.3g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 1818.2mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 316.1g	0%
Dietary Fiber 32.1g	0%
Total Sugars 83.7g
Protein 30.4g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 200.5mg	0%
Iron 9.9mg	0%
Potassium 3209.9mg	0%

*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.

Source of Calories

Fat: 21.3%

Protein: 6.9%

Carbs: 71.8%