Vegetarian Arepa with Shredded Beef

Discover a delightful twist on classic South American comfort food with this Vegetarian Arepa with Shredded "Beef." Perfectly crispy arepas made from precooked cornmeal form the foundation of this dish, while tender young green jackfruit is transformed into a savory, shredded filling infused with the bold flavors of smoked paprika, cumin, and soy sauce. Topped with creamy avocado slices, fresh cilantro, and a squeeze of zesty lime, this plant-based creation captures all the rich, hearty essence of traditional shredded beef while remaining vegetarian-friendly. Quick to prepare and bursting with vibrant flavors, these arepas are ideal for a satisfying lunch or dinner that’s as wholesome as it is flavorful.

Nutriscore Rating: 74/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:40 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 cups precooked cornmeal (masa harina)
• 2.5 cups water
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 can canned young green jackfruit
• 2 cloves minced garlic
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 1 medium bell pepper, chopped
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 large avocado, sliced
• 0.5 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 4 pieces lime wedges

Directions

Step 1

In a large bowl, combine the precooked cornmeal, water, and salt. Mix together until a dough forms. If the mixture is too dry, add more water a tablespoon at a time.

Step 2

Divide the dough into 8 equal portions and shape each into a ball. Flatten each ball into a disc about 1/2 inch thick.

Step 3

Heat a skillet over medium heat and lightly grease it with vegetable oil. Cook the arepas for about 5-7 minutes on each side until they develop a crispy, golden-brown crust. Set them aside.

Step 4

Drain and rinse the canned jackfruit. Pat it dry with paper towels.

Step 5

In the same skillet, heat the remaining vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic, and bell pepper, and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.

Step 6

Stir in the tomato paste, cumin, and smoked paprika. Cook for another minute until the spices are fragrant.

Step 7

Add the jackfruit to the skillet, breaking it apart with a fork until it resembles the texture of shredded meat. Stir in the soy sauce.

Step 8

Cook the jackfruit mixture for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it is tender and warmed through.

Step 9

To assemble the arepas, slice each arepa open horizontally. Fill with a generous portion of shredded jackfruit, sliced avocado, and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro.

Step 10

Serve with lime wedges on the side for an added burst of flavor.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1933.5g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1705.8

Total Fat 68.1g	0%
Saturated Fat 9.4g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 16.8g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 3764.4mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 265.4g	0%
Dietary Fiber 48.4g	0%
Total Sugars 21.1g
Protein 36.5g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 658.7mg	0%
Iron 15.4mg	0%
Potassium 4413.2mg	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: 33.7%

Protein: 8.0%

Carbs: 58.3%