Our Favorite Vegan Jackfruit Recipes

What the heck is jackfruit? It’s interesting stuff, actually. Jackfruit is the largest tree-borne fruit in the world, and it can weigh up to 100 pounds. Its seeds are rich in protein, potassium, calcium and iron, all of which are important on a vegan diet. Not only is jackfruit a tasty “miracle” crop that could save millions from starvation, it’s a wonderful meat alternative for vegans looking to avoid soy and gluten.

So, what does it taste like?

You know how tofu doesn’t really taste like anything until you jazz it up with a sauce or marinade? Same deal with jackfruit, but the texture is a lot more palatable than tofu. When pulled apart, it’s flaky and chewy – similar to pulled pork. So, if you’re new to a vegan meal plan and are craving something, well, meaty to bite into, jackfruit is going to be your new go-to.

Now, you might assume that since jackfruit is a fruit, you’re going to look for it in the produce section. Nope. You’re going to be perusing the packaged goods aisle for a can of young green jackfruit in water. Don’t make the mistake of buying jackfruit in syrup, or you’ll end up with a ripe fruit that tastes kind of like pineapple. You’ll probably have the best luck finding jackfruit at an Asian supermarket, but some bigger grocery stores sell it, too.

So, how do I make this stuff?

Jackfruit is pretty easy to prepare, though it can take an hour or two to break down into shreds. Simply drain, rinse, and add the jackfruit to a pot with some BBQ sauce (or the sauce of your choice) and a bit of water. To speed up the process, you can use a fork to shred the jackfruit while it’s cooking. For more specific instructions, try out one of the delicious vegan jackfruit recipes below. You won’t be disappointed!

What’s your favorite jackfruit recipe?