Jackfruit is a versatile and meaty fruit that has become increasingly popular in vegan cuisine as a plant-based alternative to meat. It has a texture similar to pulled pork or shredded chicken, and its neutral taste allows it to absorb a variety of flavors, making it a perfect ingredient for a wide range of vegan dishes. In this blog post, we will explore some delicious and easy vegan jackfruit recipes.
What is jackfruit?
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 jackfruit 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.
How to prepare jackfruit
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!
Where can I buy jackfruit?
Jackfruit is becoming increasingly popular and can be found in many grocery stores and markets. You may find fresh jackfruit in the produce section of larger supermarkets or in specialty Asian markets.
Canned jackfruit, which is more commonly used in vegan recipes, can be found in the canned fruit or international foods section of most supermarkets. Online retailers such as Amazon and specialty food stores may also sell jackfruit in both fresh and canned forms.
Our favorite jackfruit recipes
Vegan Enchiladas with Jackfruit and Black Beans
When you're craving Mexican food, these vegan enchiladas will satisfy all of your desires for warm and spicy stuffed tortillas topped with creamy avocado.
Vegan Buffalo ‘Chicken’ Dip
I’m going to be honest – football is not my thing. Actually, I could do without sports entirely. But I am thankful the Super Bowl exists because it’s the perfect excuse to spend a lazy Sunday afternoon grazing on party snacks and sipping beer. When it comes to Super Bowl food, I tend to gravitate
BBQ Jackfruit Sandwiches with Avocado Slaw
Author and photos by: Minimalist Baker
Easy to pull together in 30 minutes. Don't skip the avocado slaw!
Homemade Taquitos
Author and photos by: Love and Lemons
I love making these Taquitos from Love and Lemons. I also make mini-batches in my toaster oven when it's too hot to turn on the oven.
BBQ Jackfruit Sandwiches
Photo and recipe by Pinch of Yum
The addition of chickpeas to the jackfruit in this recipe packs some more fiber and protein into these zesty BBQ sandwiches.
Pulled jackfruit tacos
These pulled jackfruit tacos from Lazy Cat Kitchen are a flavorful and satisfying with tender jackfruit cooked in a smoky chipotle sauce and topped with fresh salsa and creamy avocado.
Ingredients: olive oil, red onion, garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, coriander, cinnamon, ground cloves, sambal oelek, tomato paste, young (green) jackfruit in water, soy sauce, maple syrup, liquid smoke, apple cider vinegar
Jackfruit Carnitas
This vegan carnitas from Broke Bank Vegan are an easy and affordable way to enjoy the crispy and flavorful texture of traditional carnitas without the meat.
Ingredients: young jackfruit, onion, garlic, vegetable broth, lime juice, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper.
Easy Jackfruit Curry
This vegan jackfruit curry recipe is a flavorful and quick weeknight dinner option, with tender jackfruit simmered in a fragrant and creamy coconut milk-based curry sauce.
Ingredients: coconut oil, onion, garlic, ginger, red pepper, curry powder, ground turmeric, salt, pepper, canned jackfruit, coconut milk, vegetable broth, brown sugar, lime juice, and fresh cilantro.
Vegan General Tso’s Jackfruit
This vegan General Tso's jackfruit recipe is a tasty and easy-to-make alternative to the traditional Chinese takeout dish, with tender jackfruit coated in a sweet and spicy sauce and served over rice.
Ingredients: canned jackfruit, cornstarch, vegetable oil, garlic, ginger, red pepper flakes, tamari sauce, rice vinegar, vegetable broth, agave nectar, cornstarch, and sesame seeds for garnish.
Vegan Chili Verde with Jackfruit
This vegan white bean chili with jackfruit is a hearty and flavorful dish, with tender jackfruit simmered in a spicy and aromatic broth with white beans, poblano peppers, and aromatic spices.
Ingredients: olive oil, onion, poblano pepper, garlic, cumin, coriander, smoked paprika, dried oregano, vegetable broth, canned white beans, canned jackfruit, canned diced tomatoes, canned green chilies, lime juice, and cilantro.
Vegan Bulgogi Bowl
This vegan bulgogi with jackfruit recipe is a delicious and easy-to-make alternative to the Korean meat dish, with tender jackfruit marinated in a sweet and savory sauce and served over rice with a variety of toppings.
Ingredients: canned young green jackfruit, soy sauce or tamari, maple syrup or agave nectar, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, green onions, sesame seeds, and optional red pepper flakes for heat.
The Best Jackfruit Curry
This Instant Pot jackfruit curry recipe is a flavorful and quick vegan meal, with tender jackfruit simmered in a fragrant and creamy coconut milk-based curry sauce.
Ingredients: canned jackfruit, onion, garlic, ginger, curry powder, garam masala, cumin, coriander, salt, black pepper, canned diced tomatoes, coconut milk, vegetable broth, and optional lime juice and cilantro for serving.
Jackfruit Pot Roast
This vegan jackfruit pot roast recipe is a comforting and hearty dish, with tender jackfruit and vegetables cooked in a flavorful and savory broth with aromatic herbs and spices.
Ingredients: jackfruit, onion, carrots, celery, garlic, vegetable broth, tomato paste, soy sauce, balsamic vinegar, rosemary, thyme, sage, salt, and pepper.
Jackfruit Biryani
This jackfruit biryani recipe is a flavorful and aromatic dish, with tender jackfruit and fragrant spices cooked with basmati rice and a variety of vegetables, creating a delicious and satisfying vegan meal.
Ingredients: basmati rice, canned jackfruit, onion, ginger, garlic, green chilies, tomatoes, non-dairy yogurt, garam masala, turmeric powder, red chili powder, coriander powder, cumin powder, cardamom pods, cinnamon stick, bay leaves, saffron, non-dairy milk, coconut oil.
Vegan Jackfruit Pernil
This vegan jackfruit pernil recipe is a plant-based version of the traditional Puerto Rican pork dish, with tender jackfruit slow-roasted in a savory and flavorful marinade until crispy and caramelized.
Ingredients: canned jackfruit, orange juice, lime juice, garlic, onion, oregano, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, vegetable broth, and olive oil.
Jackfruit is a versatile and delicious ingredient that can be used in a variety of vegan dishes, from tacos and curries to pot roasts and biryanis. These vegan jackfruit recipes offer a range of flavors and textures, making it easy to incorporate this nutritious fruit into your plant-based diet.
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