Just a couple of years ago, jackfruit was completely obscure in the Western food world, but it has been a staple ingredient in Indian and Southeast Asian cuisine for centuries. Slowly but surely, it has worked its way into the mainstream food world and 2017 is likely going to be another great year for this giant tropical fruit. Jackfruit has a sweet flavor that’s barely noticeable and it’s known for its ability to absorb the flavors of whatever it is cooked in, which makes it popular in a variety of curries, but in some regions of India, it is also used to make candy. The fleshy portion of the jackfruit softens and pulls apart into fibrous strings when cooked in liquid, which is what’s made this tropical fruit so popular in the United States, where it’s become a new substitute for meat in dishes. Not sure how to use jackfruit? We have tips and tricks to help you out. We can use jackfruit to mimic pulled pork or we can get creative and use it to make fried “chicken,” like you’ll see in the recipes below.
To see what we’ve done previously, readFrom Cheesesteak to Tacos! 10 Jammin’ Jackfruit Recipes You Have to Tryand then come on back for 15 new recipes featuring jackfruit!
1. Barbecue Pulled Jackfruit Sandwich With Avocado Slaw
This Barbecue Pulled Jackfruit Sandwich With Avocado Slaw is a dream come true for anyone who loves meaty, savory sandwiches. It has an amazingly meaty texture that pairs so perfectly with the barbecue sauce. Sweet, smoky, and a little spicy, it’s perfectly balanced by the crisp, fresh avocado slaw. Serve this with pickles and fries on the side.
2. Pulled Jackfruit Curry
Jackfruit’s ability to absorb whatever spices it is marinated in and its meaty texture make it an ideal mock meat. You can use it in stews, sandwiches, burgers, and as shown in this Pulled Jackfruit Curry. In this zesty dish, jackfruit is seasoned with garam masala, tomato purée, coriander, and cayenne pepper. Serve it with rice and a sprinkle of dried chili flakes.
3. Jackfruit Carnitas With Pickled Red Onions
Nobody will believe that these Jackfruit Carnitas With Pickled Red Onionsare actually made from a tropical fruit. Jackfruit is sautéed with garlic and then simmered in a spicy sauce, allowing it to absorb all of the flavors. This recipe uses canned jackfruit in syrup, so it ends up sweet and spicy at the same time and then it’s topped with tangy quick-pickled red onions. Just remember to let the jackfruit sit overnight — the flavor payoff is worth it.
4. Barbecue Pulled Jackfruit Bowl
This Barbecue Pulled Jackfruit Bowlis served on a bed of rice, with tender, cooked broccoli and a crunchy peanut cabbage slaw. The coleslaw sauce is packed with an infusion of peanuts, lime juice, soy sauce, sesame oil, and five-spice for a beautiful balance of flavors that are complementary to the jackfruit. The meaty jackfruit has a slightly chewy, yet tender texture. This is a simple, but flavorful dish that’s perfect for busy days.
5. Bengali Jackfruit Kofta
These crispy and flavorful Bengali Jackfruit Koftaare made with jackfruit and potatoes. The gravy is a simple tomato base, thickened slightly with cashew or almond butter and a splash of cashew cream, if you feel a little indulgent. The koftas can be prepped and refrigerated the day before and can be fried just before serving.
6. Jackfruit Bacon
Who would’ve thought that you could take a fruit and make it taste like bacon? Well, with jackfruit, it’s possible — and you have to try this Jackfruit Bacon. This tender, fleshy fruit soaks up flavors wonderfully, so when marinated in a smoky, pepper-maple mixture, it tastes just like the meaty favorite. Use this bacon on top of salads and baked potatoes or as a breakfast side dish.
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7. Baby Jackfruit Curry
This thick Baby Jackfruit Curry is a delicious and flavorful dinner entrée idea for when you’re craving Indian food. Coriander powder is the main spice utilized in this dish and is actually a mixture of coriander seeds, dry chilies, curry leaves, and garlic. Once the jackfruit has been cleaned, making this dish is a snap and can even be done entirely in a pressure cooker if you prefer.
8. Barbecue Pulled Jackfruit With Roast Potatoes
When you cook it just right, jackfruithas the consistency of pulled pork, like in this Barbecue Pulled Jackfruit With Roast Potatoes. Young jackfruit is cooked in barbecue sauce and smoky spices until tender and easily shreddable, then served on a platter with oven-roasted potatoes. This platter makes a fantastic lunch or, if you serve it with chips, it’s an awesome game day snack.
9. Fooled Pork Sandwich With Fries
This Fooled Pork Sandwich With Friesis an experience that needs to be had. Young jackfruit is simmered until tender and then broiled in sticky barbecue sauce, allowing it to absorb the flavor. This sandwich is topped with a creamy, crunchy coleslaw that’s a nice contract to the tender barbecue sauce-covered jackfruit. It all comes with a side of crispy oven-baked fries — why not try piling those on the sandwich, too?
10. Chinese 5-Spice Pulled Jackfruit Spring Rolls
These Chinese 5-Spice Pulled Jackfruit Spring Rollsare delicious while eaten fresh, but don’t be scared to store them for a future munching session. Spring rolls are one of those foods that really lets you be creative and play around with fillings and dips — try making yours as colorful as possible! Apart from being delicious and nutritious, they are also pretty easy and quick to make.
11. Raw Jackfruit Curry
Tangy jackfruit and Indian spices come together for this delicious and flavorful Raw Jackfruit Curry. The fleshy texture of raw fruit makes for a filling, meaty entrée. Serve with rice and plenty of flat bread.
12. Breaded Jackfruit Cutlet
Young, tender jackfruit is steamed and then shredded to give it the texture of pulled pork and then combined with potatoes and shaped into these Breaded Jackfruit Cutlets. They’re breaded and fried, so they’re crispy on the outside with a soft, but meaty texture on the inside. Serve these crispy cutlets on buns with lettuce, tomato, and onions like you would with patties or serve them on their own with a side of vegetables.
13. Carolina BBQ Jackfruit Sliders With Apple Slaw
Get ready for the explosion of flavor in these Carolina BBQ Jackfruit Sliders With Apple Slaw! Tenderized jackfruit is slathered in mustard-style BBQ sauce, topped with tangy-sweet apple slaw avocado, and then neatly piled into soft buns. A little spicy, a little sweet, very delicious.
14. Jackfruit Fried ‘Chicken’
The stringy texture of young jackfruit lends itself perfectly for emulating pulled pork or chicken recipes. In this recipe for Jackfruit Fried “Chicken”, jackfruit is marinated in a creamy soy milk marinade, battered in zesty breadcrumbs, and fried to perfection. Enjoy these with your favorite vegan mayonnaise or ranch dip.
15. Kathal Dum Pulao: Jackfruit Pulao
Kathaldum pulao, which translates to Jackfruit Pulao, is a very rich and aromatic Indian rice recipe made with the combination of raw jackfruit, spices, and coconut milk. It’s warm and spicy, but not hot, and it makes a filling meal that’s perfect served with flatbread. To make it richer, substitute the coconut milk in the masala for almond or cashew paste.
For even more recipes, check out our vegan jackfruit recipes. Then, we would love to hear from you! How have you tried jackfruit? Tell us in the comments below.
Lead image source:Carolina BBQ Jackfruit Sliders With Apple Slaw
