Everything you need to know about jackfruit and how to prepare it. I've got 14 delicious recipes that will wow your tastebuds including bbq, curry, tacos, enchiladas, and so much more!
Prior to one of my writers providing these tacos for the food blog, I'd never even heard of jackfruit before, much less tasted it. Then I made the tacos and was blown away.
Delicious, AMAZING, and surprisingly wonderful!
I'm not vegan or vegetarian, but I'm loving everything jackfruit right now. I've been making a lot of jackfruit recipes lately and I've learned that it is extremely versatile. I'm actually in awe that you can make so many different types of recipes using both fresh and canned jackfruit.
What Is Jackfruit?
It's a big bulbous green spiky looking fruit. It originated in India and is part of the fig family. They grows really well in tropical climates. Nutrition wise, it's low in calories, contains no fat, is high in protein, and has lots of fiber. It's also really rich in antioxidants.
The seeds are edible and high in protein, potassium, calcium, and iron. It should be eaten ripe and if you eat it raw, the taste tends to be on the sweeter side. It has a similar taste to pineapple and mango.
But when you cook it, the taste is more neutral and bland. This healthy fruit takes on the flavors of the herbs and spices it's cooked with, the same way tofu does. Some people describe cooked jackfruit as tasting like pulled pork and that's why you see a lot of vegan recipes with "pulled jackfruit".
Where To Buy It
Typically, you won't find fresh or canned jackfruit at your local grocery store, unless you live in a tropical area. I can sometimes find it at speciality stores such as Sprouts, Trader Joe's, or Whole Foods. And, you can also order it on Amazon.
You can also ask your local grocery store to order ingredients that they don't always carry. I've had really good luck with going to customer service and asking them to order speciality items.
Jackfruit Recipes
Let me tell you, there are so many AMAZING jackfruit recipes you can make. We're talking BBQ, tacos, and even pasta! There is so much you can do with this fruit. Below are some of my favorites and why you're going to love each one.
Chili Lime Jackfruit Bowl
If you're looking for good lunch bowls, you're going to love this version. The grilled vegetables add a ton of flavor and the chili lime seasoning brings forth the heat. Simply grill the fresh jackfruit on skewers and serve over a bed of rice. This is the perfect vegan lunch!
Vegan Buffalo Chicken Alfredo
If you love buffalo chicken, you're going to love this vegan pasta. You'll start by marinating the fresh jackfruit in the buffalo sauce. Then cook the pasta, saute the jackfruit, and then mix in the alfredo sauce. It's so simple! This jackfruit recipe is an amazingly delicious and easy vegan dinner.
Mango Jackfruit Popsicles
I'm in love with this exotic sweet treat. These popsicles are made by blending together fresh jackfruit, mango, banana, pineapple, and coconut milk. It's like a mango smoothie, only frozen in popsicle form. Dipped in white chocolate and coated with toasted shredded coconut, this is about to become your favorite popsicle!
BBQ Jackfruit Stuffed Baked Potatoes
Baked potatoes are amazing. But making them with bbq jackfruit just takes things to a whole new level. Filling these russets with caramelized barbecue pulled jackfruit and topping them with a spicy cashew sauce is perfect for lunch, a side dish, or a main course.
Vegan Jackfruit and Black Bean Enchiladas
You can make a lot of different varieties of enchiladas. Beef, bean, cheese, chicken, pork, and green chili are popular choices. And now you can make jackfruit enchiladas! I'm telling you, this fruit is a great meat substitute and I bet people won't even know these enchiladas are meatless! These vegetarian enchiladas are so delicious!
Easy Tacos
I'm loving that these jackfruit tacos are covered with the most wonderful spices. We're talking coriander, cumin, smoked paprika, ginger and chili powder. You're going to use canned version for these tacos and saute with all the seasonings. Assemble the jackfruit carnitas with your favorite toppings and you're ready to dive in!
BBQ Tacos with Mango Tacos
These tacos are topped with an extremely flavorful mango salsa. You're going to use canned jackfruit and mix with bbq sauce. Top these vegan tacos with fresh avocado, mango, cilantro, and onion.
Raw Jackfruit Coconut Curry
Also known as Kadgi Chakko, this kathal recipe originates from India. The meaty texture of the raw fruit used in this recipe mixed with mild spices makes for the perfect vegan meal. With this jackfruit recipe, you'll taste a hint of coconut in every bite!
Jackfruit Mango Smoothie
Spiked with a hint of vanilla and cardamom, this gloriously thick and delicious smoothie is beyond tasty! Fresh and ripe jackfruit is used to make this, along with chunks of mango. The taste is so refreshing!
Mango BBQ Pulled Jackfruit & Lime Jalapeno Coleslaw
Vegan pulled pork is perfect for any meal and when you add chunks of mango and a side of lime jalapeno coleslaw, the flavor will make your tastebuds cheer! You'll use a canned version to make this jackfruit pulled pork and I love adding the coleslaw on the sandwich for a nice crunch!
Mediterranean Salad
The Dijon mustard and shallots make the flavors "pop" in this dressing. The Mediterranean part comes from adding the kalamata olives, avocado, and cucumber to the salad. Add a can of jackfruit and then toss on the dressing and you've got yourself an amazing vegan salad!
Upside Down Cake
Who loves Pineapple Upside Down Cake? Have you ever thought of making a cake with jackfruit? It's so simple. Just replace the pineapple with fresh jackfruit for a twist on this classic dessert recipe.
Buffalo Enchiladas
Vegetarian enchiladas are oh so delish and when you add in jackfruit and a buffalo style hot sauce, the flavor meter goes up several notches. Use a can of jackfruit for these enchiladas and top with sour cream, avocado, and green onion.
Jackfruit Reuben Sandwich
I love a good reuben sandwich. The sauerkraut mixed with the Thousand Island dressing is an amazing flavor combination on two pieces of toasty bread. But when you take a reuben sandwich recipe and add canned jackfruit, you're in for the sandwich of all sandwiches!
Packed with crunchy sauerkraut and tangy Thousand Island dressing on toasted marbled rye, this is one reuben sandwich you don't want to miss out on.
I can’t WAIT to hear which recipe you try! Which one was your favorite? Make sure to leave me a comment when you make one of these recipes and tag me @recipesworthrepeating on Instagram and hashtag it #recipesworthrepeating so I can see what you made!
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Ann
WOW! These delicious jackfruit recipes are amazing! I’m definitely saving this post for later. Can’t wait to give these a try.
Amanda, thank you a lot for sharing this treasure. Your post is so informative. I really appreciate all of your hard work and effort. I’m sure you inspire many of your followers. Look forward to your new awesome ideas. Keep it up! I’m your fan!
Best wishes,
Ann
Amanda Mason
Awe, thanks Ann! You're the best!! Thank you for following and loving all my recipes!!