Have you seen this new jackfruit craze sweeping Pinterest? While it’s not yet taking over the grocery store aisles, jackfruitrecipes are on the rise so I just had to find out what all of the fuss was about!I’ve gathered up some of the best jackfruit recipes from around the internet – and we’ve got you covered for every meal, plus dessert!
Because veganism is so widespread in Southeast Asia, where jackfruit is cultivated, the majority of recipes using jackfruit tend to have a Southeast Asian bent – lots of curries, spicy or gelled desserts, etc. However, for the past year, jackfruit has been sneaking up on several vegan food blogs as a fun way to recreate traditionally meat-heavy dishes.
Jackfruit’s ability to absorb flavors is what makes it both a perfect alternative for pork in savory dishes, and to give a sweet hit of flavor in breakfast or dessert recipes – just be sure to use the appropriate jackfruit for each recipe (young jackfruit packed in water or brine for savoury dishes, sweet packed in syrup for sweet dishes).
Now Ella and I are not vegan – we’re practically the opposite – but I think it’s important to eat a variety of healthy foods and also be sensitive to guests. Even if I just have vegan friends over for coffee, I make sure I have a vegan dessert ready (like my fresh mango cupcakes or tofu chocolate chip cookies) just like I would for any guest in my home.
It’s also a great idea to use healthy meat substitutes when you need to reign in the grocery budget.
Now personally, I am always going to go for the canned stuff if I am preparing jackfruit at home. The raw fruit has a very pungent odour and hard outer shell, and then needs to be deseeded and shredded. No, thank you. Purchasing the jackfruit packed in water (or frozen) is my preference – but if you’re looking to cut and deseed your jackfruit yourself, here’s a tutorial from Sweet Simple Vegan.
Jackfruit Breakfast Ideas
This Jackfruit Shake from Veg Recipes of India calls for jaggery, a natural cane sugar-derived sweetener that can be found at many Southeast Asian grocery stores or ordered online.
Jackfruit Semolina Muffins with Jaggery from My Cooking Journey are a fun twist on traditional Goa Jackfruit cakes.
Jackfruit Banana Bread with Key Lime &Coconut from the Plain Jane boasts such a delicious combination of flavors!
You only need three ingredients to make this Jackfruit Jam Recipe from Awesome Cuisine.
Jackfruit Appetizers
If these Jackfruit Loaded Nachos from Keepin’ it Kind don’t make your mouth water, you may need to get your eyes checked.
I love a great thai coconut soup, so I can’t wait to try this Thai Coconut Jackfruit Soup from Viva Pura.
I definitely need this Buffalo Jackfruit Spinach Dip from Vegan Yack Attack in my life – yum!
Steamed Jackfruit Dumplings from Forks n’Knives are more of a sweet snack than an appetizer, but you could spice things up to serve before supper.
Vegan Jackfruit Crab Cakes from Veganosity are a great way to imitate the texture of crab in this classic appetizer.
Jackfruit Main Courses
This Jackfruit Reuben Sandwich from In Johnna’s Kitchen would be the perfect substitute for this deli classic!
The ultimate in jackfruit-as-pulled-pork perfection: BBQ Jackfruit Sandwiches with Avocado Slaw from Minimalist Baker.
Vegetarian Pulled Pork from Pretty Practical Pantry comes with lots of tips to make your jackfruit pulled pork really deliver on the flavor.
For my fellow Greek food lovers: Jackfruit Mushroom Gyros with Tzitiki from I Love Vegan
Jackfruit Carnitas from Yup, It’s Vegan – spicy, smoky and succulent. What more could you ask for?
Jamaican Jerk Jackfruit Black Bean Mango Wraps from Vegan Richa would be perfect for lunch prepping!
Teriyaki Jackfruit Sushi Bowl from Elephantastic Vegan brings a whole new dimension to using jackfruit as a “meat” replacement!
I definitely want to serve these Jackfruit Tacquitos from The Mostly Vegan at my next party and see if anyone can tell the difference!
Spicy Chipotle Garlic Jackfruit Tacos from Vegan Richa – she had me at “chipotle.”
Jackfruit Pot Pie from One Green Planet uses vegan puff pastry for a filling, comfort meal.
I love how pretty and perfect these Jackfruit Vietnamese Summer Rolls with Hoison Peanut Sauce from Keepin’ it Kind turned out! (Mine will not be nearly as pretty… or perfect.)
I love a great curry recipe so I had to include this Vegan Pulled Jackfruit Curry from Natalie Tamara.
Jackfruit Philly Cheesesteak from The V Word – one of my favorite sandwiches, made vegan.
This Grilled BBQ Jackfruit Pizza with Hempseed Cheddar from Blissful Basil is such a creative recipe for pizza night!
Jackfruit Dessert Ideas
Jackfruit Tapioca Trifles from Apron and Sneakers are perfect for the tapioca pudding lovers in your life.
Banana Empanadas from Kitchen Confidante are rounded out with the addition of sweet jackfruit.
Raw Jackfruit Cheesecake from Viva Pura uses coconut and cashews to achieve the perfect raw cheesecake.
Apple Peach Cobbler from Asian in America Mag is the perfect Asian-American mash-up dessert!
Jackfruit Ice Cream from Zesty South Indian Kitchen skips the canned, syrupy jackfruit and uses fresh jackfruit and coconut to make this creamy “nice cream.”
Jackfruit Upside Down Cake from The Tasting Table – a recipe from Nashville’s Maneet Chauhan, chef of Chauhan Ale & Masala House.
Vanilla Jackfruit Custard from Happy & Raw is another simple, 3-ingredient jackfruit recipe.
Banana Cupcakes with Jackfruit Cream Cheese Frosting from Bakery Mom are a classic Philippines cupcake (Turon cupcakes).
Jackfruit Fritters from Framed Recipes are called “ponsa moolik” in India and look absolutely delicious!
Have you tried jackfruit? If you have an awesome jackfruit recipe that your family loves please share it! And be sure to pin this collection!
For more delicious meatless meals, check out our rainbow spaghetti recipe and delicious lentil stew recipe.
Check out our other Vegetable Recipes here:
