If you are getting into the world of plant-based cooking and exploring vegan foods, you may have encountered something called jackfruit in recipes. It\u2019s used as a meat substitute in a variety of dishes. <\/p>\n
Whether you\u2019ve heard of jackfruit or not, there\u2019s no denying that it can be intimidating to cook with the first time. But once you give it a try, you\u2019ll quickly realize just how easy to prepare and delicious it is.<\/p>\n
![\"jackfruit](\"https:\/\/workweeklunch.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/IMG_2156-e1523028550496-768x1024.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\nWhat is jackfruit?<\/h2>\nJackfruit is a fruit native to India and Southeast Asian countries and grows only in tropical climates. There are two types commonly available. Green is unripe or young jackfruit, and better suited toward using in savory dishes, and yellow, is ripe. It\u2019s also sweeter and stickier as a result.<\/p>\n
It\u2019s still pretty rare to come across fresh jackfruit in the Western world, but you can occasionally spot it in the produce section at Asian food stores or Whole Foods. When I\u2019m not able to find it fresh\u2014which is pretty much most of the time\u2014I head to Trader Joe\u2019s where it\u2019s sold canned in either a brine or syrup. It\u2019s also available frozen in some supermarkets.<\/p>\n
Even though it can taste like meat when prepared correctly, jackfruit, like most fruit, has no protein and is high in fiber. That\u2019s why it\u2019s important to avoid using it as a substitute altogether for protein. Even if you\u2019re going to use it to make vegan pulled pork, try serving it over something like beans or brown rice. Or top it with plain Greek yogurt or sour cream if you don\u2019t mind dairy, to ensure your dietary needs are sufficiently met.<\/p>\n
What does jackfruit taste like?<\/h2>\nYoung jackfruit, the kind we\u2019re using in this recipe, is mostly bland in taste. It has a very faint sour smell\u2014 not in a bad way\u2014that completely disappears after you cook it. Note: if you\u2019re using canned jackfruit, that\u2019s probably a result of residual brine, which you should take care to rinse off before continuing to prep. In the end, the way it tastes comes down to how you cook it! It\u2019s a bit like tofu in that regard. <\/p>\n
Just one caveat: yellow or ripe jackfruit, because it\u2019s sweet and sticky, is way better in desserts.<\/p>\n
What\u2019s the texture?<\/h2>\nEven though it looks kind of like shredded meat, it\u2019s not chewy at all\u2014after you cook it. It\u2019s soft and melts in your mouth, and it\u2019s super easy on the stomach.<\/p>\n
I love the texture of jackfruit, honestly! If you\u2019d like to try it before cooking it with yourself, order it at a restaurant first. It\u2019s often used in vegetarian Mexican dishes\u2014think, tacos, burritos, quesadillas, enchiladas, tostadas, etc). And it tastes nothing like other vegan meat substitutes, like tofu or tempeh.<\/p>\n
\n![\"jackfruit](\"https:\/\/workweeklunch.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/fullsizeoutput_20c8-1024x1024.jpeg\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\nHow to use jackfruit<\/h2>\nAgain, since it\u2019s not a protein source, it should be combined with enough additional protein to create a satisfying meal\u2014otherwise, you might be hungry later!<\/p>\n
Here\u2019s a list of dishes that you can easily incorporate jackfruit into:<\/p>\n
\n- Curries<\/li>\n
- Chilis<\/li>\n
- Tacos<\/li>\n
- Enchiladas<\/li>\n
- Burritos<\/li>\n
- Sandwiches (like pulled pork)<\/li>\n
- \u201cTuna\u201d salad<\/li>\n
- Buddha bowls<\/li>\n
- Stir frys<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Don\u2019t be afraid to get creative! In the photo above, I used what was in my containers as a taco filling. In the photo below, I used it as a sandwich filling. Both were awesome.<\/p>\n
Where to find jackfruit<\/h2>\nTrader Joe\u2019s, Whole Foods, and Amazon<\/a> are where I\u2019d look first. If you have Asian grocery stores where you live, or even health food stores that cater to a lot of plant-based eaters, I bet you\u2019ll find it there. The best part? It\u2019s not expensive\u2013just a few bucks.<\/p>\n\n![\"jackfruit](\"https:\/\/workweeklunch.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/IMG_2095-1024x1024.jpg\" "\\"jackfruit")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\nHow to prepare jackfruit<\/h2>\nPreparing jackfruit, especially if yours is from a can, is super easy. That\u2019s because what you\u2019ll usually find in the can is already mostly broken down, which is typically the hardest part of getting jackfruit ready to eat. All you\u2019ll have to do to get started is rinse off the fruit, which, as previously noted, is probably covered in brine or syrup. (Try to avoid it canned in syrup for more savory recipes, as the fruit just soaks up the added sugar. <\/p>\n
Remove the hard core at the center of each piece and any seeds that may be hiding within. You don\u2019t want or need them at all. Then, break up the pieces that remain into small bits that resemble pulled pork, and start cooking. If you\u2019re still not totally clear on what to do, check out the video below.<\/p>\n
How to cook with jackfruit<\/strong><\/h2>\nJackfruit is extremely versatile and can be cooked in numerous different ways. I\u2019ve found recipes for jackfruit fried \u201cchicken\u201d<\/a> that\u2019s made in an airfryer, Instant Pot jackfruit curry<\/a> that takes mere minutes to make, and so much more. Know that you can do just about anything with this unique fruit, so don\u2019t be afraid to get experimental with it!<\/p>\nNotes on this barbecue jackfruit <\/h2>\nBBQ jackfruit will last in your fridge for up to four days. You can eat it cold or reheat it on the microwave or on the stove.<\/p>\n
Feel free to play with different sauces. It doesn\u2019t have to be BBQ sauce! An Asian stir fry sauce would go well with it too. Teriyaki is fun with jackfruit; it tends to absorb other flavors well. <\/p>\n
One can gave me four shredded servings of shredded. Though the can said two servings, I found that it was a lot! This is especially true if you are combining the jackfruit with other ingredients and not using it on its own as a stand-alone item in a dish. <\/p>\n
If you have leftovers, pop them in an airtight container and freeze them for later. Though I\u2019ve never frozen cooked jackfruit, I don\u2019t see why it wouldn\u2019t work!<\/p>\n
If you end up making this recipe, please share it with me on Instagram @workweeklunch or use the hashtag #workweeklunch!<\/p>\n
Are you looking for more vegan meal ideas? Check out these no-cook vegan recipes!<\/a><\/p>\n
Young jackfruit, the kind we\u2019re using in this recipe, is mostly bland in taste. It has a very faint sour smell\u2014 not in a bad way\u2014that completely disappears after you cook it. Note: if you\u2019re using canned jackfruit, that\u2019s probably a result of residual brine, which you should take care to rinse off before continuing to prep. In the end, the way it tastes comes down to how you cook it! It\u2019s a bit like tofu in that regard. <\/p>\n
Just one caveat: yellow or ripe jackfruit, because it\u2019s sweet and sticky, is way better in desserts.<\/p>\n
What\u2019s the texture?<\/h2>\nEven though it looks kind of like shredded meat, it\u2019s not chewy at all\u2014after you cook it. It\u2019s soft and melts in your mouth, and it\u2019s super easy on the stomach.<\/p>\n
I love the texture of jackfruit, honestly! If you\u2019d like to try it before cooking it with yourself, order it at a restaurant first. It\u2019s often used in vegetarian Mexican dishes\u2014think, tacos, burritos, quesadillas, enchiladas, tostadas, etc). And it tastes nothing like other vegan meat substitutes, like tofu or tempeh.<\/p>\n
\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\nHow to use jackfruit<\/h2>\nAgain, since it\u2019s not a protein source, it should be combined with enough additional protein to create a satisfying meal\u2014otherwise, you might be hungry later!<\/p>\n
Here\u2019s a list of dishes that you can easily incorporate jackfruit into:<\/p>\n
\n- Curries<\/li>\n
- Chilis<\/li>\n
- Tacos<\/li>\n
- Enchiladas<\/li>\n
- Burritos<\/li>\n
- Sandwiches (like pulled pork)<\/li>\n
- \u201cTuna\u201d salad<\/li>\n
- Buddha bowls<\/li>\n
- Stir frys<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Don\u2019t be afraid to get creative! In the photo above, I used what was in my containers as a taco filling. In the photo below, I used it as a sandwich filling. Both were awesome.<\/p>\n
Where to find jackfruit<\/h2>\nTrader Joe\u2019s, Whole Foods, and Amazon<\/a> are where I\u2019d look first. If you have Asian grocery stores where you live, or even health food stores that cater to a lot of plant-based eaters, I bet you\u2019ll find it there. The best part? It\u2019s not expensive\u2013just a few bucks.<\/p>\n\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\nHow to prepare jackfruit<\/h2>\nPreparing jackfruit, especially if yours is from a can, is super easy. That\u2019s because what you\u2019ll usually find in the can is already mostly broken down, which is typically the hardest part of getting jackfruit ready to eat. All you\u2019ll have to do to get started is rinse off the fruit, which, as previously noted, is probably covered in brine or syrup. (Try to avoid it canned in syrup for more savory recipes, as the fruit just soaks up the added sugar. <\/p>\n
Remove the hard core at the center of each piece and any seeds that may be hiding within. You don\u2019t want or need them at all. Then, break up the pieces that remain into small bits that resemble pulled pork, and start cooking. If you\u2019re still not totally clear on what to do, check out the video below.<\/p>\n
How to cook with jackfruit<\/strong><\/h2>\nJackfruit is extremely versatile and can be cooked in numerous different ways. I\u2019ve found recipes for jackfruit fried \u201cchicken\u201d<\/a> that\u2019s made in an airfryer, Instant Pot jackfruit curry<\/a> that takes mere minutes to make, and so much more. Know that you can do just about anything with this unique fruit, so don\u2019t be afraid to get experimental with it!<\/p>\nNotes on this barbecue jackfruit <\/h2>\nBBQ jackfruit will last in your fridge for up to four days. You can eat it cold or reheat it on the microwave or on the stove.<\/p>\n
Feel free to play with different sauces. It doesn\u2019t have to be BBQ sauce! An Asian stir fry sauce would go well with it too. Teriyaki is fun with jackfruit; it tends to absorb other flavors well. <\/p>\n
One can gave me four shredded servings of shredded. Though the can said two servings, I found that it was a lot! This is especially true if you are combining the jackfruit with other ingredients and not using it on its own as a stand-alone item in a dish. <\/p>\n
If you have leftovers, pop them in an airtight container and freeze them for later. Though I\u2019ve never frozen cooked jackfruit, I don\u2019t see why it wouldn\u2019t work!<\/p>\n
If you end up making this recipe, please share it with me on Instagram @workweeklunch or use the hashtag #workweeklunch!<\/p>\n
Are you looking for more vegan meal ideas? Check out these no-cook vegan recipes!<\/a><\/p>\n
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\nHow to use jackfruit<\/h2>\nAgain, since it\u2019s not a protein source, it should be combined with enough additional protein to create a satisfying meal\u2014otherwise, you might be hungry later!<\/p>\n
Here\u2019s a list of dishes that you can easily incorporate jackfruit into:<\/p>\n
\n- Curries<\/li>\n
- Chilis<\/li>\n
- Tacos<\/li>\n
- Enchiladas<\/li>\n
- Burritos<\/li>\n
- Sandwiches (like pulled pork)<\/li>\n
- \u201cTuna\u201d salad<\/li>\n
- Buddha bowls<\/li>\n
- Stir frys<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Don\u2019t be afraid to get creative! In the photo above, I used what was in my containers as a taco filling. In the photo below, I used it as a sandwich filling. Both were awesome.<\/p>\n
Where to find jackfruit<\/h2>\nTrader Joe\u2019s, Whole Foods, and Amazon<\/a> are where I\u2019d look first. If you have Asian grocery stores where you live, or even health food stores that cater to a lot of plant-based eaters, I bet you\u2019ll find it there. The best part? It\u2019s not expensive\u2013just a few bucks.<\/p>\n\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\nHow to prepare jackfruit<\/h2>\nPreparing jackfruit, especially if yours is from a can, is super easy. That\u2019s because what you\u2019ll usually find in the can is already mostly broken down, which is typically the hardest part of getting jackfruit ready to eat. All you\u2019ll have to do to get started is rinse off the fruit, which, as previously noted, is probably covered in brine or syrup. (Try to avoid it canned in syrup for more savory recipes, as the fruit just soaks up the added sugar. <\/p>\n
Remove the hard core at the center of each piece and any seeds that may be hiding within. You don\u2019t want or need them at all. Then, break up the pieces that remain into small bits that resemble pulled pork, and start cooking. If you\u2019re still not totally clear on what to do, check out the video below.<\/p>\n
How to cook with jackfruit<\/strong><\/h2>\nJackfruit is extremely versatile and can be cooked in numerous different ways. I\u2019ve found recipes for jackfruit fried \u201cchicken\u201d<\/a> that\u2019s made in an airfryer, Instant Pot jackfruit curry<\/a> that takes mere minutes to make, and so much more. Know that you can do just about anything with this unique fruit, so don\u2019t be afraid to get experimental with it!<\/p>\nNotes on this barbecue jackfruit <\/h2>\nBBQ jackfruit will last in your fridge for up to four days. You can eat it cold or reheat it on the microwave or on the stove.<\/p>\n
Feel free to play with different sauces. It doesn\u2019t have to be BBQ sauce! An Asian stir fry sauce would go well with it too. Teriyaki is fun with jackfruit; it tends to absorb other flavors well. <\/p>\n
One can gave me four shredded servings of shredded. Though the can said two servings, I found that it was a lot! This is especially true if you are combining the jackfruit with other ingredients and not using it on its own as a stand-alone item in a dish. <\/p>\n
If you have leftovers, pop them in an airtight container and freeze them for later. Though I\u2019ve never frozen cooked jackfruit, I don\u2019t see why it wouldn\u2019t work!<\/p>\n
If you end up making this recipe, please share it with me on Instagram @workweeklunch or use the hashtag #workweeklunch!<\/p>\n
Are you looking for more vegan meal ideas? Check out these no-cook vegan recipes!<\/a><\/p>\n
Don\u2019t be afraid to get creative! In the photo above, I used what was in my containers as a taco filling. In the photo below, I used it as a sandwich filling. Both were awesome.<\/p>\n
Where to find jackfruit<\/h2>\nTrader Joe\u2019s, Whole Foods, and Amazon<\/a> are where I\u2019d look first. If you have Asian grocery stores where you live, or even health food stores that cater to a lot of plant-based eaters, I bet you\u2019ll find it there. The best part? It\u2019s not expensive\u2013just a few bucks.<\/p>\n\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\nHow to prepare jackfruit<\/h2>\nPreparing jackfruit, especially if yours is from a can, is super easy. That\u2019s because what you\u2019ll usually find in the can is already mostly broken down, which is typically the hardest part of getting jackfruit ready to eat. All you\u2019ll have to do to get started is rinse off the fruit, which, as previously noted, is probably covered in brine or syrup. (Try to avoid it canned in syrup for more savory recipes, as the fruit just soaks up the added sugar. <\/p>\n
Remove the hard core at the center of each piece and any seeds that may be hiding within. You don\u2019t want or need them at all. Then, break up the pieces that remain into small bits that resemble pulled pork, and start cooking. If you\u2019re still not totally clear on what to do, check out the video below.<\/p>\n
How to cook with jackfruit<\/strong><\/h2>\nJackfruit is extremely versatile and can be cooked in numerous different ways. I\u2019ve found recipes for jackfruit fried \u201cchicken\u201d<\/a> that\u2019s made in an airfryer, Instant Pot jackfruit curry<\/a> that takes mere minutes to make, and so much more. Know that you can do just about anything with this unique fruit, so don\u2019t be afraid to get experimental with it!<\/p>\nNotes on this barbecue jackfruit <\/h2>\nBBQ jackfruit will last in your fridge for up to four days. You can eat it cold or reheat it on the microwave or on the stove.<\/p>\n
Feel free to play with different sauces. It doesn\u2019t have to be BBQ sauce! An Asian stir fry sauce would go well with it too. Teriyaki is fun with jackfruit; it tends to absorb other flavors well. <\/p>\n
One can gave me four shredded servings of shredded. Though the can said two servings, I found that it was a lot! This is especially true if you are combining the jackfruit with other ingredients and not using it on its own as a stand-alone item in a dish. <\/p>\n
If you have leftovers, pop them in an airtight container and freeze them for later. Though I\u2019ve never frozen cooked jackfruit, I don\u2019t see why it wouldn\u2019t work!<\/p>\n
If you end up making this recipe, please share it with me on Instagram @workweeklunch or use the hashtag #workweeklunch!<\/p>\n
Are you looking for more vegan meal ideas? Check out these no-cook vegan recipes!<\/a><\/p>\n
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\nHow to prepare jackfruit<\/h2>\nPreparing jackfruit, especially if yours is from a can, is super easy. That\u2019s because what you\u2019ll usually find in the can is already mostly broken down, which is typically the hardest part of getting jackfruit ready to eat. All you\u2019ll have to do to get started is rinse off the fruit, which, as previously noted, is probably covered in brine or syrup. (Try to avoid it canned in syrup for more savory recipes, as the fruit just soaks up the added sugar. <\/p>\n
Remove the hard core at the center of each piece and any seeds that may be hiding within. You don\u2019t want or need them at all. Then, break up the pieces that remain into small bits that resemble pulled pork, and start cooking. If you\u2019re still not totally clear on what to do, check out the video below.<\/p>\n
How to cook with jackfruit<\/strong><\/h2>\nJackfruit is extremely versatile and can be cooked in numerous different ways. I\u2019ve found recipes for jackfruit fried \u201cchicken\u201d<\/a> that\u2019s made in an airfryer, Instant Pot jackfruit curry<\/a> that takes mere minutes to make, and so much more. Know that you can do just about anything with this unique fruit, so don\u2019t be afraid to get experimental with it!<\/p>\nNotes on this barbecue jackfruit <\/h2>\nBBQ jackfruit will last in your fridge for up to four days. You can eat it cold or reheat it on the microwave or on the stove.<\/p>\n
Feel free to play with different sauces. It doesn\u2019t have to be BBQ sauce! An Asian stir fry sauce would go well with it too. Teriyaki is fun with jackfruit; it tends to absorb other flavors well. <\/p>\n
One can gave me four shredded servings of shredded. Though the can said two servings, I found that it was a lot! This is especially true if you are combining the jackfruit with other ingredients and not using it on its own as a stand-alone item in a dish. <\/p>\n
If you have leftovers, pop them in an airtight container and freeze them for later. Though I\u2019ve never frozen cooked jackfruit, I don\u2019t see why it wouldn\u2019t work!<\/p>\n
If you end up making this recipe, please share it with me on Instagram @workweeklunch or use the hashtag #workweeklunch!<\/p>\n
Are you looking for more vegan meal ideas? Check out these no-cook vegan recipes!<\/a><\/p>\n
Jackfruit is extremely versatile and can be cooked in numerous different ways. I\u2019ve found recipes for jackfruit fried \u201cchicken\u201d<\/a> that\u2019s made in an airfryer, Instant Pot jackfruit curry<\/a> that takes mere minutes to make, and so much more. Know that you can do just about anything with this unique fruit, so don\u2019t be afraid to get experimental with it!<\/p>\n BBQ jackfruit will last in your fridge for up to four days. You can eat it cold or reheat it on the microwave or on the stove.<\/p>\n Feel free to play with different sauces. It doesn\u2019t have to be BBQ sauce! An Asian stir fry sauce would go well with it too. Teriyaki is fun with jackfruit; it tends to absorb other flavors well. <\/p>\n One can gave me four shredded servings of shredded. Though the can said two servings, I found that it was a lot! This is especially true if you are combining the jackfruit with other ingredients and not using it on its own as a stand-alone item in a dish. <\/p>\n If you have leftovers, pop them in an airtight container and freeze them for later. Though I\u2019ve never frozen cooked jackfruit, I don\u2019t see why it wouldn\u2019t work!<\/p>\n If you end up making this recipe, please share it with me on Instagram @workweeklunch or use the hashtag #workweeklunch!<\/p>\n Are you looking for more vegan meal ideas? Check out these no-cook vegan recipes!<\/a><\/p>\nNotes on this barbecue jackfruit <\/h2>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/workweeklunch.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/fullsizeoutput_20ca-300x300.jpeg\")