5 Delicious Jackfruit Recipes You Have to Try

In the world of tropical fruits, few are as versatile or intriguing as the jackfruit. With its distinctive, fibrous texture when unripe and its sweet, banana-like flavor when ripe, jackfruit has recently become a beloved ingredient in both sweet and savory dishes around the world. Here, we will explore five delicious jackfruit recipes that not only showcase this amazing fruit but also highlight its potential in various culinary delights. Whether you're vegan, looking for a meat substitute, or simply want to try something new, these recipes promise to delight your taste buds and expand your culinary horizons.

Jackfruit Tacos

The jackfruit taco has taken the vegan and vegetarian communities by storm as a meat substitute. Here’s how to make them:

• 1 whole young jackfruit (not ripe), in brine or water
• 1 tablespoon of olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• Salt to taste
• Tortillas, your choice of toppings like lettuce, tomatoes, avocado, salsa, and vegan cheese

To prepare:

1. Drain the jackfruit, rinse, and shred using your fingers or a fork to mimic pulled pork texture.
2. Heat olive oil in a skillet and sauté onions and garlic until translucent.
3. Add the shredded jackfruit, chili powder, cumin, and salt. Cook until the jackfruit has absorbed the flavors, about 10 minutes.
4. Serve on warm tortillas with your favorite toppings.

🌟 Note: If using ripe jackfruit, reduce the amount of seasoning as its natural sweetness can balance out the spices.

Jackfruit Curry

Curry dishes are a fantastic way to incorporate the unique flavor and texture of jackfruit into an Indian-inspired meal. Here’s a simple yet flavorful recipe:

• 1 can of jackfruit in brine
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 3 tomatoes, pureed
• 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 tablespoon curry powder
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• Salt to taste
• Fresh coriander for garnish
• Coconut milk or cream for richness (optional)

To make the curry:

1. Drain and shred the jackfruit.
2. In a pot, heat oil and sauté onions until golden brown. Add ginger-garlic paste, cook for another minute.
3. Stir in the pureed tomatoes, turmeric, curry powder, and garam masala. Cook until the oil separates from the spices.
4. Add jackfruit, salt, and enough water to create a gravy consistency. Let it simmer for 20 minutes, adding coconut milk at the end if desired.
5. Garnish with coriander and serve with rice or naan.

Jackfruit 'Crab' Cakes

These vegan 'crab' cakes using jackfruit offer a delightful texture similar to traditional crab cakes:

• 1 can of young jackfruit
• 1 cup of breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons vegan mayo
• 1 tablespoon dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning or similar seafood spice mix
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/4 cup of finely chopped red bell pepper
• 1/4 cup of finely chopped celery
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Oil for frying

Steps to make Jackfruit 'Crab' Cakes:

1. Drain and shred the jackfruit, ensuring there are no large lumps.
2. Mix all ingredients in a bowl except the breadcrumbs, which are for coating.
3. Form patties and coat with breadcrumbs.
4. Fry in hot oil until golden brown on both sides. Serve with lemon wedges and a tartar sauce.

Jackfruit Smoothie

For a sweet treat, blend the ripe jackfruit into a tropical smoothie:

• 1 cup ripe jackfruit, pods removed
• 1 banana
• 1/2 cup pineapple chunks
• 1/2 cup coconut milk or water
• A few ice cubes
• Honey or agave syrup to taste (optional)

To prepare:

1. Combine all ingredients in a blender.
2. Blend until smooth. Adjust the thickness with additional liquid if needed.
3. Pour into glasses and serve immediately for a refreshing treat.

Jackfruit Cake

Yes, you can make dessert with jackfruit! This cake has a unique texture and flavor:

• 1 1/2 cups ripe jackfruit, pureed
• 1/2 cup coconut milk
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup oil
• 2 eggs or vegan egg substitute
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup shredded coconut (optional for topping)

Here's how to bake it:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a baking pan.
2. In a bowl, mix dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. In another bowl, beat together sugar, oil, and eggs (or egg substitute). Add vanilla extract and jackfruit puree, mixing well.
4. Incorporate the dry mixture into the wet mixture, adding coconut milk to adjust the batter consistency.
5. Pour the batter into the pan. Sprinkle shredded coconut on top if using.
6. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Let it cool before serving.

Jackfruit's versatility is truly remarkable. From savory to sweet, these recipes show how this tropical fruit can be used in various culinary creations. Its ability to absorb flavors makes it perfect for dishes requiring a hearty texture, and its natural sweetness is ideal for desserts. Exploring jackfruit opens up a world of flavors and textures you might not have considered before. These recipes not only provide delicious meals and treats but also introduce you to a sustainable and healthy alternative to meat, ideal for those aiming to reduce their environmental footprint or explore plant-based diets.

Can I use ripe jackfruit for the savory recipes?

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While ripe jackfruit is sweet and generally used for desserts, you can use it in savory dishes if you’re careful with the balance of flavors. Adjust seasonings to complement its natural sweetness.

Is jackfruit healthy?

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Yes, jackfruit is rich in nutrients like vitamin C, potassium, and fiber. However, it does contain calories, so moderation is key, especially when using in sweet preparations.

How do I store fresh jackfruit?

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Store jackfruit at room temperature until ripe. Once ripe, it can be kept in the refrigerator for a few days. To extend life, remove seeds, cube, and freeze the pods for later use.