In grocery stores, more people are finding a great meat substitute in shredded jackfruit. Mimicking the texture of meat, they’re a vegan’s dream food and a go-to ingredient for anyone that wants to eat more healthfully. Hailing from tropical regions in Southeast Asia, this strange fruit is in the right place at the right time, making it the ultimate way to turn your favorite recipes into healthier options without sacrificing flavor. Check out my favorite vegan jackfruit recipes for meal prep inspiration!
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What is jackfruit?
Jackfruit comes from tropical trees in Southeast Asia and has a meaty texture inside. Depending on whether it is young jackfruit or not, you will either have a sweet or savory flavor. But that doesn’t really matter when using it in recipes, for you can easily turn it right into your favorite vegan meals.
An actual jackfruit is quite heavy, but luckily, most grocery stores have it already prepared. You can find a can of jackfruit or packages of it cut into portions that are ready to cook or eat.
Where can I buy jackfruit?
Head to your grocery store (hello, Trader Joe!), health food stores, or you can try an Asian grocery store. Jackfruit is that versatile ingredient you need to whip up delicious recipes. And now, it’s so much easier to find available in stores.
Rae’s Favorite Jackfruit Meals
The List: 40 Vegan Jackfruit Recipes
The great thing about jackfruit is that it can be used in so many ways. You’ll find sweet flavor plus savory jackfruit recipes that will have you cooking up all kinds of vegan recipes with this versatile fruit.
Vegan Mexican Jackfruit Recipes
Whether you use store-bought corn tortillas or homemade tortillas, shredded jackfruit fits right in with Mexican recipes. A squeeze of lime juice, a touch of red onion, and vegan cheese all help accentuate the incredible pulled pork texture of this unique fruit. Even if you just added taco seasoning, no one would realize it’s not meat!
2. Vegan Tinga Tostada
Vegan tinga tacos made with jackfruit. Packed with spices and herbs, this tinned jackfruit recipe will not let you down.
3. Jackfruit Tacos
These tacos are an easy and delicious Mexican-inspired dinner using canned jackfruit and spicy chipotle sauce.
4. Jamaican Jerk Jackfruit Tacos
Flavor-packed vegan jerk tacos that are ready in just 40 minutes.
5. Slow Cooker Jackfruit Carnitas
Tender and flavorful vegan jackfruit carnitas require just a handful of simple, inexpensive pantry ingredients and 25 minutes to prepare—perfect for tacos, enchiladas, burritos, and more!
6. Jackfruit “Pulled Pork” Tostadas
Change things up with these delicious and easy “pulled pork” tostadas using jackfruit.
7. Vegan Enchiladas With Smoky Jackfruit
Use smoky jackfruit to make these simple and easy vegan enchiladas.
8. Crispy Baked Jackfruit Taquitos
Savory and smokey jackfruit taquitos that are baked, not fried. The perfect crispy snack that’s vegan and gluten-free!
9. Jackfruit Enchiladas
These vegan jackfruit enchiladas are the perfect plant-based dinner to remind you of all the classic flavors you know and love.
10. BBQ Jackfruit Burrito Bowl
This simple recipe is bold in flavor and incredible in taste. It’s a great healthy option for any meatless weeknight dinner.
Vegan Jackfruit Burgers
Pile jackfruit up with your favorite toppings to create vegan burgers that no one can resist. The flavors are bold and brilliant and will change everyone’s mind about going meatless.
11. Easy Pulled Jackfruit Burger
If you’re looking for the perfect meat substitute, try these jackfruit burgers instead of pulled pork!
12. Jackfruit Burger Patty
Make this delicious curry-flavored burger perfect for an easy red meat swap.
13. BBQ Jackfruit Sliders
Make your own vegan slider at home for backyard BBQs and an easy vegan appetizer.
14. Buffalo Pulled Jackfruit Burger
This Buffalo Pulled Jackfruit Burger recipe is incredibly simple, healthy, and delicious! Perfect for vegan-friendly summer cookouts or a healthy weeknight dinner.
15. Korean BBQ Jackfruit Sliders
These flavor-packed vegan sliders are made with smokey “pulled pork” jackfruit chili. Yum!
16. BBQ Jackfruit Pulled Pork
Check out this delicious jackfruit burger recipe perfect for your next summer cookout!
Vegan Jackfruit Sandwiches
The meaty texture of jackfruit is a smash hit in sandwiches and wraps. Make a satisfying lunch or casual dinner with more ease and without sacrificing flavor!
17. Vegan Pulled Jackfruit Sandwich
This warm, juicy vegan jackfruit sandwich will satisfy your cravings for BBQ pulled pork and comfort food in one go. Try this easy and delicious vegan sandwich packed with nutrients and fiber!
18. Buffalo Jackfruit Vegan Grilled Cheese
A perfect mix of cheesy and spicy, you won’t believe this grilled cheese is vegan!
19. Jackfruit Kebab Sandwich
Make your own homemade vegan shawarma in just 30 minutes. Marinated jackfruit, fresh veggies, and vegan yogurt sauce FTW!
20. Jackfruit “Chicken” Salad Sandwich
This is your classic chicken salad sandwich made vegan. Including red grapes, celery, and walnuts!
21. Vegan Jackfruit & Mushroom Gyros With Tzatziki
Warm wrap filled with jackfruit, mushrooms, veggies, and homemade vegan tzatziki.
22. Jackfruit Tuna Salad Sandwich
Make your own copycat tuna salad with this easy recipe using jackfruit.
Vegan Jackfruit Soups
Shredded jackfruit can easily be added to soups too. These vegan recipes are simple and satisfying. You can even use jackfruit to replace meat in other soup recipes too.
23. Jackfruit Noodle Soup
This vegan “chicken” noodle soup will make you feel so much better! If you’re sick or feel nostalgic, this soup is for you!
24. 1-Pot Vegan Tortilla Soup
Dive into a savory bowl of vegan tortilla soup made with jackfruit, grilled corn, and various vegetables. Top with corn tortilla strips for an added crunch to this delicious vegan tortilla soup recipe.
25. Jackfruit Chicken Noodle Soup
Get ready to fall in love with this Jackfruit “Chicken” Noodle Soup. It is so comforting and delicious!
26. Vegan White Bean Chili
This hearty, smoky chili is packed with protein and flavor for cozy vibes and good eats.
27. Vegan Smokey Jackfruit Stew
Meaty, hearty, smokey jackfruit stew that is ready in 40 minutes. (With only 15 minutes of prep!)
28. Vegan Hot & Sour Soup
This hot and sour soup is a vegan take on a classic. Made with jackfruit, tofu, bamboo shoots, mushrooms, and more!
More Vegan Jackfruit Recipes
With these vegan jackfruit recipes, you can feed the family or delight everyone at your next gathering.
29. Vegan Jackfruit Pernil
A new take on a Puerto-Rican classic, this cooks over several hours for a flavorful marinated jackfruit with maximum flavor.
30. Jackfruit Curry
This creamy Jackfruit Curry with sweet potatoes is easy to make and tastes amazing. It’s perfect for a tasty weeknight dinner.
31. Vegan Jackfruit Tagine
This quick and easy recipe is packed full of flavor, perfect for a London-inspired vegan dish.
32. Vegan Pot Roast
If you love beef stew, you will like this jackfruit stew, a vegan twist on a classic stew.
33. Pulled Jackfruit Bowls
Use this simple and easy-to-follow recipe to make your own poke-style bowls at home with jackfruit.
34. Jackfruit Buffalo Dip
This creamy, spicy jackfruit buffalo dip is the perfect vegan appetizer for any event!
35. Jackfruit Fried Chicken
With this crispy fried chicken recipe, use jackfruit to make your copycat fried chicken that tastes so close to the real thing.
36. Jackfruit Mole Pizza
This creative pizza recipe is smothered in mole sauce and paired with mushrooms for a delicious and flavorful vegan pizza.
37. Chili Lime Roasted Veggies Jackfruit Salad
This roasted veggies jackfruit salad with jalapeño cream sauce is an excellent plant-based option packed with an array of colorful vegetables.
38. Deep Fried Jackfruit
Encased in a tasty batter and fried until crispy, this deep-fried jackfruit rivals any fried chicken.
39. Jackfruit Lettuce Cups
This quick and easy vegan recipe is done in just 15 minutes and makes the perfect party appetizers, game day snacks, or a simple yet filling weeknight dinner.
40. Jackfruit Curry
This delicious Jackfruit Curry is made with warming Indian spices, jackfruit, sweet potatoes, and coconut milk. It’s both vegan and Paleo and nutrient-dense but incredibly creamy!
Jackfruit Recipe Storage Tips
If you do get a whole jackfruit, unripe jackfruit can ripen up on your counter. Then you can use the following storage tips to help make it last. For store-bought and cooked jackfruit, these methods for your fridge and freezer still apply.
Fridge
Whether you’ve used it and cooked it in your vegan recipe, or you’ve opened your container and haven’t used it all, you will want to keep it in the fridge. Any jackfruit you haven’t used should be wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or stowed in an airtight container. It will last between 5 and 7 days. The same goes for your cooked recipes, though I’d aim to finish them off sooner rather than later for the best flavors.
Freezer
You can also freeze jackfruit to prolong its life before you cook with it. Make sure it’s cut into smaller pieces first, as those will be easier to work with. It will last for up to 2 months in here. If your meal with jackfruit is cooked, simply keep it in an airtight container and try to use it within 2 to 3 months max.
FAQ
Jackfruit is good for just about everyone. It has a high protein content and loads of nutrients, making it an excellent choice. If you are allergic to birch pollen or latex, you should avoid eating jackfruit. And since it contains a high potassium content, it can be harmful to you if you suffer from kidney disease or acute kidney failure.
Vegans eat jackfruit because it’s hearty and meaty without actually eating meat. This helps make your recipes feel more substantial and filling. Plus, it tastes great!
You can use cans of jackfruit to make just about anything. Try making a BBQ jackfruit sandwich, creamy curry, vegan carnitas, or a vegan French dip sandwich. Check my post for all the amazing vegan recipes you can whip up with canned jackfruit!
Simply cook the jackfruit pods into your recipes. If you’re just starting out with jackfruit, I recommend finding it already prepared in cans or packages. This makes it a lot easier and gives you a feel for how to work with this fruit.
Jackfruit is often likened to pulled pork, both in texture and flavor. It’s easy to use in sweet recipes and savory ones too.
Final Words
You don’t need to be vegan to give jackfruit a try. If you’re looking for a way to lighten up your meals, add more nutrition, or simply try something new, these 40 vegan jackfruit recipes will help you make meatless meals more easily!
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These all look so delicious!
They are so good!