10 Plant-Based Savory Jackfruit Recipes

In case you don’t already know, jackfruit is the fruit of a tropical tree that grows in Asia, Central and South America, and Africa.  The tree itself is enormous as is its fruit.  A single jackfruit can weigh as much as 80 pounds and be up to 36 inches in length.

The fruit comes with prickly skin that ‘lactates’ a sticky white latex when cut into making it a very messy affair to prepare.  The yellow flesh inside, when ripe, can be added to ice cream and other desserts.  However, the fruit can also be eaten unripened and that is when you see it being used as vegan and vegetarian meat substitutes.

If you are going to buy a whole jackfruit, research how to process it before getting elbow-deep in its oozing latex.  Alternatively, it can be bought canned or in a packet. Either way, check out these OGP recipes for fun with jackfruit and enjoy its incredible flavor and texture.

1. Breaded Jackfruit Cutlet

Source: Breaded Jackfruit Cutlet/One Green Planet

Young, tender jackfruit is shredded to resemble pulled pork and mixed with potatoes before being formed into patties. They are then breaded and fried until golden and crispy.  Serve these delicious Breaded Jackfruit Cutlets by Anupa Joseph on a bun with your favorite burger toppings or as they are with sides of veggies and greens.

2. Jackfruit Stew with Chickpeas and Root Vegetables

Source: Jackfruit Stew with Chickpeas and Root Vegetables/One Green Planet

This Jackfruit Stew with Chickpeas and Root Vegetables by Lena Novak is the perfect comfort food for wintery evenings.  Jackfruit, chickpeas, potatoes, carrots, and parsnips are all stewed together with a bunch of warming herbs and spices.  Get yourself a great big bowl, a hunk of crusty bread, and settle in for the evening.

3. Pulled ‘Pork’ Sandwiches With Carrot Apple Slaw

Source: Pulled ‘Pork’ Sandwiches With Carrot Apple Slaw/One Green Planet

Making ‘pulled pork’ from jackfruit is a really popular trick. Robin Browne uses that trick to make Pulled ‘Pork’ Sandwiches With Carrot Apple Slaw.  The sandwiches are hearty and have a hint of smoke and sweetness about them.  Serve your sandwich with a pile of cool and crisp homemade slaw.

4. Jackfruit Stew

Source: Jackfruit Stew/One Green Planet

Trudy Geneus‘s Jackfruit Stew is a hearty meal that can be served with couscous, rice, or a side of veggies.  The jackfruit must be shredded well so that it can take on all those amazing herbs and spices.  Simmer your stew well so that all the flavors marry together.  The wait will be worth it.

5. Loaded BBQ Pulled Jackfruit Nachos

Source: Loaded BBQ Pulled Jackfruit Nachos/One Green Planet

If you are looking for something a little different to pile onto your nachos, why not try some jackfruit?  These Loaded BBQ Pulled Jackfruit Nachos by Rachael Hutchings are pretty hefty with layers of corn chips, BBQ jackfruit, black beans, chopped tomatoes, green onions, and pickled jalapeños.  The whole dish is topped off with avocado and creamy cashew nacho cheese.

6. BBQ Jackfruit and Coleslaw Sandwiches

Source: BBQ Jackfruit and Coleslaw Sandwiches/One Green Planet

Your non-vegan friends will be completely fooled with these BBQ Jackfruit and Coleslaw Sandwiches by Sarah Ottino. The pulled jackfruit needs to be completely covered in your favorite vegan BBQ sauce and then piled high onto burger buns.  Top the jackfruit with a healthy serving of homemade coleslaw.

7. Sweet Potato and Jackfruit Coconut Soup

Source: Sweet Potato and Jackfruit Coconut Soup/One Green Planet

This Sweet Potato and Jackfruit Coconut Soup by Maria Gureeva is bursting with color and flavor.  This is a lovely, hearty soup for chilly evenings. The recipe is versatile, and you can add as much or a little spice as you like.  Serve your soup with some mashed avocado and dill for a perfect balance of flavors.

8. Vegan “Crab” Rangoons

Source: Vegan “Crab” Rangoons/One Green Planet 

These Vegan “Crab” Rangoons by Sarah Ottino make amazing little appetizers.  Rangoons are like little stuffed pastry parcels that are deep-fried and served with Chinese food.  These rangoons have a perfectly creamy filling with a classic crispy crunchy shell.  You can even get creative with your folds and make some pretty fancy snacks.

9. Jackfruit Taco Filling

Source: Jackfruit Taco Filling/One Green Planet

Jackfruit Taco Filling by Maggie Wescott will certainly help to ramp up your taco nights by adding fun, flavor, and texture to your feast.  Shred your jackfruit and season it with chili powder, cumin, and oregano for an authentic taco flavor.  Don’t forget all of your other top taco fillings, too.

10. Jackfruit Frita Quesadillas

Source: Jackfruit Frita Quesadillas/One Green Planet

These Jackfruit Frita Quesadillas by Desiree Rodriguez are a vegan take on a normally meaty classic.  Flour tortillas are filled with jackfruit, vegan mozzarella, and herbs and spices then lightly fried on both sides for a deeply delicious meal.  These would make a fun lunch or can be a part of a bigger Latin American-inspired feast.

Learn How to Cook Plant-Based Meals at Home

Reducing your meat intake and eating more plant-based foods is known to help with chronic inflammation, heart health, mental wellbeing, fitness goals, nutritional needs, allergies, gut health, and more! Unfortunately, dairy consumption also has been linked to many health problems, including acne, hormonal imbalance, cancer, prostate cancer, and has many side effects.

For those interested in eating more plant-based, we highly recommend purchasing one of our many plant-based cookbooks or downloading the Food Monster App which has thousands of delicious recipes making it the largest vegan recipe resource to help reduce your environmental footprint, save animals and get healthy! And, while you are at it, we encourage you to also learn about the environmental and health benefits of a plant-based diet.

Here are some resources to get you started:

• Weekly Vegan Meal Plans
• Plant-Based Health Resources
• Plant-Based Food & Recipes
• The Ultimate Guide to Plant-Based Nutrition
• Plant-Based Nutrition Resources
• Budget-Friendly Plant-Based Recipes
• High Protein Plant-Based Recipes
• Plant-Based Meal Prep

For more Animal, Earth, Life, Vegan Food, Health, and Recipe content published daily, subscribe to the One Green Planet Newsletter! Lastly, being publicly-funded gives us a greater chance to continue providing you with high-quality content. Please consider supporting us by donating!