Not too long ago, jackfruit was an unknown ingredient in the Western world. But we’re so glad that this giant tropical fruit is working its way into mainstream cooking because it is a perfect replacement for pulled pork! Jackfruit has a sweet flavor that’s barely noticeable and it’s known for its ability to absorb the flavors of whatever it is cooked in, whether you want to go for traditional barbecue sauce or make carnitas.

March 26th is Make Your Own Holiday Day — so we can’t think of any better way to sing the praises of jackfruit than by giving it its very own holiday! So that’s why today, we at One Green Planet declare March 26th National Jackfruit Day.

To see what we’ve done previously, read From Cheesesteak to Tacos! 10 Jammin’ Jackfruit Recipes You Have to Try and then come on back for 15 new recipes featuring jackfruit!

1. Smoky BBQ Mango Jackfruit Sliders

If you’re looking to break into the world of jackfruit, you have to try this effortless recipe for Smoky BBQ Mango Jackfruit Sliders! They’re bursting with lightly sweet, slightly spicy flavor and perfectly paired with fresh, crunchy jalapeño slaw. While the jackfruit cooks, the sauce caramelizes slightly, turning a deep brown color, and adding a touch of more sweetness to the dish.

2. Jackfruit ‘Crab’ Cakes With Tartar Sauce 

There are many ways to make faux meat and fish but jackfruit is especially well suited to this task. When cooked and shredded, jackfruit takes on a sort of crablike look and feel, like in these Jackfruit “Crab” Cakes. When you combine that with the fantastic spice combination and the tangy tartar sauce, you have some dangerously delicious “crab” cakes.

3. Jackfruit Carnitas With Pickled Red Onions

Nobody will believe that these Jackfruit Carnitas With Pickled Red Onions are actually made from a tropical fruit. Jackfruit is sautéed with garlic and then simmered in a spicy sauce, allowing it to absorb all of the flavors. This recipe uses canned jackfruit in syrup, so it ends up sweet and spicy at the same time and then it’s topped with tangy quick-pickled red onions. Just remember to let the jackfruit sit overnight — the flavor payoff is worth it.

4. Barbecue Pulled Jackfruit Bowl

This Barbecue Pulled Jackfruit Bowl is served on a bed of rice, with tender, cooked broccoli and a crunchy peanut cabbage slaw. The coleslaw sauce is packed with an infusion of peanuts, lime juice, soy sauce, sesame oil, and five-spice for a beautiful balance of flavors that are complementary to the jackfruit. The meaty jackfruit has a slightly chewy, yet tender texture. This is a simple, but flavorful dish that’s perfect for busy days.

5. Bengali Jackfruit Kofta

These crispy and flavorful Bengali Jackfruit Kofta are made with jackfruit and potatoes. The gravy is a simple tomato base, thickened slightly with cashew or almond butter and a splash of cashew cream, if you feel a little indulgent. The koftas can be prepped and refrigerated the day before and can be fried just before serving.

6. Jackfruit Bacon

Who would’ve thought that you could take a fruit and make it taste like bacon? Well, with jackfruit, it’s possible — and you have to try this Jackfruit Bacon. This tender, fleshy fruit soaks up flavors wonderfully, so when marinated in a smoky, pepper-maple mixture, it tastes just like the meaty favorite. Use this bacon on top of salads and baked potatoes or as a breakfast side dish.

7. Teriyaki Pulled Jackfruit Sandwiches

These Teriyaki Pulled Jackfruit Sandwiches are the best way to spend your weekend afternoon. Tender pulled jackfruit is coated in a homemade teriyaki sauce and paired with a crisp, spicy, and tangy purple cabbage slaw between two toasted buns. They’re sweet, sticky, tangy, crisp, and absolutely finger-lickin’ delicious.

8. Jackfruit Ropa Vieja

This Jackfruit Ropa Vieja has jackfruit that is cooked until browned and then added to a flavor-packed pan of sofritos, onion, celery, carrots, and peppers. It all simmers in a savory tomato sauce and salty olives. It’s not only delicious, but it’s also a colorful dish that is as fun to look at as it is to eat.

9. Brown Sugar Barbecue Pulled Jackfruit Sandwich 

Nothing beats an overloaded sandwich and this barbecue pulled jackfruit is how you do it right. The jackfruit in this Brown Sugar Barbecue Pulled Jackfruit Sandwich is cooked in barbecue sauce with spices and brown sugar so it is smoky, sweet, and tangy. Once you take that first bite, you’ll agree: this sandwich is fantastic! The flavor is great, the texture perfect, and a little (or a lot) of coleslaw provides the perfect cool, crispy crunch to contrast the tender, meaty barbecue jackfruit.

10. Baby Jackfruit Curry

This Baby Jackfruit Curry is a delicious and flavorful dinner entrée idea for when you’re craving Indian food. Coriander powder is the main spice utilized in this dish and is actually a mixture of coriander seeds, dry chilies, curry leaves, and garlic. Once the jackfruit has been cleaned, making this dish is a snap and can even be done entirely in a pressure cooker if you prefer.

11. Breaded Jackfruit Cutlet

Young, tender jackfruit is steamed and then shredded to give it the texture of pulled pork and then combined with potatoes and shaped into these Breaded Jackfruit Cutlets. They’re breaded and fried, so they’re crispy on the outside with a soft, but meaty texture on the inside. Serve these crispy cutlets on buns with lettuce, tomato, and onions like you would with patties or serve them on their own with a side of vegetables.

12. Slow Cooker Pulled Jackfruit Jambalaya

This Slow Cooker Pulled Jackfruit Jambalaya is going to have everybody asking for a second helping. Jackfruit, cauliflower, rice, and lots of bold spices are all added to a slow cooker and hours later, you get to come home to a delicious meal with all the work done for you. Perfect!

13. Jackfruit Fried ‘Chicken’

The stringy texture of young jackfruit lends itself perfectly for emulating pulled pork or chicken recipes. In this recipe for Jackfruit Fried “Chicken”, jackfruit is marinated in a creamy soy milk marinade, battered in zesty breadcrumbs, and fried to perfection. Enjoy these with your favorite vegan mayonnaise or ranch dip.

14. BBQ Jackfruit Buns

BBQ pork buns are a staple on any Chinese dim sum menu, and in these BBQ Jackfruit Buns have got the flavor nailed! It’s just as meaty, juicy, and tender and absorbs the BBQ marinade perfectly. Stuffed in soft and fluffy dough and dipped in soy sauce – pure dim sum heaven!

For more ideas on how to use jackfruit, check out our vegan jackfruit recipes page!

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! Dairy consumption also has been linked to many health problems, including acne, hormonal imbalance, cancer, prostate cancer and has many side effects.

For those of you interested in eating more plant-based, we highly recommend downloading the Food Monster App — with over 15,000 delicious recipes it is the largest plant-based 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 great resources to get you started:

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

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