Jackfruit has become a go-to ingredient for compassionate cooks, both professional and amateur. Not only is it tasty, full of fiber, and versatile, but it’s also an excellent source of B-vitamins. Jackfruit tacos, enchiladas, salads, and desserts have popped up on menus and dinner tables across the nation. We’re here to say it’s the perfect time to experiment with this tried and tested vegan staple while you’re sheltering-at-home and praciticing social distancing. These 15 innovative recipes are sure to make you say tofu, tempeh, and seitan don’t have jack on jackfruit!
1 Mu Shu Jackfruit Lettuce Wraps
Savory, garlicky jackfruit wrapped in cool, crisp lettuce—it’s a perfect plant-based option with just as hearty of a bite, way less calories, and none of the cholesterol or animal suffering that comes with traditional pork. We think Mu Shu Jackfruit Lettuce Wraps are definitely the way to go for a healthy lunch.
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2 Easy Vegan Jackfruit Tacos
The lovely thing about jackfruit is that as it cooks and softens, it begins to pull apart, taking on a shredded texture similar to pulled pork. Add a few shakes of your favorite spices, a little tomato paste, and you’ve got yourself the ultimate go-to tacos. Pair with a vegan cocktail and it’s Taco Tuesday happy hour!
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3 Jackfruit “Tuna” Melt
Ooey gooey fish-free tuna melt! Check out this amazing sandwich with vegan mayo, white beans, jackfruit, melted vegan mozzarella, and beautiful bright red tomatoes––all deliciously smushed between two slices of bread and toasted to golden perfection. Make it with the kids for a vegan home economics lesson!
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4 Larb Jackfruit Laotian and Thai Salad
When the day calls for a light lunch and decadent, cheesy dishes just don’t sound that appetizing, turn to the crispy, tangy bite of this Asian-inspired jackfruit salad, dotted with red shallots and hot chili powder, and topped with mint and cilantro. It’s the perfect energizing salad to fuel you through your afternoon conference calls.
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5 Jackfruit Coconut Curry
Is there anything better than curling up on the couch with a warm blanket and hot bowl of rich coconut curry to escape the daily stress? Especially if it’s this colorful jackfruit curry, brimming with coconut milk and a medley of bell peppers, bamboo shoots, and butternut squash. Did we mention there’s a bit of jalapeños in it, too? Just for a little more spicy kick.
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6 Corned Jackfruit Reubens
Marinated jackfruit is stacked a mile high on swirled or dark rye bread beneath a layer of sauerkraut and special Thousand Island sauce in this sammie. The end result? A cheesy, creamy, and delicious reuben. You’ll be running to your kitchen to whip up seconds, we promise.
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7 Spicy Jackfruit Salad
The neatest thing about jackfruit is that it takes on whatever flavor you decide to use for your dish. Be it the salty smokiness of soy sauce, the distinct taste of freshly grated ginger, or the in-your-face kick of red hot chilies. This Spicy Jackfruit Salad tossed with garlic and scallions from Olives For Dinner is the perfect appetizer for any home-cooked dinner.
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8Mini Jackfruit BLT Slider Bites
Two words: jackfruit bacon; but hold on, we have a few more from this recipe and our friends at Vedged Out: Onion & Rye Pretzel Bun and Vegan Wasabi Ranch Dressing—all assembled into the ultimate Mini Jackfruit and Kimchi BLT Sliders. These bite-sized burgers make for a fun, flavorful at-home dinner.
Get the recipe here
9 Jackfruit Enchiladas
Though we love burritos at the VNHQ, sometimes a melty enchilada can really win us over, and Keepin’ It Kind’s Jackfruit Enchiladas are blanketed in cashew crema and avocados—two toppings and three tasty words we can totally get behind.
Get the recipe here
10 Jackfruit “Crab” Cakes
This ingenious vegan Jackfruit “Crab” Cake recipe gives you a healthier, plant-based alternative to those mushy, fishy cakes everyone’s always raving about. Add a dash of Old Bay Seasoning and bake these breaded babies for the ultimate cruelty-free finger food perfect for an upscale Netflix binge.
Get the recipe here
11 Tropical Jackfruit Smoothie
Liven up your morning smoothie with this Tropical Jackfruit Smoothie. Don’t fall victim to the same smoothie every day! Branch out from the usual strawberry, carrot, kale combo—try combining jackfruit, mango, banana, coconut milk, and pineapple juice in the ‘ol blender and give it a whirl. This is the morning pick-me-up we need on busy days.
Get the recipe here
12Pulled Barbecue Jackfruit Sandwich
With barbecue season fast approaching, it’s time to add these smoky, saucy sandwiches into your recipe rotation. Soft and tender jackfruit is paired with juicy pineapple and crunchy cabbage for the ultimate warm weather sandwich. Pair with your favorite brew to channel summertime any time of year.
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13Easy Jackfruit Curry
Spices easily transfrom this meaty fruit into savory, comforting curry. This easy recipe takes just under 40 minutes to put together and when paired with rice, it makes for a delicious, no-fuss dinner.
Get the recipe here
14Vegan Gyros
Traditionally made with pork or chicken, gyros are easily veganized by opting for a falafel filling. For something a little meatier, try this recipe by Lazy Cat Kitchen. Jackfruit steps in for meat in this pita wrap stuffed with Romaine lettuce, red onion, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a drizzle of plant-based tzatziki.
Get the recipe here
15Vegan BBQ Jackfruit Pizza
Think pizza can’t get any better? Think again. Cheesy vegan pizza is taken to the next level with sweet, barbecued jackfruit, crunchy onions, spicy jalapeños, and tart pineapple (which totally goes on pizza, in case you were wondering where we stand). Make a whole pie for yourself, and thank us later.
Get the recipe here
For more vegan jackfruit recipes, read:
Meaty Vegan Jackfruit Pasta With Olives and Capers
Vegan Bourbon Jackfruit Chicken With Chow Mein
Fried Vegan Caribbean Jackfruit Fritters
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