17 Jackfruit Recipes That Taste Better Than Meat (2024)

By Stacey Homemaker on Leave a Comment

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Jackfruit is the my favorite vegan meat replacement! It's so versatile and can be enjoyed in so many different ways. This guide answers all your questions about jackfruit + 17 delicious recipes to try!

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Jackfruit is easily my favorite vegan meat substitute because it tastes so delicious and it's so easy to cook with. It's so versatile and you can cook so many different recipes with it! Think recipes like stews, soups, tacos, enchiladas, curry, sandwiches, and pizza!

When I first started cooking with it, I could only find it online, but lately, it's been much easier to find at regular grocery stores like Whole Foods and Trader Joe's. That tells me that it's becoming more mainstream and popular with people who are cooking vegan recipes.

I always recommend to new vegans or to vegans who are cooking food for people who eat meat, to serve a jackfruit recipebecause it tastes so much like meat! It makes the transition for new vegans a little bit easier because they can still eat their favorite recipes while substituting jackfruit for meat, and it's a great dish to serve non-vegans because it shows them how delicious vegan recipes can be!

If you're still on the fence about cooking with jackfruit, I encourage you to try it at least once so you can see what all the hype is about! I think you'll truly be surprised by how delicious these recipes taste.

Everyone always ask me what my favorite way to prepare jackfruit is, so I thought it would be helpful to round up some of my favorite easy jackfruit recipes to share with you. Before we get to the recipes, let's go over some of the most asked jackfruit questions!

Frequently Asked Questions

Does jackfruit taste like meat?

Jackfruit tastes like a mix of shredded chicken or pork and pineapple. It doesn't have a strong flavor, but it absorbs the flavors that you're cooking with. Once the jackfruit has been cooked, it will shred and the texture is very similar to meat.

What's the difference between fresh and canned jackfruit?

Canned jackfruit contains firm chunks of jackfruit in brine. Once cooked, it will turn into a delicious and tender meat substitute. A fresh jackfruit kind of looks like a large bumpy dinosaur egg. Once it is ripe, you can cut it up and eat it like fresh fruit or use it to make a sweet recipe like a smoothie or dessert.

What do you do with canned jackfruit?

You can use canned jackfruit in soup, stews, tacos, sandwiches, enchiladas, burritos, etc! Any recipe that you would use meat, you can use jackfruit as a meat replacement.

The following vegan jackfruit recipes are all delicious and I hope you try a few of them! The tacos make an appearance a few times a month at my house and the pulled pork is what I make when we go to events or potlucks...it's definitely a crowd-pleaser! All of these recipes are tried and true winners!

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Vegan Beef Stew

Chunks of jackfruit, mushrooms, carrots, onions, and potatoes are cooked in a tangy sauce until perfectly tender. You definitely won't miss the meat in this thick and hearty meatless beef stew!

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Vegan Enchiladas

These meatless enchiladas are stuffed with tender chunks of chipotle-seasoned jackfruit and black beans before being smothered in flavorful vegan enchilada sauce and then loaded with all the toppings!

This truly is the best vegan stroganoff! The ultra-rich and creamy sauce coats every bite of this jackfruit and mushroom-loaded dish, it’s oh-so-satisfying.

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Vegan Pork Tacos

These super flavorful tacos are easy to make, ready in 30 minutes, and only require one pan!

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Salsa Stuffed Peppers

These vegan stuffed peppers are loaded with the most delicious filling! This will be your new favorite Meatless Monday dinner!

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Slow Cooker Wild Rice Soup

This vegan wild rice soup is loaded with vegetables, nutty wild rice, mushrooms, and tender chunks of jackfruit! The broth is extremely creamy without using any butter, heavy cream, or cashews!

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Slow Cooker Pulled Pork

Finger-licking vegan pulled pork is made in the slow cooker with only 6 ingredients and it’s sure to please everyone!

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Vegan White Bean Jackfruit Stew

This delicious vegan stew is loaded with beans, vegetables, and tender chunks of jackfruit! Plus, it’s ready in less than one hour!

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Photo Credit:cadryskitchen.com

Vegan French Dip Sandwich with Au Jus

If comfort food to you is dunking a savory vegan French dip sandwich with jackfruit into a full-bodied au jus, do I have a treat for you… This hearty sandwich is served on toasted ciabatta with sautéed onions and horseradish mayonnaise

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Photo Credit:www.killingthyme.net

Vegan Buffalo Jackfruit Flatbread

Flatbread pizza topped with flavorful buffalo jackfruit, vegetables, and vegan cheese!

Classic chicken noodle soup with a vegan twist! Tender chunks of jackfruit, vegetables, noodles, and a flavorful broth! Instant pot and stove top options.

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Photo Credit:www.frieddandelions.com

St. Patrick’s Day Corned Jackfruit

Try this vegan spin on the New England St. Patrick’s Day classic with some Corned Jackfruit!

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Photo Credit:www.everydaymaven.com

Jackfruit Curry (Keto-Friendly)

This Vegetarian Jackfruit Curry is gluten and grain free with a vegan option. A plant based dinner that can be served with rice or cauliflower rice!

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Photo Credit:www.veggiessavetheday.com

Jackfruit Chili with Fajita Veggies

Jackfruit Chili with Fajita Veggies is hearty and warming with three types of beans. You won’t miss the meat in this vegan and gluten-free recipe.

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Photo Credit:plantbasedinstantpot.com

Instant Pot Orange Lime Chile Jackfruit (Keto-Friendly)

I know you’ve heard of jackfruit, but have you tried it yet? This recipe for Instant Pot Orange Lime Chile Jackfruit is easy, full of flavor, and perfect for Taco Tuesday!

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Photo Credit:ramshacklepantry.com

BBQ Jackfruit Tacos with Mango Salsa

Delicious vegan BBQ Jackfruit Tacos with Mango Salsa is a healthy dinner with tons of fresh flavors!

Expert Tips

  • This is my favorite brand of jackfruit. It's always packed full of big pieces and not a lot of core. I also like the one from Trader Joe's.
  • Rinse the jackfruit a few times to get as much of the salty brine off as possible.
  • Use a large spoon (a potato masher will also work) to gently smash the pieces of jackfruit once its soft and cooked. Doing this makes it look like shredded meat.

Want More Vegan Meat Recipes?

Easy Vegan Chili

Vegan Sausage Peppers and Rice

Lentil Sloppy Joes

Vegan Meatball Subs

Vegan Meatballs

Vegan Meatloaf

More Vegan Recipes

  • Creamy Chickpea Soup
  • Vegan Sausage and Peppers with Rice
  • High-Protein Vegan Burrito
  • Pesto Quinoa Stuffed Tomatoes

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17 Jackfruit Recipes That Taste Better Than Meat (2024)

FAQs

How do you use jackfruit instead of meat? ›

Jackfruit is a great addition to curries as it takes on the flavour of the sauce as it bubbles away. It also works beautifully in tacos, when shredded and mixed with your favourite spices it's hard to tell the difference between jackfruit and pulled pork.

How do you make jackfruit taste good? ›

Garlic and onion powder — Combined with the barbecue sauce, these make the jackfruit taste super flavorful and extra savory. Feel free to substitute in a few cloves of fresh garlic for the powder. Paprika — Adds a nice peppery flavor without too much heat.

Is jackfruit healthier than meat? ›

Beyond its role as a meat substitute, jackfruit is a nutritional powerhouse. Although it's lower in protein than meat, it boasts large amounts of vitamins and minerals. One cup provides 157 calories, 2.5 grams of fiber, and 25% of the recommended daily vitamin C intake.

Does jackfruit really taste like meat? ›

Compared to ripe jackfruit, unripe jackfruit has a stringy, meaty texture similar to that of beef or pork. This texture—along with the fruit's neutral, almost bland taste, which can accommodate the flavor of whatever it's cooked in—is a large reason why jackfruit is such a popular meat alternative.

What not to mix with jackfruit? ›

Jackfruit can also be harmful if you eat it with milk or carbonated drinks. It may cause digestion and skin issues. You should avoid drinking water after the consumption of jackfruit as it can lead to diarrhoea. Jackfruit is a high water content fruit that smoothes out bowel movements.

Does jackfruit taste like meat when cooked? ›

Before you take a bite, it's helpful to know what to expect. The jackfruit texture is not dissimilar to a banana, mango, or pineapple in terms of being dense and fibrous. But the taste is quite distinctive. Some say it's sweet, and some say a jackfruit has a flavor similar to pulled pork, especially when cooked.

Should I rinse canned jackfruit? ›

If you've opted for the version in brine, give the chunks a good rinse under the tap as it can have an unpleasant taste. Then, pull the chunks apart with your fingers, to give the jackfruit a shredded texture like pulled pork, chicken or beef.

Should I boil canned jackfruit before cooking? ›

The boiling method creates a nice stringy texture and helps to remove any tinned or metallic taste that canned jackfruit (and other canned goods) can typically have. If you've already had jackfruit and don't think you like it, I urge you to try it prepared like this before swearing it off.

Does jackfruit burn belly fat? ›

A: Yes, jackfruit can help with weight loss. It is low in calories, contains fibre, and a high amount of water, which can help increase satiety and support metabolism. In addition, the low-fat content of jackfruit is another factor that makes it beneficial for weight loss.

Why is jackfruit so expensive? ›

On the other hand, lower market competition provides sellers and buyers with more options and increased bargaining power, leading to higher jackfruit prices. The price of jackfruit is largely influenced by transportation costs, a factor particularly relevant due to the large and heavy nature of the fruit.

What part of the jackfruit do you not eat? ›

How to Cook Jackfruit Seeds. The seeds are also edible—simply boil them for 20 to 30 minutes first (or fry them) and eat them like a nut or potato. The white strands are technically edible but not very tasty, so we recommend discarding them.

What is the side effects of eating jackfruit? ›

There are hardly any side effects of eating jackfruit. However, it might make you feel sleepy due to its significant magnesium content. Moreover, people allergic to birch pollen should limit their consumption of jackfruit.

What does overripe jackfruit taste like? ›

Ripe jackfruit tastes sweet. The overripe fruit has a strong fruity odor and a sweet, almost pungent, taste.

Does Trader Joes sell jackfruit? ›

What we will say, clearly, is that the early and exciting success of our Green Jackfruit in Brine led us to the realization that American palates have an appetite for jackfruit. And that realization led us to the creation of Trader Joe's Yellow Jackfruit Curry with Jasmine Rice.

What does jackfruit taste like when cooked? ›

What Does Jackfruit Taste Like? Ripe yellow jackfruit has a subtly sweet flavor, often described as a combination of banana, apple, and mango. Young green jackfruit, on the other hand, has a neutral flavor and texture similar to shredded meat, making it a popular meat substitute in savory dishes.

Does cooked jackfruit taste like chicken? ›

Some think it's sweet, while others do indeed liken it to the taste of pulled pork. This is especially true when cooked, and you'll find it used regularly in the place of pulled pork or chicken in the best vegan cookbooks.

How is jackfruit used in cooking? ›

This mild-flavored tropical fruit is most often used as a vegan-friendly alternative to pulled pork and chicken. Its subtle-sweet flavor and adaptable texture make it a great substitute for meat in everything from tacos and enchiladas to curries, BBQ and salads.

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