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!
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!
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!
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!
Vegan Mushroom Stroganoff
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.
Vegan Pork Tacos
These super flavorful tacos are easy to make, ready in 30 minutes, and only require one pan!
Salsa Stuffed Peppers
These vegan stuffed peppers are loaded with the most delicious filling! This will be your new favorite Meatless Monday dinner!
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!
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!
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!
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
Photo Credit:www.killingthyme.net
Vegan Buffalo Jackfruit Flatbread
Flatbread pizza topped with flavorful buffalo jackfruit, vegetables, and vegan cheese!
Photo Credit:hellyesitsvegan.com
Instant Pot or Stovetop Jackfruit "Chicken" Noodle Soup
Classic chicken noodle soup with a vegan twist! Tender chunks of jackfruit, vegetables, noodles, and a flavorful broth! Instant pot and stove top options.
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!
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!
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.
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!
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
