11 Amazing Jackfruit Recipes For Simple Plant-Based Meals

Jackfruit is quickly becoming the star of plant-based cooking with its incredible meat-like texture. This versatile tropical fruit transforms into everything from tacos to nuggets.

These eleven recipes showcase jackfruit’s amazing ability to mimic your favorite comfort foods while keeping meals completely vegetarian and delicious.

01. Plant-Based Jackfruit Tacos

Shredded jackfruit creates the perfect filling for these satisfying vegan tacos. The texture mimics pulled chicken while absorbing all your favorite Mexican spices beautifully.

Ingredients: 2 cans young green jackfruit in brine (drained), 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 small onion (diced), 3 cloves garlic (minced), 2 teaspoons chili powder, 1 teaspoon cumin, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, ½ teaspoon oregano, salt and pepper to taste, corn tortillas, your favorite taco toppings.

How To Make Plant-Based Jackfruit Tacos

1. Drain and rinse the jackfruit thoroughly, then use your hands or two forks to shred it into pulled meat-like pieces. Remove any tough cores or seeds you find during this process.

2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook for 4-5 minutes until softened and translucent. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

3. Add the shredded jackfruit to the pan along with all spices. Cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring frequently, until the jackfruit is heated through and has absorbed all the flavors.

4. Warm your tortillas and fill with the seasoned jackfruit mixture. Top with your favorite taco fixings like avocado, cilantro, lime, and salsa for the perfect plant-based meal.

02. Crispy Air Fryer Jackfruit Bites

These golden jackfruit nuggets deliver all the satisfaction of chicken nuggets without any meat. The air fryer creates an incredibly crispy exterior while keeping the inside tender.

Ingredients: 2 cans young green jackfruit in brine (drained), 1 cup all-purpose flour, 2 large eggs (beaten), 1½ cups panko breadcrumbs, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, ½ teaspoon paprika, salt and pepper to taste, cooking spray.

How To Make Crispy Air Fryer Jackfruit Bites

1. Drain jackfruit and pat completely dry with paper towels. Cut into nugget-sized pieces, removing any tough cores. The drier the jackfruit, the crispier your final result will be.

2. Set up three shallow dishes for breading. Place flour seasoned with salt and pepper in the first, beaten eggs in the second, and panko mixed with all spices in the third dish.

3. Working in batches, coat each jackfruit piece first in flour, then egg, and finally press firmly into seasoned panko to ensure good coverage on all sides.

4. Spray air fryer basket with cooking spray. Cook jackfruit nuggets at 380°F for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until deep golden brown and crispy.

5. Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauces like ranch, honey mustard, or buffalo sauce for the ultimate plant-based comfort food experience.

03. Creamy Coconut Jackfruit Curry

This aromatic Sri Lankan-style curry combines tender jackfruit with rich coconut milk and warming spices. It’s absolutely perfect served over steamed rice or with warm flatbread.

Ingredients: 2 cans young green jackfruit in brine (drained), 1 can full-fat coconut milk, 1 large onion (sliced), 3 cloves garlic (minced), 1-inch piece fresh ginger (grated), 2 tablespoons curry powder, 1 teaspoon turmeric, 2 tablespoons coconut oil, salt to taste.

How To Make Creamy Coconut Jackfruit Curry

1. Drain and rinse jackfruit, then cut into bite-sized chunks. Pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps the curry flavors penetrate better during cooking.

2. Heat coconut oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add sliced onions and cook for 6-8 minutes until golden and caramelized, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.

3. Stir in minced garlic, grated ginger, curry powder, and turmeric. Cook for 1-2 minutes until the spices become fragrant and coat the onions completely.

4. Add jackfruit pieces and coconut milk to the pot. Bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low and cook for 20-25 minutes until jackfruit is tender and has absorbed the curry flavors.

04. Golden Jackfruit Popcorn Bites

These bite-sized jackfruit pieces get coated in seasoned batter and fried until perfectly golden. The result tastes remarkably similar to your favorite fast-food chicken nuggets.

Ingredients: 2 cans young green jackfruit in brine (drained), 1 cup all-purpose flour, ½ cup cornstarch, 1 cup cold sparkling water, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, ½ teaspoon paprika, vegetable oil for frying, salt and pepper to taste.

How To Make Golden Jackfruit Popcorn Bites

1. Drain jackfruit thoroughly and cut into small, uniform bite-sized pieces. Remove any tough cores or seeds, then pat completely dry with paper towels for the best frying results.

2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, and all spices. Gradually add cold sparkling water while whisking until you have a smooth, thick batter that coats the back of a spoon.

3. Heat 2 inches of oil in a heavy pot to 350°F. Working in small batches, dip jackfruit pieces in batter, allowing excess to drip off before carefully placing in hot oil.

4. Fry for 3-4 minutes until golden brown and crispy, turning once halfway through cooking. Use a slotted spoon to transfer to paper towel-lined plate.

5. Season immediately with salt while hot and serve with your favorite dipping sauces. These are best enjoyed fresh and crispy right out of the oil.

05. Zesty Chili-Lime Jackfruit Tacos

Bright chili-lime seasoning transforms jackfruit into an incredibly flavorful taco filling. The combination of heat and citrus creates the perfect balance for these vibrant plant-based tacos.

Ingredients: 2 cans young green jackfruit in brine (drained), 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 lime (juiced and zested), 2 teaspoons chili powder, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, corn tortillas, fresh cilantro, lime wedges.

How To Make Zesty Chili-Lime Jackfruit Tacos

1. Drain and shred jackfruit into pulled meat-like pieces using your hands or two forks. Remove any tough cores and pat dry to help the seasonings stick better.

2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add shredded jackfruit and cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring frequently, until it starts to get slightly crispy around the edges.

3. Sprinkle all spices over the jackfruit and toss to coat evenly. Cook for another 3-4 minutes until the spices are fragrant and the jackfruit is well-seasoned throughout.

4. Remove from heat and immediately squeeze fresh lime juice over the mixture, then sprinkle with lime zest. Toss everything together to combine the bright citrus flavors.

5. Warm tortillas and fill with the seasoned jackfruit. Top with fresh cilantro, extra lime wedges, and your favorite taco toppings for a burst of fresh flavors.

06. BBQ Jackfruit Pulled “Pork” Sandwiches

This jackfruit recipe creates an incredibly convincing pulled pork substitute that even meat-lovers will enjoy. The key is using your favorite barbecue sauce and cooking until perfectly saucy.

Ingredients: 2 cans young green jackfruit in brine (drained), 1 cup barbecue sauce (divided), 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 small onion (diced), 2 cloves garlic (minced), 1 tablespoon brown sugar, 1 teaspoon liquid smoke, hamburger buns, coleslaw for serving.

How To Make BBQ Jackfruit Pulled “Pork” Sandwiches

1. Drain jackfruit and use your hands to shred it into pulled pork-like strands. Remove any tough cores or seeds, then pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.

2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook for 5-6 minutes until softened and lightly golden, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.

3. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in the shredded jackfruit and cook for 5 minutes, allowing it to get slightly crispy in places.

07. Spiced Indian Jackfruit Curry

This traditional Indian curry showcases jackfruit’s meaty texture perfectly with aromatic spices and tomatoes. Known as kathal subzi, this dish is a beloved vegetarian staple across India.

Ingredients: 2 cans young green jackfruit in brine (drained), 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, 1 large onion (chopped), 3 cloves garlic (minced), 1-inch piece ginger (grated), 2 tomatoes (chopped), 1 teaspoon cumin seeds, 2 teaspoons coriander powder, 1 teaspoon turmeric, 1 teaspoon garam masala, salt to taste.

How To Make Spiced Indian Jackfruit Curry

1. Drain jackfruit and cut into medium chunks, removing any tough cores. Pat dry with paper towels to help the spices adhere better during cooking.

2. Heat oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add cumin seeds and let them sizzle for 30 seconds until fragrant, then add chopped onions and cook until golden brown.

3. Stir in minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for 1-2 minutes until aromatic. Add all ground spices and cook for another minute, stirring constantly to prevent burning.

4. Add chopped tomatoes and cook for 5-6 minutes until they break down and form a thick base. The mixture should be rich and deeply colored at this point.

5. Add jackfruit pieces and mix well to coat with the spice mixture. Cover and cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until jackfruit is tender and has absorbed all the flavors.

6. Season with salt and garnish with fresh cilantro. Serve hot with rice or Indian bread for an authentic and satisfying vegetarian meal.

08. Crispy Jackfruit Carnitas

These plant-based carnitas deliver all the crispy, caramelized goodness of traditional pork carnitas. The jackfruit gets incredibly tender, then crisped to perfection for amazing texture contrast.

Ingredients: 2 cans young green jackfruit in brine (drained), 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 orange (juiced), 2 limes (juiced), 2 teaspoons cumin, 2 teaspoons chili powder, 1 teaspoon oregano, 4 cloves garlic (minced), 1 bay leaf, salt and pepper to taste.

How To Make Crispy Jackfruit Carnitas

1. Drain and shred jackfruit into carnitas-sized pieces using your hands. Remove any tough cores and pat dry thoroughly with paper towels for the best texture.

2. In a large bowl, combine orange juice, lime juice, minced garlic, and all spices except the bay leaf. Add shredded jackfruit and toss to coat completely with the marinade.

3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the marinated jackfruit mixture along with the bay leaf and cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally.

4. Once most of the liquid has evaporated, increase heat to medium-high and continue cooking for 5-8 minutes, stirring frequently, until the edges become golden and crispy.

5. Remove bay leaf and season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately in tacos, bowls, or burritos while the carnitas are still hot and crispy for the best texture.

09. Sweet Fried Jackfruit with Chocolate

This unique dessert showcases jackfruit’s sweet side with crispy fried pieces drizzled in rich chocolate sauce. It’s an unexpected treat that combines tropical fruit with indulgent chocolate perfectly.

Ingredients: 2 cups ripe jackfruit pieces (fresh or canned in syrup), 1 cup all-purpose flour, 2 tablespoons powdered sugar, 1 cup cold water, vegetable oil for frying, ½ cup heavy cream, 4 oz dark chocolate (chopped), 2 tablespoons butter, vanilla ice cream for serving.

How To Make Sweet Fried Jackfruit with Chocolate

1. If using fresh jackfruit, cut into bite-sized pieces and remove seeds. If using canned, drain well and pat dry with paper towels to remove excess syrup.

2. Make batter by whisking flour and powdered sugar together, then gradually adding cold water until you have a smooth, slightly thick consistency that will coat the fruit well.

3. Heat 2 inches of oil to 350°F in a heavy pot. Dip jackfruit pieces in batter, allowing excess to drip off, then carefully fry in batches for 3-4 minutes until golden and crispy.

4. While jackfruit fries, make chocolate sauce by heating cream in a small saucepan. Pour over chopped chocolate and butter, whisking until smooth and glossy.

5. Drain fried jackfruit on paper towels briefly, then arrange on serving plates. Drizzle generously with warm chocolate sauce and serve immediately with vanilla ice cream for an unforgettable dessert experience.

10. Slow Cooker Jackfruit Sloppy Joes

These plant-based sloppy joes cook hands-free in your slow cooker all day long. The jackfruit becomes incredibly tender while developing rich, tangy flavors that rival any traditional version.

Ingredients: 2 cans young green jackfruit in brine (drained), 1 cup ketchup, 2 tablespoons tomato paste, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar, 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, 1 teaspoon mustard powder, 1 small onion (diced), hamburger buns.

How To Make Slow Cooker Jackfruit Sloppy Joes

1. Drain jackfruit and use your hands to shred it into small, uniform pieces that resemble ground meat. Remove any tough cores or seeds during this process.

2. Add shredded jackfruit and diced onion to your slow cooker. In a separate bowl, whisk together ketchup, tomato paste, brown sugar, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and mustard powder until smooth.

3. Pour the sauce mixture over the jackfruit and onions, stirring well to ensure everything is evenly coated with the tangy, sweet sauce.

4. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours, until the jackfruit is very tender and has absorbed most of the sauce, creating the perfect sloppy joe consistency.

5. Stir well before serving and taste for seasoning adjustments. Serve on toasted hamburger buns with pickles and chips for the ultimate comfort food lunch that’s completely plant-based.

11. Instant Pot Jackfruit Chili

This hearty vegan chili comes together quickly in the Instant Pot with jackfruit adding incredible texture. Packed with beans, vegetables, and bold spices, it’s perfect for busy weeknight dinners.

Ingredients: 2 cans young green jackfruit in brine (drained), 1 can kidney beans (drained), 1 can black beans (drained), 1 can diced tomatoes, 1 bell pepper (diced), 1 onion (diced), 3 cloves garlic (minced), 2 tablespoons chili powder, 1 teaspoon cumin, 1 cup vegetable broth.

How To Make Instant Pot Jackfruit Chili

1. Drain and shred jackfruit into small pieces, removing any tough cores. The smaller pieces will blend better with the other chili ingredients and create a more authentic texture.

2. Add all ingredients to your Instant Pot: shredded jackfruit, both types of beans, diced tomatoes with juice, bell pepper, onion, minced garlic, and all spices.

3. Pour vegetable broth over everything and stir well to combine all ingredients. Make sure the spices are evenly distributed throughout the mixture for consistent flavor.

4. Secure the lid and set to high pressure for 15 minutes. When cooking is complete, allow natural pressure release for 10 minutes, then quick release any remaining pressure.

5. Stir the chili well and taste for seasoning adjustments. If you prefer a thicker consistency, use the sauté function to cook uncovered for 5-10 minutes until it reaches your desired thickness.

Final Thoughts

These jackfruit recipes prove that plant-based eating doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor or satisfaction. From crispy nuggets to hearty chili, jackfruit adapts beautifully to any cuisine.

Start experimenting with this versatile ingredient and discover how easy it is to create delicious, meat-free meals that everyone will love.

11 Amazing Jackfruit Recipes for Simple Plant-Based Meals