Canned Jackfruit Recipes Vegan Lovers Will Adore

If you’re on the hunt for versatile, delicious, and completely vegan-friendly dishes, canned jackfruit is about to become your new kitchen superstar. This tropical fruit, often hailed as the perfect meat substitute, boasts a fibrous texture that mimics pulled pork or shredded chicken when cooked.

Packed with nutrients and incredibly easy to prepare, canned jackfruit is a pantry staple that can transform your meals with minimal effort. Whether you’re craving smoky BBQ sandwiches, spicy tacos, or comforting curries, jackfruit brings a world of flavors and options to your table.

In this post, we’ll explore several mouthwatering canned jackfruit recipes vegan style, giving you everything you need to create satisfying, plant-based meals that impress vegans and carnivores alike. Get ready to embrace this fantastic ingredient with confidence and creativity!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Canned jackfruit is a game-changer for anyone looking to enjoy hearty, flavorful vegan meals without spending hours in the kitchen. Its neutral taste absorbs spices and sauces beautifully, making it incredibly versatile.

Plus, it’s low in calories, high in fiber, and naturally cholesterol-free, ticking all the boxes for health-conscious food lovers.

These recipes are perfect for busy weeknights or weekend gatherings because they come together quickly and use pantry-friendly ingredients. Whether you’re new to jackfruit or a seasoned fan, you’ll appreciate how easy it is to customize these dishes to suit your taste preferences.

Ingredients

• 2 cans young green jackfruit in water or brine (about 20 oz each)
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup BBQ sauce (vegan-friendly)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1/2 tsp chili powder
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)
• Soft burger buns or tortillas for serving
• Additional toppings: sliced avocado, pickled jalapeños, vegan coleslaw

Equipment

• Large skillet or frying pan
• Cutting board and knife
• Colander or strainer
• Mixing spoon or spatula
• Measuring spoons
• Can opener

Instructions

1. Prepare the jackfruit: Drain and rinse the canned jackfruit thoroughly to remove the brine or water. Using your hands or two forks, shred the jackfruit into pieces, pulling apart any large chunks to create a shredded texture similar to pulled pork.
2. Sauté the aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. Add the jackfruit and spices: Toss the shredded jackfruit into the skillet. Sprinkle with smoked paprika, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well to coat the jackfruit evenly with the spices.
4. Cook and caramelize: Increase the heat to medium-high and cook the mixture for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally. This step helps dry out excess moisture and allows the jackfruit to caramelize slightly, enhancing the texture and flavor.
5. Pour in BBQ sauce: Lower the heat to medium, then add the BBQ sauce. Stir to combine and let it simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing the jackfruit to absorb the smoky, tangy sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
6. Assemble and serve: Spoon the BBQ jackfruit onto burger buns or tortillas. Garnish with fresh cilantro and your favorite toppings like avocado slices, pickled jalapeños, or vegan coleslaw for added crunch and flavor.

Tips & Variations

For best results, always use young green jackfruit packed in water or brine, not the ripe sweet variety. The young jackfruit has a neutral flavor and fibrous texture perfect for savory dishes.

• Slow Cooker BBQ Jackfruit: Combine shredded jackfruit with spices and BBQ sauce in a slow cooker. Cook on low for 4 hours for an even richer flavor.
• Jackfruit Tacos: Swap BBQ sauce for a zesty chipotle-lime marinade and top with fresh salsa and vegan sour cream.
• Jackfruit Curry: Use jackfruit chunks in a coconut milk-based curry with turmeric, ginger, and garam masala for a warming meal.
• Jackfruit Stir-Fry: Add shredded jackfruit to a stir-fry with bell peppers, broccoli, and teriyaki sauce for a quick Asian-inspired dinner.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This flavorful canned jackfruit BBQ can be served in a variety of ways. For a classic comfort food experience, pile it high on toasted burger buns with vegan coleslaw.

Alternatively, use it as a filling for soft corn or flour tortillas topped with fresh salsa, lime wedges, and avocado for a tasty taco night.

Pair your jackfruit dishes with simple sides like roasted sweet potatoes, grilled corn on the cob, or a crisp green salad. For a fun appetizer or snack, try serving BBQ jackfruit on toasted baguette slices with vegan ranch dressing, inspired by this Cajun Ranch Wing Sauce Recipe.

Want to try more plant-based delights? Check out our Lion’S Mane Mushroom Crumble Recipes or enjoy a fresh twist with this vibrant Lemon Ricotta Pasta With Arugula Recipe.

More Canned Jackfruit Recipes Vegan

Spicy Jackfruit Tacos

• Ingredients: canned jackfruit, chipotle peppers in adobo, lime juice, onion, garlic, cumin, corn tortillas
• Instructions: Shred jackfruit, sauté with onion and garlic, blend chipotle with lime juice and spices, simmer, and serve in warm tortillas with cilantro and diced onions.

Jackfruit Curry

• Ingredients: canned jackfruit, coconut milk, curry powder, turmeric, ginger, garlic, tomatoes, spinach
• Instructions: Sauté aromatics, add spices, jackfruit, and tomatoes, pour in coconut milk, simmer until thickened, toss in spinach, and serve with rice.

Jackfruit Stir-Fry

• Ingredients: canned jackfruit, bell peppers, broccoli, soy sauce, ginger, garlic, sesame oil
• Instructions: Stir-fry vegetables and jackfruit with garlic and ginger, add soy sauce and sesame oil, cook until vegetables are tender-crisp.

BBQ Jackfruit Sandwiches

• Ingredients: canned jackfruit, BBQ sauce, onion, vegan coleslaw, burger buns
• Instructions: Follow main BBQ jackfruit recipe above, assemble sandwiches and top with coleslaw for extra crunch.

Jackfruit Sloppy Joes

• Ingredients: canned jackfruit, tomato paste, mustard, vegan Worcestershire sauce, onion, bell pepper, burger buns
• Instructions: Sauté veggies, add shredded jackfruit and sauces, simmer until thickened, serve on buns.

Conclusion

Canned jackfruit is a fantastic ingredient that opens up a world of vegan cooking possibilities. Its meaty texture and adaptability make it an excellent choice for anyone wanting to enjoy plant-based meals without compromising on flavor or satisfaction.

Whether you’re crafting BBQ sandwiches, spicy tacos, or comforting curries, jackfruit delivers every time.

With these recipes and tips, you can easily incorporate jackfruit into your weekly meal rotation, impressing family and friends alike. Plus, you’ll be nourishing your body with a wholesome, low-calorie, and fiber-rich food that’s as kind to the planet as it is to your taste buds.

Ready to explore more delicious recipes? Don’t miss our Harvest Hash Recipe: A Delicious and Easy Fall Comfort Food for a seasonal treat or try the refreshing Huckleberry Margarita Recipe to complement your meals.

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