Plant-Based Easy Dinner Recipe
Jackfruit Recipes
Spicy jackfruit tacos are one of my favorite recipes. Jackfruit is a popular meat substitute in many plant-based diets because of its texture, which can resemble pulled pork or chicken.
The use of jackfruit as a meat substitute originated in South and Southeast Asia, where the fruit has been cultivated for thousands of years. In these regions, jackfruit has traditionally been used in a variety of dishes, from curries to desserts.
In recent years, as more people have sought out plant-based alternatives to meat, jackfruit has gained popularity as a meat substitute. Its fibrous texture makes it an ideal ingredient for dishes that traditionally feature meat, and it has a mild flavor that can be easily seasoned to mimic the taste of meat.
Jackfruit is also a nutritious ingredient, high in fiber, vitamins, and minerals. It is low in calories and contains no cholesterol or saturated fat, making it a healthy option for those looking to reduce their intake of animal products.
Tips and tricks on making your spicy jackfruit tacos
Choose the right kind of jackfruit
When cooking with jackfruit, it’s important to choose the unripe or green jackfruit, as the ripe one is sweet and better suited for eating raw.
Drain and rinse the jackfruit
When using canned jackfruit, make sure to drain and rinse it thoroughly to remove any brine or salt residue.
Shred the jackfruit
Using your hands or a fork, shred the jackfruit to resemble pulled pork or chicken. This will allow the jackfruit to absorb the flavors of your seasoning and sauces better.
Cook the jackfruit before seasoning
Jackfruit can be cooked in various ways, such as boiling, baking, or sautéing. Once it’s cooked, then add the seasoning and sauces to let the jackfruit absorb the flavors.
Use jackfruit as a meat substitute
Jackfruit has a meaty texture and can be used as a substitute for meat in various dishes, including tacos, sandwiches, and curries.
Experiment with different seasonings
Jackfruit is versatile and can be flavored with different spices and sauces, so feel free to experiment with different seasonings to find your favorite flavor profile. Jackfruit has a relatively neutral taste, so it is important to season it well with spices and herbs to give it flavor. You can use taco seasoning, cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika to add depth to the flavor.
Don’t overcook the jackfruit
Overcooking the jackfruit can result in a mushy texture and a loss of flavor. Cook the jackfruit until it’s tender and can be easily shredded, but not until it’s completely broken down.
Store unused jackfruit properly
If you have unused jackfruit, store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days or freeze it for later use.
Spicy Jackfruit Tacos
Ingredients
Taco Mix
- 2 cans of young green jackfruit
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion chopped
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 can black beans drained and rinsed
- 1/2 cup vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- Juice of 1 lime
- Corn tortillas
Toppings
- Diced tomatoes
- Shredded lettuce
- Avocado
- Salsa
- Cilantro
Instructions
Make Jackfruit & Beans
- Drain and rinse the jackfruit and pat dry with paper towels. Cut off the core and shred the jackfruit with your hands.2 cans of young green jackfruit
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 onion, 3 cloves garlic
- Add the shredded jackfruit to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes, until it begins to brown.
- Add the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to the skillet and stir to combine.1 tablespoon chili powder, 1 teaspoon cumin, 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika, Salt and pepper
- Add the black beans, vegetable broth, tomato paste, and lime juice to the skillet and stir to combine.1 can black beans, 1/2 cup vegetable broth, 2 tablespoons tomato paste, Juice of 1 lime
- Simmer the mixture for 10-15 minutes, until the liquid has been absorbed and the jackfruit is tender.
Tortillas
- Warm the corn tortillas in a dry skillet or on a griddle.Corn tortillas
Assemble
- Assemble the tacos with the jackfruit mixture and your desired toppings.Diced tomatoes, Shredded lettuce, Avocado, Salsa, Cilantro
FAQ Cooking with Jackfruit
What is jackfruit?
Jackfruit is a tropical fruit that is native to South and Southeast Asia. It has a spiky, green exterior and a yellow flesh that is eaten as a fruit when ripe. However, when unripe, the flesh has a texture similar to pulled pork or chicken and can be used as a meat substitute in vegan and vegetarian cooking.
Where can I buy jackfruit?
Jackfruit can be found in many grocery stores, both fresh and canned. If you can’t find fresh jackfruit in your local grocery store, try looking for it in Asian or Indian markets. Canned jackfruit can be found in the international aisle of many grocery stores.
What does jackfruit taste like?
When ripe, jackfruit has a sweet flavor and a fragrant aroma. However, when unripe, the flesh has a mild flavor and takes on the flavors of the seasonings and spices used in cooking. It has a fibrous, meat-like texture that makes it a great meat substitute.
Do I need to cook jackfruit before using it in recipes?
If you are using canned jackfruit, it is pre-cooked and ready to use. However, if you are using fresh jackfruit, you will need to remove the tough outer skin and core before cooking. It can be boiled, roasted, or sautéed to make it tender and easy to shred.
Can I use jackfruit as a meat substitute in any recipe?
Jackfruit is a great meat substitute in recipes that call for shredded meat, such as tacos, pulled pork sandwiches, or stir-frys. It can also be used in curries or stews as a protein source. However, it may not work as well in recipes that require a firmer texture, such as burgers or meatballs.
Is jackfruit a good source of nutrition?
Jackfruit is low in calories and fat, and high in fiber, potassium, and vitamin C. It also contains small amounts of other vitamins and minerals, making it a nutritious addition to your diet.
