11 Delicious Ways to Cook with Jackfruit

updated Sep 21, 2023
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Credit: Ghazalle Badiozamani; Food Styling: Jesse Szewczyk

When it comes to versatile plant-based meat substitutes, jackfruit is tough to top. Native to tropical Asia, it’s increasingly trendy on our side of the globe, partly because when cooked, it has a fleshy texture that closely mimics the tenderness of pulled pork or shredded chicken. 

And then there’s the taste (or rather, lack thereof): The unripe green fruit boasts a pretty mild flavor, which means you can easily add it to practically any dish, and it will work with whatever spices or seasonings you’re using. 

So whether you’re trying to scale back your meat consumption — or simply striving to bust out of a cooking rut — experimenting with jackfruit can be a great option. Here are 11 creative and mouth-watering recipes to get you started. 

Jackfruit Recipes

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Maple-Sriracha Jackfruit Sandwich
In this satisfying vegetarian recipe, jackfruit simmers in apple juice, maple syrup, and Asian chili-garlic sauce before being mashed into tender, juicy bits resembling pork after a long braise.
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Jackfruit Tacos
This recipe essentially transforms a can of young jackfruit into a plant-based taco without too much effort.
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Vegan Gyros

Jackfruit goes Greek with Lazy Cat Kitchen’s stunning vegan gyros that honestly look exactly like meat-based gyros. And based on the rave reviews, these pita-filled delights are also impressively good. Actual comments: “worthy of a prize,” “absolutely delicious,” and “best thing ever!!”

Get the Recipe: Vegan Gyros from Lazy Cat Kitchen

Vegan BBQ Jackfruit Pulled Pork Sandwiches 

This delicious-looking sammie recipe, created by A Saucy Kitchen, combines canned jackfruit with a quick homemade BBQ sauce. The end result? A vegan twist on the classic pulled pork sandwich that reviewers describe as “amazing,” “easy,” and “fun.”  

Get the Recipe: Vegan BBQ Jackfruit Pulled Pork Sandwiches from A Saucy Kitchen

Jackfruit Pot Roast

In most scenarios, “vegan pot roast” would be an oxymoron. But that’s not the case with this saliva-inducing recipe from Food With Feeling, which uses jackfruit in lieu of meat for a vegan-friendly twist on the classic wintertime meal. Bonus: You can whip up this crowd-pleaser in about one hour. 

Get the Recipe: Jackfruit Pot Roast from Food with Feeling

Credit: From My Bowl

Mango Curry Jackfruit Tacos

Upgrade Taco Tuesdays with this sweet-and-salty jackfruit-based recipe that comes together in less than 30 minutes. Created by From My Bowl, the recipe also delivers a colorful serving of other flavorful veggies: red onions, bell peppers, cilantro, and garlic. 

Get the Recipe: Mango Curry Jackfruit Tacos from From My Bowl

Crock Pot Lasagna (with Jackfruit Substitute)

Yes, it’s possible (and also pretty darn easy) to make lasagna in a slow cooker, and yes, you can make said lasagna vegetarian-friendly by subbing in jackfruit for ground beef. Scope this recipe by Fit Foodie Finds to uncover the genius hack. 

Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Lasagna (with Jackfruit Substitute) from Fit Foodie Finds

Credit: From My Bowl

Buffalo “Chicken” Dip

Shredded jackfruit combines with tofu, fresh herbs, and vegan wing sauce to create this lovely-looking dip by From My Bowl. Pair this creamy, spicy, and slightly tangy concoction with cracker, celery, and carrot sticks for an impressive party appetizer. 

Get the Recipe: Healthy Buffalo “Chicken” Dip from From My Bowl

Sweet Potato BBQ Jackfruit Sliders

Give your ol’ slider recipe a makeover with this fun jackfruit and sweet potato variation from The Roasted Root. Sliced and roasted sweet taters serve as the base for BBQ-flavored jackfruit, cabbage slaw, and chopped green onion. Yum, yum, and yum! 

Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato BBQ Jackfruit Sliders from The Roasted Root

Jackfruit BBQ Pizza

Add more flavor — and variety — to ‘za night with these BBQ jackfruit-based pies from A Saucy Kitchen. With a sweet potato crust , mashed jackfruit coated in a sweet-and-spicy homemade sauce, and sliced red onions and cilantro, these pizzas look both gorgeous and delicious. 

Get the Recipe:  Jackfruit BBQ Pizza from A Saucy Kitchen

Pulled Jackfruit Bowls

This Asian-inspired recipe brings together slaw, brown rice, and pulled jackfruit that’s spiced, marinated, and caramelized for optimal deliciousness. Pro tip from the mind behind the recipe, Lazy Cat Kitchen: Marinate the jackfruit a day in advance for first-rate flavor. 

Get the Recipe: Pulled Jackfruit Bowls from Lazy Cat Kitchen