These vegan jackfruit recipes are great for making BBQ, pulled pork, tacos, curry and more easy and healthy dinners. The perfect meat substitute!

What is jackfruit?

Jackfruit is a tropical fruit that (when harvested underripe) can be used as a vegan meat alternative in dishes like pulled “pork” and fishless “tuna”.

It grows in Southeast Asia and has an oblong shape and a green, spiky exterior. It can weigh 20-50 pounds when harvested.

 

Jackfruit Recipes

Browse this list for tasty meals made from, canned, fresh, green, young and other types of jackfruit. I guarantee your family will absolutely love any dish you choose. Enjoy!

Find more tasty “meaty” vegan recipes in our tempeh recipes, seitan recipes, silken tofu recipes, TVP recipes, and tofu recipes roundups.

 

1. Jackfruit Tacos

vegan jackfruit recipes
Photo: Lazy Cat Kitchen

You won’t regret investing time into this smoky, spicy meal. Best made a day in advance, a potent mix of spices transforms young jackfruit into the perfect taco stuffer.

 

2. Jackfruit “Chicken” Drumsticks

Vegan Jackfruit "Chicken" Drumsticks
Photo: Zacchary Bird

Whip up some of these playful jackfruit “chicken” drumsticks next time you’re looking for a filling evening meal. They’re sure to be a hit with the kids.

 

3. Jackfruit Pulled Pork BBQ Sandwiches with Coleslaw (Slow Cooker)

Vegan Jackfruit Pulled Pork BBQ Sandwiches with Coleslaw (Slow Cooker)
Photo: Delightful Mom Food

It’s a recipe for a lazy day — prep time is only 10 minutes. The jackfruit will simmer slowly in your crock pot for four hours and deliver you a smoky, spicy surprise perfect for sandwiches.

 

4. Jackfruit Seitan “Ribs”

Vegan Jackfruit Seitan "Ribs"
Photo: Fat-Free Vegan

This dish pairs jackfruit with seitan to create a “jacked-up” version of vegan seitan ribs. The rich BBQ flavor is sure to delight — plus, these ribs are fat-free!

 

5. Jackfruit Taco Bowl

Vegan Jackfruit Taco Bowl
Photo: Peaceful Dumpling

If you’re looking for a taco without a taco shell, try this deconstructed taco bowl — starring jackfruit in a Tex-Mex inspired marinade.

 

6. Jackfruit “Tuna” Salad

Vegan Jackfruit "Tuna" Salad
Photo: Veganosity

Craving tuna salad? Make it tonight! This recipe substitutes shredded jackfruit for canned tuna and combines Dijon mustard with almond yogurt for a creamy finish.

 

7. Hawaiian Jackfruit Pineapple Kebabs

Vegan Hawaiian Jackfruit Pineapple Kebabs
Photo: The Veg Life

For a bit of Hawaiian flair, skewer up a winning combo of jackfruit, pineapple, and colorful peppers. Delish!

 

8. “Chicken” Noodle Soup

Vegan "Chicken" Noodle Soup
Photo: Strength and Sunshine

In the heart of winter, or if you’re feeling under the weather, you’ll want some of this “chicken” noodle soup. It’s vegan and gluten-free, but backed with all the traditional flavors you know and love.

 

9. Grilled Stuffed Poblano Peppers

Vegan Grilled Stuffed Poblano Peppers
Photo: Plating Pixels

Transport your dinner table to Mexico with these stuffed poblano peppers that’ll have your mouth popping for more.

 

10. Teriyaki Jackfruit Bowl

Vegan Teriyaki Jackfruit Bowl
Photo: The Veg Life

This dish combines jackfruit with a sumptuous teriyaki glaze to create stunning Asian flavors. The sauce is a real winner!

 

11. Jackfruit Carnitas

Vegan Jackfruit Carnitas
Photo: Clean Green Simple

Another take on traditional taco fillings, this one has you whipping up some jackfruit “carnitas” for your next taco extravaganza.

 

12. Fried “Chicken” Jackfruit

Vegan Fried "Chicken" Jackfruit
Photo: The Veg Life

You’ll want to snack all day on these tender “chicken” morsels. The batter crisps up beautifully in hot oil to give you the crunch you’re looking for. Try them with vegan honey mustard for a real treat!

 

13. Mu Shu Jackfruit Lettuce Wraps

Vegan Mu Shu Jackfruit Lettuce Wraps
Photo: Fat-Free Vegan

Time for a trip to China. This play on the mu shu lettace wrap showcases jackfruit, center show, with a sweet-and-salty finish that’s lighter and fresher than the mu shu you know.

 

14. Jackfruit Blanquette

Vegan Jackfruit Blanquette
Photo: Full of Plants

This stew, a vegan take on the French blanquette, is comfort food at its finest. It’s chock-full of classic aromatics and hearty vegetables. Cashews lend true creaminess to the final product.

 

15. Bao Buns with Pulled Jackfruit

Vegan Bao Buns with Pulled Jackfruit
Photo: Lazy Cat Kitchen

Here’s another Chinese favorite, the cha siu bao bun, vamped up with jackfruit. It’s sweet, salty, and delicious.

 

16. Jackfruit Chili (Slow cooker)

Vegan Jackfruit Chili (Slow cooker)
Photo: V Nutrition and Wellness

You can prep this dish in fifteen minutes… and let your slow cooker do the rest of the work. The final product is hearty, comforting, and flavorful — a perfect dinner.

 

17. Jackfruit Taquitos

Vegan Jackfruit Taquitos
Photo: The Mostly Vegan

These taquitos and crispy, crunchy, and spicy. You’ll love them. The southwest-inspired dipping sauce, though, is the real star of this dish. Try it tonight!

 

18. Vegan Jackfruit Crab Cakes

vegan crab cake
Photo: I Can You Can Vegan

This take on the classic crab cake will amaze you. It’s crisp on the outside, moist on the inside, just like every good crab cake ever.

 

19. Jackfruit Tortilla Soup

Vegan Jackfruit Tortilla Soup
Photo: Living Vegan

Flavor this soup as you like it. Add a jalapeno for spice, some lime juice for sour, and some cashew cream for a rich finish — and it’s ready to serve!

 

20. BBQ Jackfruit Sweet Potato Mac and Cheese

Vegan BBQ Jackfruit Sweet Potato Mac and Cheese
Photo: Yup It’s Vegan

This BBQ mac and cheese, pairing a rich, creamy sweet potato sauce and pulled jackfruit, is realer than the real thing. It’ll have you licking your lips for more.

 

21. Carnitas Enchiladas

Vegan Carnitas Enchiladas
Photo: Fried Dandelions

These quick enchiladas, featuring jackfruit carnitas, will quickly become a family favorite! Make them with homemade or store-bought enchilada sauce, at your convenience.

 

22. Jackfruit “Chicken” Quinoa Bowls

Vegan Jackfruit "Chicken" Quinoa Bowls
Photo: Full of Plants

For a much more wholesome version of chicken and rice, have jackfruit “chicken” and quinoa for dinner tonight. The buttery, tender, melt-in-your-mouth jackfruit won’t disappoint.

 

23. BBQ Jackfruit Pizza

Vegan BBQ Jackfruit Pizza
Photo: Ex Sloth

This thin crust pizza, topped with BBQ jackfruit, pineapple, green pepper, shaved red onion, and black olives, preps in 10 minutes and bakes in just a half hour. Get in on the table tonight.

 

24. Jackfruit Curry

Vegan Jackfruit Curry
Photo: Thyme and Love

If it’s cold outside and you’re looking for something hot and comfortable, try this jackfruit curry. It’s got fresh aromatics (onion, ginger, garlic, jalapeno) for flavor and spice and coconut cream for a rich, creamy finish.

 

25. Deep Fried Jackfruit

Deep Fried Jackfruit
Photo: Olives for Dinner

 

26. Pulled Jackfruit Gyros

Pulled Jackfruit Gyros
Photo: Holistic Foodie

 

27. Jackfruit Melt with Pesto

Jackfruit Melt with Pesto
Photo: School Night Vegan

 

28. Jackfruit Chickpea Nuggets

Jackfruit Chickpea Nuggets
Photo: Quite Good Food

 

29. Jackfruit “Chicken” Salad Sandwich

Jackfruit "Chicken" Salad Sandwich
Photo: My Darling Vegan

 

30. Vegan “Duck” Pancakes

Vegan "Duck" Pancakes
Photo: We Are So Vegan

 

31. Vietnamese Jackfruit Salad

Vietnamese Jackfruit Salad
Photo: Gastro Plant

 

What are your favorite Vegan Jackfruit Recipes?

Leave a comment below!

vegan jackfruit recipes

30+ Easy Jackfruit Recipes The Whole Family Will Love

These Vegan Jackfruit Recipes are great for making BBQ, pulled pork, tacos, curry and more easy and healthy dinners. The perfect meat substitute!
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Serving Size 4

Ingredients

  • 1 can young green jackfruit
  • 4 tbsp bbq sauce
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp smoked salt

Instructions

  • Choose your favorite meal from the list.
  • Click on the name to get to the recipe.
  • Enjoy!

Video

Jackfruit FAQ

Is jackfruit good for vegans?

Yes, jackfruit is good for vegans. While not as high in protein as other meat alternatives like soy and seitan, jackfruit is rich in heart-healthy vitamins and minerals like potassium, calcium, vitamin A, and vitamin C, and low in fat. You can also boil and eat jackfruit pits.

Can you eat raw jackfruit?

Yes, you can eat raw jackfruit, especially as a sweet fruit when ripe, but cooking underripe jackfruit prior to using it will soften it and improve the taste and texture and make it easier to shred for savory dishes.

Do you need to wash jackfruit before eating?

Yes, you’ll want to rinse the exterior of the jackfruit prior to cutting it. Jackfruit also has a white, sticky sap when cut, so you’ll want to keep your food preparation surface clean and rinse off any sap that ends up on the fruit.

Is canned jackfruit ready to eat?

There are two types of canned jackfruit: ripe jackfruit packed in water or syrup, and underripe jackfruit packed in water and salt. Both types are ready to eat from the can, but underripe jackfruit tastes best when seasoned and cooked.

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8 Comments

    1. Hi Marian!

      I wish you good health and a lot of happinesss on your vegan journey! Hope you’ll like the recipes. 🙂

  1. 5 stars
    Great compilation of recipes! I’ve added a few to my “want to try folder” and I’m looking forward to doing so!

5 from 3 votes

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