How to Use Jackfruit as a Meat Substitute

If you're on the lookout for a versatile, delicious, and healthy meat alternative, jackfruit is a brilliant choice. Jackfruit has been making waves in the culinary world, thanks to its uncanny ability to mimic the texture and flavour of meat when prepared correctly. 

What is Jackfruit?

Jackfruit is the largest tree-borne fruit in the world, with some specimens weighing up to 80 pounds! It's native to regions of South and Southeast Asia, such as India, Bangladesh, Thailand, and Indonesia.

Despite its intimidating size, Jackfruit offers a sweet and fragrant flesh that's packed with nutrients, making it a staple in many cuisines around the globe.

Jackfruit has a long history in Asian cuisine, where it's used in both sweet and savoury dishes. In countries like Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, it's often enjoyed ripe as a dessert fruit, while in Thailand and Indonesia, it's loved for its unripe, green flesh, which bears a striking resemblance to meat when cooked.

The Nutritional Value of Jackfruit

Jackfruit offers a wealth of vitamins, minerals, and fibre while being low in calories and fat.

It's rich in vitamin C, vitamin A, potassium, and magnesium, meaning it supports immune function, skin health, and overall well-being.

Its high fibre content promotes digestive health, aids in weight management, and helps control blood sugar and cholesterol levels. 

Recipe: Using Jackfruit as a Meat Substitute

Now, let's dive into the exciting part: turning fresh jackfruit into a delicious savoury meat substitute.

One of the most popular ways to enjoy jackfruit is by transforming it into a pulled pork alternative. Here's how to do it:

Ingredients:

• 800g fresh jackfruit flesh (click to order pre-prepared Jackfruit from Exotic Fruits)
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 250ml vegetable broth
• 1/4 cup (60ml) barbecue sauce
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Start by rinsing the jackfruit flesh, then use your hands or a fork to shred it into small pieces, discarding any tough cores.
2. In a large skillet or frying pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until fragrant and translucent.
3. Add the shredded jackfruit to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it begins to brown and caramelise.
4. In a small bowl, mix together the vegetable broth, barbecue sauce, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, and cumin. Pour the mixture over the jackfruit in the skillet and stir to combine.
5. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the jackfruit is tender and has absorbed the flavours of the sauce.
6. Once the jackfruit is tender, use a fork to further shred it into a pulled pork-like consistency. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Serve the jackfruit pulled "pork" on buns or alongside your favorite side dishes, such as coleslaw, and enjoy the delicious taste of this plant-based alternative!

Where to Buy Fresh Jackfruit

It's very difficult to cut open a fresh jackfruit and remove the flesh yourself - it's a long process that must be done in a specific way in order to get the best quality flesh possible. Plus, since jackfruits are so ginormous, some of the flesh would probably end up going to waste.

Luckily, you can order pre-prepared chunks of fresh jackfruit flesh from Exotic Fruits. Click here to shop.

We offer high-quality jackfruit sourced from trusted growers, ensuring you get the freshest and most flavourful fruit delivered straight to your doorstep.

Whether you're a seasoned chef looking to experiment with new flavours or a plant-based enthusiast seeking tasty meat alternatives, our selection of jackfruit is sure to satisfy your cravings!

Visit our website today to explore our wide range of exotic fruits.