As a vegan, finding a good meat substitute can be a challenge. Tofu and tempeh are great but can get boring after a while. Enter jackfruit, the spiky tropical fruit that is taking the vegan world by storm.
Jackfruit is native to South Asia but has become popular in recent years as a meat substitute due to its texture and flavor. When cooked, it has a stringy and fibrous texture that makes it an excellent replacement for pulled pork or chicken.
The best thing about using jackfruit as a meat substitute is that it doesn’t have an overpowering taste on its own. It takes on the flavors of whatever spices or sauces you use in your recipe, making it incredibly versatile.
One of my favorite ways to use jackfruit is in tacos. Simply drain and rinse canned jackfruit and sauté with taco seasoning until heated through. Serve with tortillas, avocado, salsa, and any other toppings you like for delicious vegan tacos.
Another way to use jackfruit is in BBQ sandwiches. Cooked with BBQ sauce until tender, the shredded fruit makes for a flavorful sandwich filling. Top with coleslaw for added crunch.
If you’re feeling adventurous, try making buffalo “chicken” dip using jackfruit instead of chicken. Mix cooked shredded jackfruit with hot sauce and vegan cream cheese for a spicy twist on this classic party dish.
Jackfruit also works well in curries and stews where it can absorb all the flavors of the broth or sauce. Try adding it to your favorite vegetable curry recipe instead of tofu or chickpeas for something new.
When cooking with fresh jackfruit (as opposed to canned), there are some important things to keep in mind. First off, they are massive – up to 80 pounds each! You’ll only need one small section of the fruit for most recipes so make sure you know what you’re getting into before buying one whole.
Cutting into a jackfruit can also be intimidating. The fruit is covered in spikes and has a strong smell, almost like durian (another tropical fruit with a divisive flavor). To cut it, you’ll want to wear gloves and oil your knife to prevent sticking. Cut off the spiky exterior first, then remove the fleshy pods from inside.
Once you have your jackfruit flesh, remove any seeds and chop or shred as desired. It can be boiled or steamed before using in recipes to make it softer and easier to work with.
In addition to being tasty, jackfruit is also incredibly healthy. It’s low in calories and fat but high in fiber and vitamin C. Jackfruit has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties as well which makes it a great choice for anyone looking for natural remedies for joint pain or other ailments.
If you’re looking for something new to try in your vegan cooking repertoire, give jackfruit a chance! Its versatility and health benefits make it an excellent meat substitute that won’t disappoint.
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