25 Best Vegan Jackfruit Recipes to Try Today

These vegan jackfruit recipes are so good, even carnivores won’t miss the meat! With its meaty texture and flexible flavor, jackfruit is a game-changer. 

Over the years, this tropical fruit has become a popular ingredient for plant-based cooking. With its astounding range of versatility, it’s easy to see why.

From its ability to mimic pulled pork and imitate chicken nuggets, it’s a magical ingredient. Turn it into curry, pile it onto nachos, or make some epic sliders.

Whatever you make with it, these creative vegan jackfruit recipes are mouthwatering. 

1.​ BBQ Jackfruit

One of the best things you can do with jackfruit is make vegan barbecue. When shredded, the texture is like pork. When it’s unripened, it has a neutral flavor. 

Add barbecue sauce to the mix, and it’s like meat. Slap it on a bun, add a crunchy slaw, and dig in. This juicy barbecue is beckoning you.

2. Easy Jackfruit Curry

Jackfruit and curry were made for one another. Don’t believe me? Wait until you try this easy jackfruit curry.

The jackfruit melds with all the spices in the fresh tomato base. Then, it absorbs the creamy coconut milk until it’s thick and flavorful.

It’s a great way to make an Indian-style curry, particularly if you’re looking for something plant-based.

3. Vegan General Tso’s Jackfruit

If you think General Tso’s chicken is good, just wait until you try jackfruit. It’s astounding how meat-like it tastes!

The secret lies within the seven-ingredient sauce. Simmer the jackfruit in it, then pair it with rice and broccoli. 

It’s quick, savory, satisfying, and ready in 30 minutes.

4. Vegan Jackfruit Stew

Jackfruit is a great choice for making vegan stews more meaty. This recipe is a prime example. The jackfruit gives the dish more oomph, making it more filling. 

Don’t let the long ingredients list intimidate you! This robust and flavorful soup is far easier than you might think.

5. Vegan Jackfruit Tacos

I love these tacos! Try them and you will, too.

The taco seasoning, coconut aminos, and alliums flavor the jackfruit. Once shredded, it tastes like meat.

Pile it into a crunchy shell with your taco toppings of choice. Salsa, avocado, red cabbage, and lettuce are all great choices.

6. Vegan BBQ Jackfruit Slider

It’s BBQ jackfruit slider time! For cookouts, tailgates, or game days, these sliders are a must.

They’re savory, a little sweet, slightly smoky, and meaty. Slap the jackfruit on a mini bun with the creamy tangy slaw. Don’t worry, the slaw has vegan mayo, so the sliders are completely plant-based.

7. Crispy Jackfruit Carnitas

If you want to try cooking fresh jackfruit instead of canned, try these carnitas. From the texture to the seasoning, this dish tastes sensational.

The key is to dial in on the right seasonings and ratios. You need a whole bunch of spices and flavorings like Mexican oregano, cumin, and tamari. And don’t forget the OJ!

This isn’t exactly the same thing as pork carnitas. Still, it’s a worthy plant-based substitute. 

8. Chicken-Fried Jackfruit

There’s really no match for perfectly crispy, succulent fried chicken. But this is just something you have to try.

The breading is so flavorful and crispy, you’ll think you’re actually eating chicken. Sink your teeth in, and you’ll find a jackfruit surprise. 

Pair it with your favorite fried chicken dipping sauce.

9. Jackfruit Nuggets

These savory morsels are so addicting. The tender jackfruit, crispy coating, and spices are tantalizing. I have a good hunch the kids will love these as much as you. 

They’re great as a chicken nugget alternative that’s soy-free. You can easily make them gluten-free, too.

10. Best Vegan Ribs

If you told me jackfruit ribs could taste this great, I wouldn’t believe you. Yet again, the versatility of jackfruit is surprising. 

For the right texture and binding, add vital wheat gluten. Combined with liquid smoke, maple syrup, spices, and flavorings, it tastes like barbecue. 

For the full effect, pair it with grilled corn, vegan potato salad, and BBQ baked beans.

11. Best Vegan Tuna Salad

How do you make a classic tuna salad vegan? The answer is jackfruit and chickpeas. 

Blitz those two in a food processor and meld them with vegan mayo. Add celery, onion, Old Bay, and a squeeze of lemon. 

Now, just build your sandwich.

12. Vegan Jackfruit Salad Sandwich

Another play on a classic is this creamy salad sandwich. It’s like a chicken salad sandwich without the meat. 

Celery and red onion give it extra texture, while the capers, Dijon, dill, and vegan mayo flavor it just right.

The jackfruit salad will keep well in the fridge for about 5 days, so you can meal prep it ahead of time.

13. Tandoori Tofu Jackfruit Kebabs

Tandoori chicken is a favorite in my household. So when I introduced these on Meatless Monday, my family was delighted.

The tandoori masala marinade adds so much flavor to the kabobs. Nobody will even miss the meat. 

I also really like that you can bake them in the oven. It makes cooking a breeze.

14. Jackfruit “Chicken” Noodle Soup

You can even use jackfruit to make chicken noodle soup! This classic is super nourishing, especially for those chilly days when you’re under the weather.

All you need are eight ingredients, one of which is water. You can also use gluten-free pasta or add veggie broth for more flavor.

It’s clean-tasting, revitalizing, wholesome, and plant-based.

15. Pulled Jackfruit Bowls

These mouthwatering bowls will satisfy your umami cravings. 

A bunch of flavorings and seasonings create a tantalizing jackfruit pulled pork. Chinese five spice blend, tamari, and lemongrass are some crucial ingredients. 

Combined with the crunchy colorful slaw and white rice, it’s a complete meal. It’s one you definitely want to put on repeat. 

16. Vegan Jackfruit Chili with Beans

The next time you want a big bowl of warming chili, give this a try. It comes together in only 35 minutes, and it’s healthy to boot!

It’s a robust, bold, and flavorful bowl of vegan comfort food.

Chili powder, oregano, cumin, and paprika keep the spices easy. The jackfruit, two types of beans, and veggies make it hearty. 

Garnish it with your favorite chili toppings, and perhaps grab a slice of vegan cornbread.

17. BBQ Jackfruit Pizza

Get creative with your pizza toppings and try BBQ jackfruit.

It’s a different take on barbecue pizza that doesn’t entail a lot of work. 

You cook canned jackfruit with barbecue sauce and shred the meat. Then, it’s time for assembly. 

Top store-bought dough with cheese, pineapple, onions, jalapenos, and jackfruit.

It’s a fun one for family vegan pizza night and Meatless Monday alike. 

18. Jackfruit Enchiladas

Have a hankering for healthy Mexican food? These jackfruit enchiladas are calling your name!

The flour tortillas have a jackfruit, black beans, and green chili filling. Meanwhile, the toppings are as fresh as the farmer’s market. Avocado, tomatoes, red onions, and cilantro make the dish pop. 

All you need to finish these off is a drizzle of vegan sour cream and vegan cheese.

19. Vegan Jackfruit Crab Cakes

These vegan crab cakes are a brilliant use of canned jackfruit. The recipe turns a bunch of pantry staples into a meal. 

Breadcrumbs and flax eggs are key ingredients for binding, and Old Bay seasoning is a must for flavoring. After a quick pan-fry, the cakes are ready.

Pair them with sauce, turn them into a sandwich, or add a salad. It’s a light, vegan meal that’s easy to make.

20. BBQ Jackfruit Sweet Potato Mac

Up your mac and cheese game the vegan way with this recipe.

A dish based primarily on cheese without dairy might sound blasphemous. But I assure you, this plant-based mac is too good to pass up. The contrast of flavors is incredible. 

The jackfruit is tangy and savory. And the sauce is sweet, cheesy, creamy, and smoky. Combined with the pasta, it’s unforgettable. 

21. Vegan BBQ Jackfruit Wraps

Searching for new ideas for vegan wraps? I have a healthy and flavorful option for you. 

You fix up green jackfruit to taste like barbecue. Then, stuff it into a tortilla with crisp lettuce, tomatoes, avocado, and onion. 

To make it extra yummy, add the four-ingredient vegan garlic aioli.

22. Vegan Gyros

Whatever you’re meal planning this week, add these gyros to the list. The tangy, sweet, savory, and umami jackfruit is great all by itself. But it’s even better in a soft pita with cherry tomatoes, cucumber, lettuce, and tzatziki.

It’s a healthy Mediterranean meal that’s bursting with flavor.

23. Vegan Chicken Drumsticks

These imitation chicken drumsticks are an excellent centerpiece for a vegan holiday dinner. They’re also a super clever use of rice paper. 

You cook jackfruit and oyster mushrooms with a flavorful marinade. Then, wrap it in rice paper. 

Brush it with a tomato umami sauce, then bake. The rice paper gives them a crispy texture while locking all the flavors inside. 

24. Buffalo Jackfruit Spinach Dip

Need a vegan dip for a party? This buffalo dip will have everyone raving. 

It’s spicy, savory, creamy, and cheesy just like buffalo chicken dip. But it’s 100 percent meat-free and dairy-free. 

Serve it with a side of veggie sticks, crackers, or crostini. Or, give your guests options and serve it with all three. 

25. Vegan Jackfruit Nachos

These jackfruit nachos are epic! 

They come fully loaded with the works. They have guacamole, salsa, black beans, and taco-seasoned jackfruit. Use non-dairy cheese and non-dairy sour cream to make them vegan. 

There’s so much goodness happening, nobody will even realize they’re plant-based. 

Serve them at your next party or game day gathering. They’re also a super easy dinner.