Jackfruit Recipes: 10 Easy Ways to Cook Jackfruit
Jackfruit is a versatile tropical fruit that can be used in both savory and sweet dishes. In the U.S., young green jackfruit is especially popular in recipes such as tacos, sandwiches, curries, and bowls because its soft, shreddable texture works well with flavorful sauces and seasonings.
Ripe jackfruit is different. When fully ripe, the fruit becomes sweet, fragrant, and fruity, making it a better choice for smoothies, desserts, snacks, and breakfast recipes.
If you are new to cooking with jackfruit, this guide will show you how to use it and give you 10 simple jackfruit recipes to try at home.
What Is Jackfruit?
Jackfruit is a tropical fruit that grows on the jackfruit tree. It is the largest tree-borne fruit and can be eaten at different stages of ripeness.
Young green jackfruit has a mild flavor and a soft, shreddable texture after cooking. This makes it useful in savory recipes.
Ripe jackfruit has a much sweeter flavor and a softer, fruitier texture. It can be eaten fresh or added to smoothies, desserts, and other sweet dishes.
For most savory recipes in this guide, use young green jackfruit packed in water or brine.
Young Jackfruit vs. Ripe Jackfruit
Choosing the right type of jackfruit makes a big difference in a recipe.
Young green jackfruit:
Best for tacos, sandwiches, curry, stir-fries, fajitas, chili, and other savory dishes. It has a mild flavor and absorbs sauces and seasonings well.
Ripe jackfruit:
Best for smoothies, smoothie bowls, desserts, fruit salads, and snacks. It has a naturally sweet and tropical flavor.
When buying canned jackfruit for savory recipes, look for labels such as young green jackfruit, young jackfruit, or green jackfruit.
How to Prepare Canned Jackfruit for Cooking
Canned young jackfruit is convenient and widely used in jackfruit recipes.
Before cooking:
- Drain the liquid from the can.
- Rinse the jackfruit if it is packed in brine.
- Remove any tough central pieces if needed.
- Gently pull the softer pieces apart with your fingers or a fork.
- Pat or press out excess moisture when you want better browning.
Jackfruit does not have a strong flavor on its own, so sauces, spices, herbs, and marinades are important for savory recipes.
1. Easy Jackfruit Tacos
These jackfruit tacos are a simple way to introduce young green jackfruit to your kitchen. The cooked jackfruit absorbs taco seasoning and works well with fresh toppings.
Ingredients
- 1 can young green jackfruit, drained and rinsed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon taco seasoning
- 1/4 cup water or vegetable broth
- 8 small corn or flour tortillas
- Avocado
- Salsa
- Fresh cilantro
- Lime wedges
Instructions
Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
Add the onion and cook until softened. Add the garlic and cook for about 30 seconds.
Add the drained jackfruit and taco seasoning. Stir well.
Add the water or vegetable broth and cook for about 10–15 minutes.
Use a fork to gently shred the jackfruit as it becomes tender.
Warm the tortillas and fill them with the cooked jackfruit.
Top with avocado, salsa, cilantro, and a squeeze of fresh lime.
Tip: If the jackfruit looks too wet, continue cooking for a few minutes so some of the moisture can evaporate.
2. BBQ Jackfruit Sandwiches
BBQ jackfruit sandwiches are one of the easiest ways to use young green jackfruit. The smoky, sweet sauce adds most of the flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 can young green jackfruit, drained and rinsed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, sliced
- 3/4 to 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 1/4 cup water or vegetable broth
- 4 burger buns
- Pickles
- Coleslaw, optional
Instructions
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
Add the onion and cook until soft.
Add the jackfruit and break it into smaller pieces with a fork.
Pour in the BBQ sauce and water. Stir well.
Cover and simmer for about 15 minutes.
Remove the lid and cook for a few more minutes if the mixture is too wet.
Serve the BBQ jackfruit on toasted buns with pickles and coleslaw.
Serving idea: Add a simple side salad, roasted vegetables, or oven-baked potatoes for a complete meal.
3. Easy Jackfruit Curry
Jackfruit works well in curry because it absorbs the flavors of spices and coconut milk.
Ingredients
- 1 can young green jackfruit, drained and rinsed
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil or cooking oil
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
- 1–2 tablespoons curry powder
- 1 can coconut milk
- 1/2 cup vegetable broth
- Salt to taste
- Fresh spinach, optional
- Cooked rice, for serving
Instructions
Heat the oil in a large pan.
Add the onion and cook until soft.
Add the garlic and ginger and cook for about one minute.
Stir in the curry powder.
Add the jackfruit, coconut milk, and vegetable broth.
Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for about 15–20 minutes.
Break apart some of the jackfruit pieces with a fork as they cook.
Add spinach during the final few minutes if desired.
Serve warm with rice.
Tip: Adjust the curry powder to your preferred level of spice rather than adding a large amount at once.
4. Sweet and Spicy Jackfruit Stir-Fry
This quick stir-fry combines young jackfruit with colorful vegetables and a simple savory sauce.
Ingredients
- 1 can young green jackfruit, drained and rinsed
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil or cooking oil
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cup snap peas
- 1 carrot, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey
- 1 teaspoon Sriracha, or more to taste
- Cooked rice or quinoa
Instructions
Heat the oil in a large skillet or wok.
Add the bell pepper, snap peas, and carrot. Stir-fry for about 4–5 minutes.
Add the jackfruit and cook for another few minutes.
Mix the soy sauce, maple syrup or honey, and Sriracha in a small bowl.
Pour the sauce into the skillet and stir well.
Cook for another 2–3 minutes.
Serve over rice or quinoa.
This dish is perfect for a quick lunch or dinner, with a blend of both sweet and spicy flavors.
5. Jackfruit and Black Bean Chili
Jackfruit and black beans make a hearty combination for a simple weeknight chili.
Ingredients
- 1 can young green jackfruit, drained and rinsed
- 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1–2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Avocado or cilantro for topping
Instructions
Heat a little oil in a large pot.
Add the onion and cook until softened.
Add the garlic, chili powder, and cumin.
Stir in the jackfruit, black beans, diced tomatoes, and vegetable broth.
Bring to a gentle simmer.
Cook for about 20–30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Break up some of the jackfruit with a spoon or fork.
Taste and adjust the seasoning.
Serve with avocado, cilantro, or your favorite chili toppings.
This hearty chili is perfect for cold evenings and has plenty of plant-based protein.
6. Jackfruit Pizza
Jackfruit can also be used as a pizza topping when combined with sauce, vegetables, and cheese.
Ingredients
- 1 prepared pizza crust
- 1 can young green jackfruit, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 bell pepper, sliced
- 1/2 small onion, sliced
- Dried oregano
- Fresh or dried basil
Instructions
Preheat the oven according to the pizza crust instructions.
Cook the jackfruit, bell pepper, and onion in a skillet until the vegetables soften.
Spread marinara sauce over the pizza crust.
Add the cooked jackfruit and vegetables.
Sprinkle the mozzarella and herbs over the top.
Bake according to the crust instructions until the cheese is melted and lightly browned.
Allow the pizza to cool for a few minutes before slicing.
This jackfruit pizza offers a fun twist on a classic favorite, making it perfect for pizza night!
7. Simple Jackfruit Salad
For a lighter meal, cooked young jackfruit can be combined with fresh vegetables and greens.
Ingredients
- 1 can young green jackfruit, drained and rinsed
- 2 cups mixed greens
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, sliced
- 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Lightly cook the jackfruit in a skillet until some of the moisture has evaporated.
Place the mixed greens in a large bowl.
Add the tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and cooked jackfruit.
Whisk the olive oil and lemon juice together.
Drizzle the dressing over the salad.
Season with salt and pepper and serve immediately.
Tip: You can add beans, corn, avocado, or toasted seeds if you want a more filling salad.
8. Jackfruit Fajitas
Ingredients:
1 can young green jackfruit in salted water (drained and rinsed)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 onion, chopped
1 bell pepper, chopped
2 tablespoons fajita seasoning
Flour or corn tortillas
Toppings: avocado, salsa, cilantro
Instructions:
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add onion and bell pepper, sauté until soft.
- Add jackfruit and fajita seasoning. Cook for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Serve in tortillas with avocado, salsa, and cilantro.
These jackfruit fajitas are a fun and delicious option for Taco Tuesday!
9. Jackfruit and Lentil Shepherd’s Pie
This recipe combines young jackfruit and lentils with vegetables under a layer of mashed potatoes.
Ingredients:
1 can young green jackfruit in salted water (drained and rinsed)
1 cup cooked lentils
2 cups mashed potatoes (homemade or store-bought)
1 onion, chopped
2 carrots, chopped
1 cup peas
2 tablespoons vegetable broth
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Saute the onion and carrots in a skillet until soft. Add the jackfruit and lentils and mix well. Add the vegetable broth, salt, and pepper.
- Spread the jackfruit mixture into a baking dish and top with the mashed potatoes.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until the top is golden brown.
This cozy Shepherd’s Pie is perfect for a family dinner and everyone is sure to love it!
10. Jackfruit Smoothie Bowl
Unlike the previous savory recipes, this smoothie bowl uses ripe jackfruit for its naturally sweet tropical flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 cup ripe jackfruit
- 1 banana
- 1 cup milk or a plant-based milk
- 1/2 cup yogurt, optional
- Granola
- Coconut flakes
- Fresh fruit
- Nuts or seeds
Instructions
Remove any tough parts from the ripe jackfruit.
Add the jackfruit, banana, milk, and yogurt to a blender.
Blend until smooth and creamy.
Pour into a bowl.
Top with granola, coconut flakes, fresh fruit, nuts, or seeds.
Serve immediately.
Tip: Use ripe, sweet jackfruit for this recipe. Young green jackfruit is intended for savory dishes and will not give the same flavor.
Tips for Cooking Jackfruit
Choose the right type
Use young green jackfruit for savory recipes and ripe jackfruit for sweet recipes.
Drain canned jackfruit well
Extra liquid can make cooked jackfruit watery and prevent it from browning properly.
Don’t expect jackfruit to taste like meat
Jackfruit has a mild flavor. Its texture can work well in shredded-style dishes, but the flavor comes mainly from the sauce, spices, and other ingredients.
Season it well
BBQ sauce, taco seasoning, curry spices, chili seasoning, soy sauce, herbs, and other flavorful ingredients pair well with young jackfruit.
Use different cooking methods
You can cook jackfruit in a skillet, pot, oven, or other cooking methods depending on the recipe. Cooking it longer can also help soften the texture.
Where to Buy Jackfruit
Jackfruit is becoming easier to find in the United States.
Look for canned young green jackfruit in the international, Asian, or plant-based food sections of larger grocery stores. Asian supermarkets may also carry fresh ripe jackfruit or canned varieties.
When buying canned jackfruit for savory recipes, check the label and choose young green jackfruit rather than ripe jackfruit packed in syrup.
More Jackfruit Ideas
If you want to learn more about jackfruit before trying these recipes, read our complete guide:
What Is Jackfruit? Taste, Nutrition, Benefits, and How to Eat It
You can also explore more ideas for using jackfruit in everyday meals.
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of jackfruit is best for savory recipes?
Young green jackfruit is usually the best choice for savory recipes because it has a mild flavor and a shreddable texture.
Can I use fresh jackfruit instead of canned jackfruit?
Yes, but young fresh jackfruit requires more preparation. Canned young green jackfruit is generally more convenient for quick recipes.
Does jackfruit taste like meat?
No. Jackfruit does not naturally taste like meat. Young jackfruit has a mild flavor and a texture that can work well in shredded-style dishes when combined with sauces and seasonings.
Is jackfruit good for tacos and sandwiches?
Yes. Young jackfruit works particularly well in tacos, BBQ sandwiches, fajitas, and similar recipes because it can absorb flavorful sauces.
Can I eat ripe jackfruit in savory recipes?
You can experiment with it, but ripe jackfruit is naturally sweet and is generally better suited to fruit-based recipes, smoothies, and desserts.
Final Thoughts
Jackfruit is one of those ingredients that can be used in very different ways depending on how ripe it is.
Young green jackfruit works well in savory recipes such as tacos, BBQ sandwiches, curry, chili, pizza, and fajitas. Ripe jackfruit is naturally sweet and can be enjoyed in smoothies, bowls, desserts, or simply eaten fresh.
If you are new to jackfruit, start with an easy recipe such as BBQ jackfruit sandwiches or tacos. Once you become familiar with its texture and flavor, you can experiment with different sauces, spices, and cooking methods.
