Jackfruit has become a superstar ingredient for home cooks — and for good reason!
This tropical fruit can do it all: it’s savory and meaty when unripe, and sweet and creamy when ripe. Whether you’re vegan, vegetarian, or just adventurous, these 15 jackfruit recipes will help you bring a taste of the tropics to your kitchen. Get ready for some delightful jackfruit recipes!

Let’s dive into these creative, healthy, and downright delicious dishes!

🌮 Savory Jackfruit Recipes (Hearty, Plant-Based & Flavorful)

1. Vegan BBQ Pulled Jackfruit Sandwiches

Serves: 4 | Time: 35 minutes
Main Ingredients:

Vegan pulled jackfruit BBQ sandwich with coleslaw on a toasted bun, served with sweet potato fries and BBQ sauce.
  • 2 cans young jackfruit (in brine)
  • 1 small onion, sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • ½ cup BBQ sauce
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • Burger buns & vegan coleslaw for serving

How to Make:

  1. Drain and rinse 2 cans of young jackfruit in brine, then shred each piece using two forks.
  2. In a skillet, heat 1 tbsp olive oil over medium heat and sauté sliced onions and minced garlic until fragrant.
  3. Add the shredded jackfruit along with ½ cup BBQ sauce, 1 tsp smoked paprika, and 1 tsp chili powder.
  4. Stir and simmer for 10–15 minutes until the jackfruit absorbs the sauce and takes on a tender, “pulled pork” texture.
  5. Pile the BBQ jackfruit onto toasted buns, top with coleslaw, and drizzle a bit more sauce before serving.

💡 Pro Tip: Add a dash of liquid smoke for authentic BBQ flavor.

If you love cooking with tropical fruits, check out our Jackfruit Varieties Tutorial.”

2. Jackfruit Tacos with Spicy Slaw

Serves: 3–4 | Time: 30 minutes
Main Ingredients:

Jackfruit tacos with spicy slaw, avocado slices, and lime wedges served on a rustic wooden board.
  • 2 cups shredded jackfruit
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp cumin, 1 tsp chili powder
  • 1 lime (juiced)
  • 1 cup purple cabbage, shredded
  • ½ avocado, sliced
  • Soft tortillas

How to Make:

  1. Shred the jackfruit and pat it dry to remove excess moisture.
  2. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a pan, then add the jackfruit with chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
  3. Sauté for 5–7 minutes until slightly crisp and browned.
  4. Prepare spicy slaw by tossing shredded cabbage with lime juice, vegan mayo, and a pinch of chili flakes.
  5. Assemble tacos by layering jackfruit, slaw, avocado slices, and cilantro into warmed tortillas.

🌶️ Tip: Garnish with cilantro and jalapeño for extra zing.

3. Jackfruit Curry with Coconut Milk

Serves: 4 | Time: 35 minutes
Main Ingredients:

Tropical jackfruit smoothie bowl topped with granola, chia seeds, banana slices, and coconut on a wooden breakfast table.
  • 2 cups young jackfruit chunks
  • 1 cup coconut milk
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 1 tbsp. ginger-garlic paste
  • 1 tsp turmeric, 1 tsp garam masala
  • 2 tbsp coconut oil
  • Salt to taste

How to Make:

  1. Heat 2 tbsp coconut oil in a deep pan and sauté chopped onions until golden brown.
  2. Add ginger-garlic paste, turmeric, garam masala, and a pinch of chili powder; stir for 30 seconds.
  3. Add jackfruit chunks and coat them well with the spice mixture.
  4. Pour in 1 cup of coconut milk and ½ cup water, then simmer on low heat for 15 minutes.
  5. Add salt, garnish with cilantro, and serve hot with steamed jasmine rice or naan bread.

💡 Add-ins: Chickpeas, spinach, or tofu make it even heartier.

4. Jackfruit Stir-Fry with Vegetables

Serves: 3 | Time: 25 minutes
Main Ingredients:

Jackfruit stir-fry with colorful vegetables in soy-garlic sauce served over rice, garnished with sesame seeds and green onions.
  • 1 can jackfruit (drained & chunked)
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp sesame oil
  • 1 tsp garlic, minced
  • 2 cups mixed veggies (bell peppers, broccoli, carrots)
  • Sesame seeds & green onions for garnish

How to Make:

  1. Drain and chunk your canned jackfruit; set aside.
  2. Heat sesame oil in a wok and stir-fry minced garlic and ginger for 30 seconds.
  3. Add jackfruit, soy sauce, and stir-fry for 3–5 minutes.
  4. Toss in chopped bell peppers, broccoli florets, and carrots; stir until just tender-crisp.
  5. Sprinkle sesame seeds and green onions before serving over rice or noodles.

🥢 Tip: Add crushed peanuts or chili oil for crunch and spice.

5. Jackfruit Chili (Vegan Comfort Bowl)

Serves: 4 | Time: 45 minutes
Main Ingredients:

Vegan jackfruit chili with beans, corn, and avocado served in a rustic bowl with lime and cilantro garnish.
  • 1 can jackfruit, shredded
  • 1 can kidney beans
  • 1 can diced tomatoes
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 tbsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika

How to Make:

  1. In a pot, heat 1 tbsp olive oil and sauté diced onions and garlic until soft.
  2. Add shredded jackfruit, chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika; stir to coat evenly.
  3. Pour in kidney beans, crushed tomatoes, and a cup of vegetable broth.
  4. Simmer uncovered for 25–30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  5. Serve warm with a slice of cornbread, avocado, or vegan cheese topping.

🌶️ Tip: Add chipotle peppers for smoky heat.

6. Jackfruit “Chicken” Salad Wraps

Serves: 2–3 | Time: 15 minutes
Main Ingredients:

  • 1 cup shredded jackfruit
  • 2 tbsp vegan mayo
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 celery stalk, diced
  • Salt, pepper, lemon juice

How to Make:

  1. In a bowl, combine shredded jackfruit, vegan mayo, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice.
  2. Mix in finely chopped celery and season with salt and pepper.
  3. Stir well until creamy and evenly coated.
  4. Spoon mixture into lettuce cups or whole-wheat wraps.
  5. Garnish with microgreens or cranberries and serve chilled.
    🥬 Tip: Add grapes or cranberries for a sweet contrast.

7. Jackfruit Teriyaki Rice Bowl

Serves: 2 | Time: 25 minutes
Main Ingredients:

Jackfruit teriyaki rice bowl with steamed broccoli, carrots, sesame seeds, and glossy teriyaki sauce served in a ceramic bowl.
  • 1 cup jackfruit chunks
  • ¼ cup teriyaki sauce
  • 1 tsp sesame oil
  • Broccoli, carrots, green onions

How to Make:

  1. Heat sesame oil in a pan, then add minced garlic and ginger.
  2. Stir in jackfruit pieces and cook for 3–4 minutes.
  3. Pour teriyaki sauce over the jackfruit and toss well to coat.
  4. Add steamed broccoli, carrots, and pineapple chunks; cook 2–3 minutes more.
  5. Serve over jasmine rice and garnish with sesame seeds and scallions.

🍚 Tip: Sprinkle sesame seeds before serving.

8. Jackfruit Burgers (Grilled or Pan-Seared)

Serves: 4 | Time: 30 minutes
Main Ingredients:

Vegan jackfruit burger with lettuce, tomato, and vegan cheese served on a toasted bun with sweet potato fries.
  • 2 cups shredded jackfruit
  • ½ cup breadcrumbs
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tbsp olive oil

How to Make:

  1. Combine shredded jackfruit, breadcrumbs, diced onions, and spices in a large bowl.
  2. Add a bit of water or vegan egg binder and form into patties.
  3. Heat olive oil in a skillet or preheat grill to medium.
  4. Cook patties 3–4 minutes per side until golden and crisp.
  5. Assemble burgers on buns with lettuce, tomato, and vegan cheese.

💡 Tip: Add a slice of vegan cheese for extra flavor.

🥗 Creative Jackfruit Snacks & Sides

9. Jackfruit Spring Rolls with Peanut Sauce

Serves: 4 | Time: 20 minutes
Main Ingredients:

  • 1 cup shredded jackfruit
  • Rice paper wraps
  • Carrots, cucumber, lettuce
  • 2 tbsp peanut butter, 1 tbsp soy sauce

How to Make:

  1. Prepare your fillings: shredded jackfruit, julienned carrots, cucumber, and rice noodles.
  2. Dip rice paper sheets in warm water to soften.
  3. Place fillings in the center of each sheet, then roll tightly.
  4. For the peanut sauce, whisk peanut butter, soy sauce, lime juice, and a dash of chili paste.
  5. Serve spring rolls with the peanut dipping sauce on the side.

🥢 Tip: Add mint or basil for freshness.

10. Jackfruit Nachos with Vegan Cheese

Serves: 3 | Time: 25 minutes
Main Ingredients:

Loaded jackfruit nachos topped with vegan cheese, black beans, jalapeños, and guacamole on a rustic platter.
  • Tortilla chips
  • 1 cup spicy jackfruit
  • ½ cup black beans
  • ½ cup vegan cheese
  • Jalapeños, salsa, guacamole

How to Make:

  1. Spread tortilla chips on a baking tray.
  2. Top with spicy shredded jackfruit, black beans, and vegan cheese.
  3. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 8–10 minutes until cheese melts.
  4. Remove and top with salsa, guacamole, and jalapeños.
  5. Garnish with cilantro and serve hot.

🌶️ Tip: Squeeze lime juice before serving for zest.

11. Jackfruit “Crab” Cakes

Serves: 4 | Time: 30 minutes
Main Ingredients:

Crispy vegan jackfruit crab cakes served with tartar sauce and lemon wedges on a white plate.
  • 1 can jackfruit, shredded
  • ¼ cup breadcrumbs
  • 1 tbsp vegan mayo
  • 1 tsp Old Bay seasoning
  • Lemon juice & dill

How to Make:

  1. Mix shredded jackfruit with breadcrumbs, vegan mayo, Old Bay seasoning, and lemon juice.
  2. Form into small patties and refrigerate for 15 minutes to firm up.
  3. Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat.
  4. Pan-fry cakes until golden brown on each side (about 3–4 minutes).
  5. Serve with vegan tartar sauce or a squeeze of lemon.

🦀 Tip: Serve with vegan tartar sauce or aioli.

🍧 Tropical Jackfruit Desserts & Breakfasts

12. Jackfruit Pancakes with Honey Drizzle

Serves: 2–3 | Time: 20 minutes
Main Ingredients:

Fluffy jackfruit pancakes stacked with honey drizzle, topped with jackfruit pieces and toasted coconut on a rustic breakfast table.
  • 1 cup pancake batter
  • ½ cup ripe jackfruit, chopped
  • Honey or maple syrup
  • Toasted coconut flakes

How to Make:

  1. Prepare pancake batter (from mix or scratch) and fold in finely chopped jackfruit.
  2. Heat a non-stick skillet and lightly grease it with butter or coconut oil.
  3. Pour ¼ cup batter per pancake and cook until bubbles form on top.
  4. Flip and cook another 1–2 minutes until golden.
  5. Stack pancakes, drizzle honey or maple syrup, and top with coconut flakes.

🍯 Tip: Add cinnamon for extra aroma.

13. Jackfruit Smoothie Bowl

Serves: 1–2 | Time: 10 minutes
Main Ingredients:

Tropical jackfruit smoothie bowl topped with granola, chia seeds, banana slices, and coconut on a wooden breakfast table.
  • 1 cup ripe jackfruit
  • 1 banana
  • ½ cup coconut milk
  • Granola, chia seeds, fruit for topping

How to Make:

  1. Add jackfruit, banana, and coconut milk to a blender.
  2. Blend until thick and creamy.
  3. Pour into a chilled bowl.
  4. Arrange toppings — granola, chia seeds, banana slices, and coconut flakes.
  5. Serve immediately with a drizzle of honey.

🥥 Tip: Freeze fruit first for a thick, creamy base.

14. Jackfruit Ice Cream (No Machine Needed)

Serves: 4 | Time: 10 minutes + freezing
Main Ingredients:

Creamy jackfruit ice cream topped with jackfruit pieces and toasted coconut flakes in a white dessert bowl.
  • 1 cup jackfruit puree
  • 1 can condensed milk
  • 1 cup whipped cream

How to Make:

  1. In a blender, combine jackfruit puree, condensed milk, and whipped cream.
  2. Blend until completely smooth and airy.
  3. Pour mixture into a freezer-safe container.
  4. Freeze for 6–8 hours or overnight.
  5. Scoop and top with toasted coconut or fresh jackfruit pieces before serving

🍨 Tip: Add vanilla extract or cardamom for a tropical flavor lift.

15. Tropical Jackfruit Parfait

Serves: 2 | Time: 10 minutes
Main Ingredients:

Tropical jackfruit parfait layered with Greek yogurt, granola, pineapple chunks, and toasted coconut flakes in a glass.
  • ½ cup ripe jackfruit, diced
  • ½ cup Greek yogurt
  • ¼ cup granola
  • ¼ cup pineapple chunks
  • Toasted coconut & honey

How to Make:

  1. Dice ripe jackfruit and pineapple into bite-sized pieces.
  2. In a tall glass, add a layer of Greek yogurt.
  3. Add granola, then spoon in jackfruit and pineapple.
  4. Repeat the layers until the glass is full.
  5. Finish with toasted coconut flakes and a drizzle of honey.

🍍 Tip: Chill before serving — perfect for breakfast or dessert!

If you like check out more jackfruit recipesRead more. “

🧊 How to Store and Prepare Jackfruit for Recipes

  • Fresh Jackfruit: Store in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
  • Canned Jackfruit: Rinse well before cooking to remove brine.
  • Frozen Jackfruit: Thaw before using — perfect for curries or smoothies.

🥭 Pro Tip: Jackfruit seeds are edible! Boil or roast them for a nutty, protein-rich snack.

🌟 Nutrition Spotlight: Why Jackfruit Is a Superfood

Jackfruit isn’t just tasty — it’s nutrient-packed.

  • High in fiber → aids digestion.
  • Rich in vitamin C → supports immunity.
  • Good source of potassium and antioxidants → helps heart health.
  • Naturally low in calories and fat.

💡 Did You Know? A single jackfruit tree can produce up to 200 fruits per year, making it one of the most sustainable crops in the tropics.

“Discover more jackfruit nutrition-Healthline – Jackfruit Nutrition Facts

🌿 Conclusion

Jackfruit is truly a gift from the tropics — it’s sustainable, nutritious, and incredibly versatile.
Whether you’re whipping up a smoky BBQ sandwich, a comforting curry, or a refreshing smoothie bowl, these 15 jackfruit recipes show just how creative you can get with this amazing fruit.

Start with one recipe this week — and don’t be surprised if jackfruit becomes your new favorite kitchen staple! 🌴

What kind of jackfruit is used for cooking?

Unripe green jackfruit (usually canned in brine) is used for savory recipes like BBQ sandwiches, tacos, and curries because of its neutral flavor and meaty texture. Ripe jackfruit (sweet yellow flesh) is perfect for smoothies, desserts, and breakfast bowls.

How do you store leftover jackfruit dishes?

Savory jackfruit: Store in airtight containers for up to 4 days in the fridge or freeze up to 2 months.
Ripe jackfruit desserts: Keep refrigerated and consume within 3 days for best flavor.

What are the best jackfruit recipes for beginners?

Jackfruit BBQ Sandwiches
Jackfruit Tacos with Slaw
Jackfruit Smoothie Bowl
These require minimal prep, use canned jackfruit, and taste incredible!

Author

Claire Reid is a registered dietitian and certified diabetes educator. I am a consultant dietitian and writer in Austin, Texas, where she focuses on creating personalized nutrition plans and educational content. My special interests include diabetes management, sports nutrition, and sustainable eating practices. Education University of Texas at Austin, BS, MS Certifications Registered Dietitian Certified Diabetes Educator (CDE) Professional Accomplishments Completed her dietetic internship at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston

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