Smoked Pulled Jack Fruit

Jackfruit: Pulled and Smoked

in Meals
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This quick and easy-to-make recipe will be a perfect meat substitute when creating a variety of meals such as tacos, enchiladas and bao buns. Jackfruit is high in dietary fiber, easy-to-use and a great spice and flavor carrier for quick dinners.

The first time I saw jackfruit was at the Natural Expo West Show a few years ago in the new products case. I mentally put it into a sweet fruit category. However, after reviewing a few recipes touting this unique vegan ingredient, I snagged a can off the Trader Joe’ shelf. When I peeled back the lid, I was amazed to find chunks of fruit which looked like pineapple but pink in color. At first, I thought I accidently picked up a can of chunked salmon. But in the end, it was jackfruit. This is where the food adventure began.

Many food blogs talk about using vegetables and/or fruit as a meat substitute such as jackfruit, heart of palm, black beans, wheat gluten, etc. For some vegetarians and vegans, they would ask, “why bother?” However, there is a fast growing group of people trying to learn how to cut calories, eat healthier, reduce meat consumption and/or tailor their diets to manage their chronic disease. And many of these folks are transitioning from an animal-centric diet. The goal is to help these motivated individuals by introducing gateway meals even if it is plant-based meats to help them transition easier to live a healthier life.

Jackfruit is one of those gateway meat substitutes that can be used in a variety of dishes. Though jackfruit contains mostly dietary fiber, it is ideal for multi-component meals such as burritos, tacos or bao buns. When shredded, its appearance and texture is similar to pulled pork. After playing around with different spice mixes, I developed a BBQ mix and an Asian mix that complements the jackfruit.

This smoked BBQ jackfruit recipe is a great starting place. We love using this filling in tacos or enchiladas. Once you get used to cooking with it, you can use any spice profile that fits your palette. As a result, you will create your own signature dish that will turn your carnivore heads.

Meat Substitutes on the Market

If you are not totally convinced in cooking with it first, then look for it at your local grocery store. There are now multiple brands available including Uptown Naturals, Native Forest and The Jackfruit Company. Though most of these products are delicious, please be aware of the sodium and oil levels. Salt is a common used ingredient in processed foods for taste and preservation to extend shelf-life. I recommend making it homemade so you can control these factors.

Smoked Pulled Jackfruit Recipe Tips

  • Pre-prep: Trader Joes sells jackfruit in brine. After opening the can, rinse the jackfruit chunks under water to wash off the salty brine.
  • Cooking: I typically slice the chunks into thin pieces. It is easier to shred during the cooking process. Using a wooden spoon to mix the sliced jackfruit will help it shred. Also the back end of a fork will help shred if the slices are thicker. Note: Be careful not to scratch your pan with the metal fork during the mashing motion.
  • Smoked Flavor: This recipes calls for smoked paprika and liquid smoke. My family loves the smoke flavor. At the same time, the smoked paprika is enough to give it some smoky notes. Adjust to your liking.

Recommended Equipment

  • Colander
  • Knife and cutting board
  • Wooden spoon
  • Frying pan
  • Measuring spoons

Additional Benefits

  • Low calorie and high fiber
  • Vegan/vegetarian/plant-based
  • Gateway meal – meat substitutes/meat analog/meat alternatives
  • Easy-to-make
  • Quick meal – less than one hour

Other Jackfruit Recipes

  • Pulled jackfruit Bao buns
  • Pulled jackfruit enchiladas
  • Vegan nachos
Smoked Pulled Jackfruit
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Smoked Pulled Jackfruit

Recipe by SansMooCourse: DinnerCuisine: Mexican, AsianDifficulty: Easy
Servings

4

servings
Prep time

5

minutes
Cooking time

12

minutes
Total time

17

minutes

This quick and easy-to-make recipe will be a perfect meat substitute when creating a variety of meals such as tacos, enchiladas and bao buns. Jackfruit is high in dietary fiber, easy-to-use and a great spice and flavor carrier for quick dinners.

Ingredients

  • 2 Tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil

  • 1-20 Ounce Can Jackfruit (sliced thinly)

  • 1/2 Medium Yellow Onion (chopped)

  • 3 Garlic Cloves (minced)

  • 1 Teaspoon Oregano

  • 2 Teaspoons Chili Powder

  • 1 Teaspoon Smoked Paprika

  • 1 Teaspoon Cumin

  • 1 Teaspoon Cayenne

  • 1 Teaspoon Sea Salt

  • 1 Teaspoon Soy Sauce

  • 1/2 Teaspoon Liquid Smoke
    (Note: use if you prefer more smoke notes.)

Directions

  • Mix dry spices together and set aside.
  • Drain and rinse brine off the jackfruit.
  • Heat up olive oil on medium high in a pan.
  • Add chopped onion and saute for one 4 minutes or until translucent.
  • Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute .
  • Add dry spice mix and mix so onions are covered.
  • Cook for 1 minute.
  • Add sliced jackfruit and mix until it is covered.
  • Mix until jackfruit is coated and starts to shred.
  • Continue mixing until jackfruit is shredded to desired texture and cook for 4 minutes.
  • Add soy sauce and liquid smoke and mix.
  • Serve.