What Is Jackfruit?
Jackfruit is a large tropical fruit native to Southeast Asia that is becoming a trendy meat alternative in the Western world. Our favorite way to pair this perfect produce is with tangy vegan BBQ sauce. Read on for the two best BBQ Jackfruit uses, sure to become regulars in your kitchen line up.
BBQ Jackfruit Pizza
This vegan pizza offers an ideal balance between sweet and spicy, and is healthy to boot. For ease on weeknights, we like to start with a pre-made crust. Trader Joe’s has a great low carb and gluten free option with their Frozen Cauliflower Crust. Another good choice is Trader Joe’s Fresh Sprouted Whole Grain Crust. Amazon has a “just add water” Vegan crust too.
For other great vegan pizza ideas, check out our article here.
What You’ll Need
- pizza stone or pan
- pizza cutter
- basting brush
- measuring cups
- Chef’s knife
- medium skillet
- cutting board
- wooden spoon
- colander
- potato masher or meat tenderizer
Ingredients
- 1 can Trader Joe’s Green Jackfruit in Brine
- ½ red onion
- bunch of fresh cilantro
- 1 jalapeno
- vegan mozzarella shreds
- 1 cup pineapple chunks
- pre-made pizza crust
- 1 ½ tbsp olive oil
- 1 clove garlic
- ½ cup BBQ sauce (our favorite is Tessemae’s)
- ½ cup water
Instructions
Step #1: Crispy Crust
Bake crust according to package directions. Lightly brush with ½ tbsp olive oil for extra crisp.
Step #2: Jazzy Jackfruit
While crust is baking, drain and rinse jackfruit and thinly slice red onion and jalapeno; mince the garlic. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil over medium-high heat. Once warmed, add the onion, jalapeno, and garlic and sauté until fragrant, about two minutes. Be careful not to burn the garlic!
Step #3: Simmering Success
Lower heat to medium, then put BBQ sauce, water, and jackfruit into skillet. Stirring occasionally, cook for 8 more minutes. With potato masher, smash and pull the jackfruit until it becomes pulled pork consistency. Then cover and simmer for 10 more minutes over low heat, stirring occasionally.
Step #4: Pineapple Pizazz
Place BBQ Jackfruit, pineapples, and vegan mozzarella onto baked crust. Bake at 350 degrees for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve!
BBQ Jackfruit Tostadas
Since jackfruit shreds like pulled pork, it is an excellent option for use in traditional Mexican cuisine. We love it in tacos, but especially these winning tostadas.
What You’ll Need
- baking sheet
- parchment paper
- wooden spoon
- measuring cups
- Chef’s knife
- cutting board
- colander
- potato masher or meat tenderizer
Ingredients
- Siete foods grain-free tortillas (almond, chia, or cassava variations)
- 1 can Trader Joe’s Green Jackfruit in Brine
- 1/2 white onion
- BBQ sauce (our favorite is Tessemae’s)
- 1 jalapeno
- ½ cup water
- 1 tbsp avocado oil
- 2 cloves garlic
- vegan sour cream
- ½ avocado
Instructions
Step #1: Prep It Up
Mince the garlic, thinly slice onion and jalapenos. Set aside. Drain and rinse jackfruit. Slice avocado. Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
Step #2: Jovial Jackfruit
Heat 1 tbsp avocado oil over medium-high heat. Once warmed, add the onion, jalapeno, and garlic and sauté until fragrant, about two minutes. Be careful not to burn the garlic. Lower heat to medium, then put BBQ sauce, water, and jackfruit into skillet. Stirring occasionally, cook for 8 more minutes. With potato masher, smash and pull the jackfruit until it becomes pulled pork consistency. Then cover and simmer for 10 more minutes over low heat, stirring once every minute or so.
Step #3: Tostada Time
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place tortillas on sheet, and bake for 5 minutes until golden brown. More tortilla tips from Siete Family Foods can be found here.
Step #4: Great Garnishes
Place BBQ filling on top of tostada, and garnish with cilantro, a dollop of vegan sour cream, and some avocado slices. Serve immediately.
