Jackfruit Carnitas

Perfectly seasoned and shredded jackfruit is cooked to perfection with crisp edges and a savory flavor that fill these vegan Jackfruit Carnitas. I top them with black beans, pico, POBLANO CREMA, Mexican Pickled Red Onions, and cilantro. ¡Que delicioso!

Everything You Need To Know About Jackfruit

If you are intrigued by this awesome ingredient like I was, read on. This post includes everything you need to know about jackfruit from what it is, to the health benefits, to how to prepare it. Then check out my delicious jackfruit recipes below.

What Is Jackfruit?

Jackfruit is a large tropical fruit with a tough, spiky exterior and sweet, yellow flesh inside. It is native to Southeast Asia and is commonly used in cuisines of that region. Jackfruit is a versatile ingredient that can be used in sweet and savory dishes, and its meaty texture has made it popular as a meat substitute for vegan and vegetarian dishes.

What Are The Health Benefits of Jackfruit?

Jackfruit has several health benefits, including:

Good source of nutrients: Jackfruit is a rich source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, potassium, dietary fiber, and antioxidants.
Supports digestive health: The dietary fiber in jackfruit can help improve digestion and prevent constipation.
Promotes heart health: Jackfruit is low in fat and cholesterol, and its high potassium content can help regulate blood pressure and support heart health.
Boosts immunity: The vitamin C in jackfruit helps boost the immune system and protect against infections.
May aid weight loss: Jackfruit is low in calories and high in fiber, making it a good food choice for those trying to lose weight.

Note: It’s always important to consult a healthcare provider before adding a new food to your diet.

How Do You Prepare Jackfruit?

Here is a basic guide on how to prepare jackfruit:

Choose a ripe jackfruit: Select a ripe jackfruit that is yellow and gives slightly when pressed. Unripe jackfruit will be more firm and less sweet.
Cut and open the jackfruit: Cut off the top and bottom of the jackfruit, then cut it in half. Use a knife to remove the tough outer layer and reveal the individual pods.
Remove the seeds: Use your hands or a spoon to remove the seeds from the flesh. The seeds are edible, but they need to be cooked before eating.
Cook or use in a recipe: Jackfruit can be used in a variety of recipes, both sweet and savory. It can be boiled, fried, grilled, or roasted. It can also be mashed or pureed for use in baked goods or other dishes.

Note: It is important to wear gloves when handling jackfruit, as the sap from the fruit can be sticky and difficult to remove from skin.

How To Cook Canned Jackfruit

If preparing ripe jackfruit seems a bit tedious, try the canned method. You can buy canned ripe jackfruit in many grocery stores. I usually find it by the pickled items like olives and artichokes. I have heard that you can buy canned jackfruit in water, but I usually only find it in a brine. This means you will have to cook off the brine before using in recipes.

It does take a bit of prep, but you can freeze it and then have it easily on hand when you need it. Here’s a link to some Canned Jackfruit

Here’s how you do it!

Bring a large pot of water to a boil.
Open your cans of jackfruit (I like to prep between 5-10 cans at a time and freeze it so I have it on hand) Drain off the brine and rinse thoroughly in a colander to remove the brine.
Place the rinsed jackfruit in the pot and allow to simmer for about 45 minutes. This cooks off the brine and I have found it is the best way to get a neutral tasting jackfruit shred. The water will be slightly pink when finished cooking.
Drain jackfruit in colander and rinse thoroughly again in cold water. As you are rinsing, you can begin shredding up thicker pieces with your hands.
Take out about 1 cup at a time, and squeeze the excess water out between your hands. Place squeezed sections aside until you’ve worked through the whole batch.
I like to really ensure that all the water is out by then placing the jackfruit into a large kitchen towel and squeezing the water out one last time. Do this in two or three sections at a time.
Place dried jackfruit in freezer bags and freeze for up to three months.
To thaw frozen jackfruit, place in refrigerator for a few hours before cooking. If I am sautéing the jackfruit, I have found that I can cook from frozen.

How To Cook Crispy Jackfruit Carnitas

Once the jackfruit is prepared use about 4 cups worth and toss with seasonings. Remember, the drier it is, the better it will crisp up. I then spray it with some olive oil or avocado oil and toss again. Transfer this mixture to a baking pan. I like to lightly spray the pan to ensure a nice texture while cooking, but you could use parchment paper and skip this step if you like.

Cook the jackfruit in a 425 degree oven for 20-25 minutes. Remove when jackfruit is slightly crispy and firm. I like to take it out when the edges start to darken a bit. If you need, pop it under the broiler for a minute or so but be sure to watch it the whole time.

TIP: I like to save a little bit of the seasoning to sprinkle on after I take the jackfruit out of the oven. This makes sure it sticks to the “meat” and gives it the most flavor!