Krispy Fried Jackfruit
If you’re on the lookout for a vegan snack recipe that delivers on both flavour and texture, this Krispy Fried Jackfruit is a winner! Jackfruit has taken the vegan world by storm for its versatile, meat-like consistency, and when seasoned just right, it’s the ultimate vegan comfort food. This crispy fried jackfruit recipe will show you how to turn jackfruit into irresistible, crispy bites that will be a hit for any occasion.
Does Jackfruit Taste Like Chicken?
One of the first questions people have when trying jackfruit as a meat substitute is if it actually tastes like chicken. Jackfruit itself has a mild, slightly sweet flavour, but it’s all about how you season and prepare it! When cooked with the right savoury ingredients, it takes on a satisfying flavour and texture that’s comparable to pulled chicken. In dishes like this Krispy Fried Jackfruit, the flavours blend to create a crispy, savoury bite that mimics the comforting taste of fried chicken.
Since jackfruit absorbs the flavours it’s cooked with, it’s easy to achieve that savoury, umami taste that’s often associated with meat. The texture of jackfruit is also spot-on for recreating shredded or “pulled” chicken dishes, making it a fantastic plant-based option for everything from tacos to burgers.
What Kind of Meat is Jackfruit?
Jackfruit is a large tropical fruit native to Southeast Asia and has long been used in various cuisines as a staple ingredient. When it’s young and unripe, the fruit has a firm, fibrous texture that shreds easily—making it ideal as a meat alternative in savoury dishes. Unlike other fruits, jackfruit isn’t just a flavour replacement; it’s a texture powerhouse, too.
You might have seen jackfruit used in place of pulled pork, shredded chicken, or even as the base for vegan-friendly “crab” cakes. Because it’s so versatile, it’s a go-to choice for vegan recipes that call for hearty, satisfying bites. The best part? Jackfruit is a whole food—meaning it’s free from the highly processed nature of many other meat substitutes, which is a huge bonus for those looking to eat more cleanly while enjoying classic flavours.
Why Crispy Fried Jackfruit is a Great Vegan Snack
When it comes to satisfying plant-based snacks, crispy fried jackfruit is hard to beat. Not only does it nail that crunchy texture we all crave, but it’s also packed with flavour.
Jackfruit itself is low in calories, cholesterol-free, and rich in dietary fibre, making it a wholesome alternative to fried chicken or other heavily processed snacks. Plus, the addition of spices and seasonings brings layers of savoury goodness to every bite, making it a great vegan snack to share at gatherings, movie nights, or as a quick solo treat. And since it’s made from a whole food, this snack is a cleaner, more nutritious option than many traditional fried bites—perfect for when you want something tasty without sacrificing your healthy habits.
How to Use Jackfruit from a Can
If you’re new to cooking with jackfruit, canned jackfruit is one of the most convenient options to start with. Here’s a quick guide on how to make the most of it:
Drain and Rinse: Always drain and rinse canned jackfruit to remove any excess salt or brine, especially if you’re using unseasoned jackfruit.
Remove Seeds and Tough Pieces: Discard any harder core sections and seeds. Canned jackfruit is usually quite tender, but getting rid of these pieces ensures the best texture.
Cook and Season: Since jackfruit has a neutral flavour, it’s all about the seasonings! You can marinate it, add spices, or cook it in a flavourful broth for the best results.
And if you’re a fan of jackfruit recipes, make sure to check out some of my other favourites:
Jackfruit Pot Pie: Hearty and comforting, this dish is packed with savoury flavours and topped with a flaky crust. It’s perfect for family dinners and special occasions!
Jackfruit Souvlaki: Bring Greek-inspired flavours to your table with this seasoned jackfruit dish, complete with all the Mediterranean spices you love.
BBQ Pulled Jackfruit: This smoky, saucy jackfruit is a fantastic filling for burgers, tacos, and more. It’s an easy crowd-pleaser!
Tips for Perfect Krispy Fried Jackfruit Every Time
Pat the Jackfruit Dry: Once you’ve simmered the jackfruit in the stock, make sure to pat it dry before coating it. This helps the batter stick better and gives you that perfect crunch.
Layer the Flavours: Between the marinade, the batter, and the final frying, each step adds to the overall taste. Don’t skip any of these flavour-building moments, and you’ll be rewarded with delicious, savoury crispy jackfruit!
Watch the Heat: Frying the jackfruit at the right temperature is essential. Too low, and it can get soggy; too high, and it might burn. Medium heat is ideal to achieve that crispy, golden-brown exterior.
FAQs for Krispy Fried Jackfruit
1. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! You can swap out plain flour with your favourite gluten-free blend. Just make sure it’s a blend that performs well in frying for the best results.
2. Is there an air fryer option?
Yes! If you prefer air frying, follow the recipe as usual but instead of shallow frying, place the battered jackfruit pieces in your air fryer at 180°C for about 10–12 minutes or until crispy.
3. How can I store leftovers?
This Krispy Fried Jackfruit is best enjoyed fresh, but you can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in an oven or air fryer to regain that crisp texture.
Krispy Fried Jackfruit is a testament to how delicious and versatile vegan cooking can be. With its fibrous texture and ability to absorb savoury flavours, jackfruit makes an excellent meat substitute that’s satisfying and flavourful. Enjoy this crispy, golden vegan snack on its own or with a side of dipping sauce!
INGREDIENTS
Krispy Fried Jackfruit
200g canned jackfruit, drained
1 cup vegetable stock
1 tbsp soy sauce
½ cup plain flour
½ cup soy milk
½ tsp salt
½ tsp sugar
½ tsp pepper
½ tsp onion powder
½ tsp ground ginger
½ tsp sweet paprika
½ tsp garlic powder
1 tsp dried oregano
METHOD
Drain the jackfruit and discard any tough pieces or seeds, leaving only the stringy parts.
Add the jackfruit to a small saucepan with vegetable stock and soy sauce. Bring it to a boil and let it cook for at least 10 minutes. Remove from heat and allow it to cool completely in the stock.
In a medium-sized bowl, mix 1 tbsp of plain flour with soy milk to create a batter.
In another medium-sized bowl, combine the remaining plain flour with salt, sugar, pepper, onion powder, ground ginger, sweet paprika, garlic powder, and oregano.
Drain and pat the jackfruit dry. Dip each piece into the wet batter, then coat in the dry flour mixture.
Shallow fry the coated jackfruit in a frying pan over medium heat, turning occasionally until golden brown. Remove and place on paper towels to drain excess oil.
Serve with your favourite dipping sauce, or enjoy on its own!
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