Worldly Jackfruit: Must-Try Recipes from Across Continents

From Thai street stalls to Mexican taquerias, jackfruit has been feeding the world long before it became a global trend. These are the most loved, most searched and most delicious ways other countries cook it — all doable in an Indian kitchen.

1. America’s Smoky Pulled Jackfruit Burger

This is the recipe that made jackfruit famous globally. Smoky, saucy and stuffed into a toasted bun — it is hard to believe there is no meat inside.

Prep Time: 15 mins | Cook Time: 25 mins | Serves: 4

Ingredients

• 400g raw jackfruit, boiled and shredded
• ½ cup BBQ sauce
• 4 burger buns, toasted
• 1 tsp garlic powder 
• 1 tsp smoked paprika 
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Coleslaw for serving (shredded cabbage, carrot, mayo, lemon)

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Method

1. Heat oil in a pan. Add shredded jackfruit, garlic powder and smoked paprika.
2. Cook on medium heat for 5 mins until lightly charred.
3. Add BBQ sauce. Toss well and cook for another 5 mins.
4. Toast the burger buns in a hot pan.
5. Layer pulled jackfruit and coleslaw onto the bun.
6. Serve immediately.

2. Mexico’s Spiced Jackfruit Carnitas Tacos

Spiced, slow-cooked jackfruit in warm tortillas with lime and fresh salsa. One of the most photographed jackfruit dishes on the internet — and one of the easiest to make at home.

Prep Time: 15 mins | Cook Time: 30 mins | Serves: 4

Ingredients

• 400g raw jackfruit, boiled and shredded
• 4 flour tortillas
• Juice of 2 limes
• Juice of 1 orange or 2 tbsp sweet lime juice
• 1 tsp cumin powder
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• Fresh salsa: 2 tomatoes + ½ onion + coriander + green chilli + lime juice, chopped fine
• Salt to taste

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Method

1. Mix jackfruit with lime juice, orange juice, cumin, paprika, oregano, garlic and salt.
2. Marinate for 10 mins.
3. Cook the marinated jackfruit in a hot pan until slightly caramelised. About 10-12 mins.
4. Warm tortillas in a dry pan for 30 seconds on each side.
5. Load jackfruit onto tortillas. Top with fresh salsa.
6. Squeeze extra lime and serve.

3. Philippines’ Creamy Ginataang Langka

Young jackfruit slow-cooked in rich coconut milk with chilli and garlic. Simple ingredients, stunning result.

Prep Time: 10 mins | Cook Time: 30 mins | Serves: 4

Ingredients

• 400g raw jackfruit, cut into chunks
• 400ml coconut milk
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 onion, sliced
• 1 tsp ginger, grated
• 3 green chillies, slit
• 1 tbsp fish sauce or soy sauce 
• 1 tbsp oil
• Salt to taste

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Method

1. Heat oil in a pan. Sauté garlic, onion and ginger until soft.
2. Add jackfruit and soy sauce. Stir well.
3. Pour in coconut milk. Add green chillies and salt.
4. Bring to a boil, then lower the heat.
5. Simmer uncovered for 20 mins until jackfruit is tender and the gravy thickens.
6. Serve hot with steamed rice.

4. Thailand’s Sweet Khao Niao with Jackfruit

Ripe jackfruit over sweet coconut sticky rice. One of Southeast Asia’s most iconic street desserts — and surprisingly easy to make at home.

Prep Time: 10 mins | Cook Time: 30 mins | Serves: 4

Ingredients

• 1 cup short-grain rice
• 400ml coconut milk
• 3 tbsp sugar
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 cup ripe jackfruit pods
• 1 tsp sesame seeds for garnish

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Method

1. Soak rice for 2 hours. Steam or cook until soft.
2. Heat coconut milk with sugar and salt until sugar dissolves. Do not boil.
3. Pour half the coconut milk over hot cooked rice. Mix gently. Rest for 10 mins.
4. Fill each jackfruit pod generously with sticky coconut rice.
5. Drizzle remaining coconut milk on top.
6. Garnish with sesame seeds and serve.

5. Indonesia’s Comforting Kolak Nangka

Ripe jackfruit simmered in coconut milk and jaggery. Warm, comforting and beautiful in a bowl — Indonesian comfort food at its finest.

Prep Time: 5 mins | Cook Time: 20 mins | Serves: 4

Ingredients

• 1½ cups ripe jackfruit pods, halved
• 400ml coconut milk
• 4 tbsp jaggery, grated (substitute for palm sugar)
• 1 small cinnamon stick
• ½ tsp vanilla essence (substitute for pandan leaves)
• A pinch of salt

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Method

1. Heat the coconut milk in a pan on low heat.
2. Add jaggery, cinnamon, vanilla and salt. Stir until the jaggery dissolves.
3. Add jackfruit pods. Simmer gently for 15 mins.
4. Do not boil — keep the heat low throughout.
5. Serve warm in bowls.

Which jackfruit dish do you make at home? Drop your favourite in the comments — we would love to know.

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