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)
Method
- Heat oil in a pan. Add shredded jackfruit, garlic powder and smoked paprika.
- Cook on medium heat for 5 mins until lightly charred.
- Add BBQ sauce. Toss well and cook for another 5 mins.
- Toast the burger buns in a hot pan.
- Layer pulled jackfruit and coleslaw onto the bun.
- 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
Method
- Mix jackfruit with lime juice, orange juice, cumin, paprika, oregano, garlic and salt.
- Marinate for 10 mins.
- Cook the marinated jackfruit in a hot pan until slightly caramelised. About 10-12 mins.
- Warm tortillas in a dry pan for 30 seconds on each side.
- Load jackfruit onto tortillas. Top with fresh salsa.
- 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
Method
- Heat oil in a pan. Sauté garlic, onion and ginger until soft.
- Add jackfruit and soy sauce. Stir well.
- Pour in coconut milk. Add green chillies and salt.
- Bring to a boil, then lower the heat.
- Simmer uncovered for 20 mins until jackfruit is tender and the gravy thickens.
- 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
Method
- Soak rice for 2 hours. Steam or cook until soft.
- Heat coconut milk with sugar and salt until sugar dissolves. Do not boil.
- Pour half the coconut milk over hot cooked rice. Mix gently. Rest for 10 mins.
- Fill each jackfruit pod generously with sticky coconut rice.
- Drizzle remaining coconut milk on top.
- 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
Method
- Heat the coconut milk in a pan on low heat.
- Add jaggery, cinnamon, vanilla and salt. Stir until the jaggery dissolves.
- Add jackfruit pods. Simmer gently for 15 mins.
- Do not boil — keep the heat low throughout.
- 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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