Me and jackfruit go together reallll bad now
Me and jackfruit go together reallll bad now 😝 is a medium American (Vegan Fusion) recipe that serves 4. 150 calories per serving. Recipe by Shakayla Felice on YouTube.
Prep: 20 min | Cook: 40 min | Total: 1 hr 15 min
Cost: $15.59 total, $3.90 per serving
Ingredients
- 2 cans (20 oz each) Young Green Jackfruit in Brine (drained, rinsed thoroughly, seeds removed)
- 2 cups Vegetable Broth (low‑sodium preferred)
- 1 cup Water (room temperature)
- 1 medium Onion (peeled and diced)
- 3 cloves Garlic (minced)
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil (for sautéing onion and garlic)
- 2 tablespoons Soy Sauce (or Tamari for gluten‑free) (adds umami and helps remove briny flavor)
- 1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika (for smoky depth)
- 1 teaspoon Ground Cumin
- ½ teaspoon Black Pepper (freshly ground)
- to taste Salt
Instructions
Rinse and Drain Jackfruit
Open the cans, pour the jackfruit into a colander and rinse under cold running water for at least 2 minutes, stirring with your hands to remove brine.
Time: PT5M
Remove Seeds
Transfer the rinsed jackfruit to a cutting board and pull out the hard seeds, discarding them or saving for another use.
Time: PT5M
Prep Aromatics
Dice the onion and mince the garlic. Heat olive oil in the large pot over medium heat, add onion and sauté 3‑4 minutes until translucent, then add garlic and cook another minute.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: medium heat
Simmer Jackfruit in Broth
Add the seeded jackfruit, vegetable broth, and water to the pot. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce to a simmer and cover. Cook for 20 minutes, stirring once halfway through.
Time: PT20M
Temperature: low simmer
Oven‑Bake for Texture
Pre‑heat the oven to 375°F. Transfer the pot contents to the baking dish, spread evenly, and bake uncovered for 20 minutes until the edges start to brown.
Time: PT20M
Temperature: 375°F
Season and Serve
Remove from oven, stir in soy sauce, smoked paprika, cumin, black pepper, and salt to taste. Let sit 2 minutes, then serve hot as a main dish or as a filling for tacos or enchiladas.
Time: PT5M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 150
- Protein
- 2 g
- Carbohydrates
- 30 g
- Fat
- 0.5 g
- Fiber
- 5 g
Dietary info: Vegan, Gluten‑Free (use tamari), Dairy‑Free
Allergens: Soy
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Young Green Jackfruit in Brine: Hearts of Palm, Shredded Jackfruit (no brine)
- Instead of Vegetable Broth: Water + bouillon cube, Mushroom broth
- Instead of Onion: Leek, Shallot
- Instead of Garlic: Garlic powder (1 tsp)
- Instead of Olive Oil: Canola oil, Avocado oil
- Instead of Soy Sauce (or Tamari for gluten‑free): Coconut aminos
- Instead of Smoked Paprika: Regular paprika
- Instead of Ground Cumin: Coriander powder
Equipment Needed
- Large Pot with Lid
- Oven
- Baking Dish or Oven‑Safe Casserole
- Colander or Fine Mesh Sieve
- Chef’s Knife
- Cutting Board
- Wooden Spoon
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Rinsing the jackfruit multiple times to remove briny flavor
- Removing the hard seeds
- Simmering with broth to infuse flavor
- Oven‑baking at 375°F to develop texture
Chef Tips from the Video
- For an even richer flavor, use a splash of apple cider vinegar in the broth.
- A quick flash‑broil (2 minutes) at the end adds a pleasant caramelized crust.
- If you have a pressure cooker, you can simmer the jackfruit under pressure for 10 minutes, then finish in the oven.
Troubleshooting
Jackfruit still tastes too briny.
Rinse again and add an extra ½ cup of water or unsalted broth during the simmer step. A pinch of sugar can also balance excess salt.
Jackfruit is mushy and falls apart.
Reduce simmer time to 10‑12 minutes and bake a little longer (up to 25 minutes) to allow the pieces to firm up.
Dish is dry after baking.
Cover the baking dish with foil for the first 10 minutes of baking, or add a splash more broth before placing in the oven.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze in a freezer‑safe bag for up to 2 months; thaw in the fridge before reheating.
Room temperature: Do not store at room temperature; it can spoil quickly.
Make-Ahead Tips
- The jackfruit can be simmered and baked a day ahead; reheat gently on the stove with a splash of water.
- Seasoning can be adjusted after reheating to refresh flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of seasoned braised jackfruit in American vegan cuisine?
Jackfruit has been adopted by American vegans as a plant‑based alternative to pulled pork because its texture mimics shredded meat. Over the past decade, chefs have refined techniques—like thorough rinsing and broth simmering—to remove its natural briny flavor and make it more versatile in dishes such as tacos, sandwiches, and enchiladas.
What are the traditional regional variations of jackfruit dishes in Asian cuisine compared to this American version?
In South and Southeast Asia, jackfruit is often cooked in curries, stews, or fried as a snack, using spices like turmeric, ginger, and coconut milk. The American version focuses on a smoky, savory profile with smoked paprika and cumin, aiming for a meat‑like texture suitable for Mexican‑inspired meals.
How is seasoned braised jackfruit traditionally served in the United States?
In the U.S., seasoned braised jackfruit is commonly served as a filling for tacos, burritos, sandwiches, or as a side dish alongside rice and beans. It’s also paired with enchiladas, as demonstrated by Shakayla Felice, to provide a plant‑based protein alternative.
What occasions or celebrations is seasoned braised jackfruit typically associated with in vegan American culture?
Vegan gatherings, pot‑lucks, and holiday meals (like Thanksgiving or Christmas) often feature jackfruit as a centerpiece for those seeking a meat‑free option. Its versatility makes it popular for casual weeknight dinners and festive brunches alike.
What authentic traditional ingredients are used in jackfruit dishes, and what are acceptable substitutes for this seasoned braised jackfruit recipe?
Traditional Asian jackfruit dishes use coconut milk, turmeric, and fish sauce. In this American recipe, vegetable broth, soy sauce (or tamari), smoked paprika, and cumin replace those flavors. Substitutes include mushroom broth for vegans avoiding soy, and coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.
What other American or Mexican dishes pair well with seasoned braised jackfruit?
Seasoned braised jackfruit pairs beautifully with corn tortillas, guacamole, salsa, Mexican rice, black beans, and a fresh cilantro‑lime slaw. It also works well alongside grilled corn, roasted sweet potatoes, or a simple avocado salad.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making seasoned braised jackfruit?
Common errors include not rinsing the jackfruit enough, which leaves a salty brine; over‑cooking the jackfruit, resulting in a mushy texture; and baking uncovered for too long, which can dry the dish out. Follow the rinsing, simmer, and covered baking steps carefully.
Why does this seasoned braised jackfruit recipe use a simmer step before oven‑baking instead of direct roasting?
Simmering infuses the jackfruit with broth flavor and helps leach out the briny taste, while also softening the fibers. The subsequent oven‑bake then creates a caramelized exterior, giving the dish a meat‑like texture that direct roasting alone cannot achieve.
Can I make seasoned braised jackfruit ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes, you can prepare the jackfruit up to the seasoning step, let it cool, and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze it for up to 2 months and reheat gently on the stove with a splash of broth.
What texture and appearance should I look for when the seasoned braised jackfruit is done cooking?
The jackfruit should be tender yet hold its shape, with slightly browned, crispy edges from the oven. It should look shredded, with a glossy coating from the broth and seasonings, and should not be overly wet or dry.
What does the YouTube channel Shakayla Felice specialize in?
The YouTube channel Shakayla Felice specializes in approachable, plant‑based cooking tutorials that blend comfort food flavors with vegan techniques, often focusing on creative uses of whole‑food ingredients like jackfruit, beans, and vegetables.
How does the YouTube channel Shakayla Felice's approach to vegan cooking differ from other vegan cooking channels?
Shakayla Felice emphasizes practical, everyday meals that require minimal specialty equipment and uses familiar flavor profiles (like Mexican or Southern comfort foods) to make vegan cooking feel accessible, whereas many other channels focus on gourmet or highly technical vegan cuisine.
Last updated: August 30, 2026
