With more and more people adamant about choosing a healthy lifestyle, and many opting to go vegan, jackfruit has become a popular choice when creating delicious plant-based meals, and the jackfruit burger is no exception.
The versatility of jackfruit makes it ideal for use in "pulled pork" recipes and burgers, as well as other meals that require a meaty consistency without containing any meat.
The jackfruit burger is not just mouthwatering and easy to make.
Still, it is exceptionally healthy, making it a fantastic choice for the health-conscious and those opting to steer clear of animal products, which, as we know, contain a lot of saturated fat.
Since these are much healthier than traditional meat burgers, jackfruit burgers have become a staple addition to many menus across the United States and beyond.
However, that is not to say you cannot recreate your version at home.
To give you some inspiration into how easy it is to whip up one of these bad boys in your kitchen, here is the ultimate jackfruit burger recipe to follow.
But first, what exactly is jackfruit, we hear you ask?
So, what exactly is jackfruit, and where is it from?
Jackfruit is a tropical fruit from Southeast Asia and is often used in vegan and vegetarian recipes as a meat substitute due to its texture and ability to absorb flavors.
In addition, jackfruit has a meaty and fibrous texture, making it an excellent substitute for meat in burgers, tacos, and other dishes.
Jackfruit is very healthy, which is a bonus when conjuring up a new plant-based recipe, but what makes it so healthy?
One of the main health benefits of the jackfruit burger recipe is that it is a much better alternative to traditional meat burgers since it is very low in cholesterol and saturated fat.
Jackfruit is also very low in calories, making it an excellent option for those looking to lose or maintain a healthy weight.
Additionally, jackfruit is high in fiber, which can help improve digestion and reduce the risk of heart disease and other health problems.
Another health benefit of the jackfruit burger recipe is its tremendous source of vitamins and minerals.
Jackfruit is rich in vitamin C, which helps boost the immune system and promote healthy skin.
It also contains potassium, which helps regulate blood pressure and reduce the risk of stroke and other health problems.
So, now it may seem obvious why vegans are choosing jackfruit for many popular meals, but if you haven't tried it, this is your sign to give it a go.
Getting your hands on jackfruit
Don't worry; there is no need to book a flight to South East Asia with an empty suitcase to get your hands on jackfruit since this delicious meat substitute is available around the US and Europe.
Certain places will be easier to find jackfruits, such as Asian food stores, health food stores, and online retailers, but keep your eyes open as more supermarkets are stocking jackfruit than ever before.
Jackfruit can be cooked from scratch on the stove or bought precooked in a can – the most popular choice and expected to be found in many stores.
Be sure to check the canned goods section and the fresh produce section and always ask the staff, as it can be on an aisle you didn't think to look, nevertheless; once you get your hands on the good stuff, you are ready to create the jackfruit burger at home.
Some of the top places to get jackfruit in the US are:
- Whole Foods Market
- Trader Joe's
- Asian grocery stores
- Walmart
- Kroger
- Target
- Online retailers
So, let's get started!
The Ultimate Jackfruit Burger Recipe
One of the best things you will be happy to hear about the jackfruit burger recipe is that it is straightforward to make, which is ideal if you don't have time, don't like to spend hours following recipes, or tend to get bored quickly in the kitchen.
Unlike traditional meat burgers that require much prep work and cooking time, jackfruit burgers can be made in just a few simple steps, and the results are mighty delicious.
What you will need:
- Canned or fresh jackfruit (Trader Joe's canned jackfruit is a fantastic option)
- Seasoning (Thyme & Paprika are ideal)
- Black beans
- Walnuts or sunflower seeds
- Bell pepper
- TVP
- Onion
- BBQ sauce
The Method:
Preheat the oven to 400F (204C) and prepare a baking tray with parchment paper, to use further along.
- To make a jackfruit burger, you must start by preparing the jackfruit. You can buy canned jackfruit that is already cooked or cook fresh jackfruit on the stovetop.
- If canned, always buy it in brine, not syrup, and drain and rinse before preparing it.
- Once the jackfruit is rinsed, you must shred it with a fork to create a meat-like texture and set it aside until the rest of the ingredients are prepared.
- Separately, sauté the onions and bell pepper in a pan and add garlic, thyme, and smoked paprika.
- Add in the jackfruit and cook for five minutes. Set aside to cool.
- Add the walnuts, black beans, jackfruit mixture, and BBQ sauce in a food processor, and pulse until thoroughly combined.
- In a large mixing bowl, slowly fold in the TVP.
- When the mixture is ready, create patties in your hand and place them along the baking tray you prepared earlier, ready to be placed in the oven.
- Bake the jackfruit burgers for 30-35 minutes until golden, turning them after 15 minutes, and since these are gluten-free, be gentle when removing them, as they may be fragile when hot.
- Once the jackfruit burgers are cooked, you can assemble them with your favorite toppings. Some popular toppings for jackfruit burgers include avocado, lettuce, tomato, and vegan cheese.
- Pair with a side of your choice – we recommend sweet potato fries, which are a delicious addition.
Top tips
- Allow the burgers to cool overnight, and they will get even firmer.
- If trying out the recipe multiple times, use chickpeas, pinto beans, or kidney beans for an alternative flavor.
- Chopped soy curls and gluten-free panko breadcrumbs can make a great alternative to TVP.
- While we love a jackfruit burger, you can also use well-rinsed artichoke hearts as an alternative.
- A jackfruit burger can be stored in the fridge for up to 5 days, but we feel they will be eaten by then. Alternatively, you can pre-make these delicious patties and freeze them for up to two months.
Final Thoughts
Given its health benefits, versatility, and delicious flavor, if you haven't tried the jackfruit burger recipe, we feel you might want to know.
However, if you are looking for a healthy and delicious vegan option, the jackfruit burger recipe is widespread, and many vegans are starting to discover it.
Not only is it low in calories and fat, but it is also a great source of vitamins and minerals.
Additionally, a jackfruit burger is easy to make and can be customized with various toppings and seasonings.
You can enjoy a tasty and healthy alternative to traditional meat burgers by incorporating a delicious jackfruit burger into your diet.
By using jackfruit in recipes, vegans can enjoy delicious and healthy meals while positively impacting the environment, which we can all agree is a fantastic feature of eating mindfully.