How to Use Jackfruit as a Meat Substitute in Indian Cuisine

September 23, 2024

Are you a vegetarian or just trying to eat less meat? Maybe you’re just curious about how plants can replace meat in your meals. Well, jackfruit is one such plant that’s been used as a meat substitute for centuries in India. You might know it as kathal, and its meaty texture makes it a perfect alternative for dishes where you’d usually use chicken or mutton.

In this blog, we’ll explore why jackfruit is such a great meat replacement, how to prepare it, and a few popular Indian dishes where it really shines.

Why Jackfruit Makes a Great Meat Substitute

Jackfruit has a unique, stringy texture that makes it feel like pulled meat when cooked. When it’s unripe, it doesn’t have much flavor, so it easily takes on the taste of whatever spices and masala you add. This makes it a superstar in Indian cuisine, where spices play a major role.

Plus, jackfruit is healthy! It’s low in calories and high in fiber, which means it fills you up without packing on the calories. It’s also a great source of Vitamin C, potassium, and other nutrients. While it’s not a high-protein food like meat, you can easily pair it with lentils, paneer, or other protein-rich sides.

How to Select the Right Jackfruit

To use jackfruit as a meat substitute, it’s important to choose unripe (green) jackfruit. Ripe jackfruit is sweet and is typically used in desserts or eaten on its own. Unripe jackfruit, on the other hand, has a neutral taste and firm texture, which is what you need for savory dishes.

You can buy fresh jackfruit from the market or opt for the canned version, which is often easier to work with. If you’re using canned jackfruit, make sure it’s packed in water or brine, not syrup. The syrup-packed one is sweet and won’t work well in curries or kebabs.

How to Prepare Jackfruit

Here’s a quick guide on how to prepare jackfruit for your meals:

Canned Jackfruit: If you’re using canned jackfruit, drain and rinse it first. Then, use your hands or a fork to shred the jackfruit into pieces that resemble pulled meat.
Fresh Jackfruit: If you’re working with fresh jackfruit, it’s a bit more labor-intensive. You’ll need to peel the thick, prickly outer skin and remove the seeds. Once that’s done, boil the jackfruit for about 30 minutes to soften it up. After boiling, you can shred it the same way you would with canned jackfruit.

Indian Dishes You Can Make with Jackfruit

Here are some popular Indian dishes where jackfruit can easily replace meat:

1. Jackfruit Biryani

Who doesn’t love a good biryani? The layers of fragrant basmati rice, rich spices, and tender meat—or in this case, jackfruit—make for an unforgettable dish. To make jackfruit biryani, marinate the shredded jackfruit in yogurt and spices, then cook it just like you would a chicken or mutton biryani.

2. Kathal ki Sabzi (Jackfruit Curry)

Kathal ki sabzi is a North Indian favorite. The jackfruit is cooked in a thick gravy made with onions, tomatoes, and a blend of spices like turmeric, cumin, and garam masala. The jackfruit absorbs all the flavors, making it taste rich and satisfying. Serve it with roti or rice for a hearty meal.

3. Jackfruit Kebab

Craving some crispy kebabs? Jackfruit can be mashed and mixed with spices to create tasty kebabs that are perfect as a snack or appetizer. Just add chickpea flour or bread crumbs to bind the mixture, shape it into kebabs, and pan-fry until golden brown.

If you’re interested in a detailed recipe for protein-packed Laddu, head over to The Drill Blogs to check out our Homemade Protein Laddu recipe, which offers another way to incorporate nutrition into your diet.

Tips for Cooking Jackfruit Like Meat

Spices are your friend: Jackfruit has a mild flavor, so it will soak up whatever spices you cook it with. Be generous with masalas like garam masala, cumin, coriander, and chili powder.
Watch the texture: The longer you cook jackfruit, the softer it becomes. For curries, you can let it simmer for a while, but for kebabs or stir-fries, cook it just enough so that it still holds its shape.
Pair with protein: Since jackfruit is low in protein, you can boost your meal’s protein content by pairing it with dishes like dal or paneer.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What does jackfruit taste like when used as a meat substitute?

When cooked, unripe jackfruit has a neutral taste but a fibrous texture that feels like pulled meat. The flavor comes from the spices and seasonings you cook it with, so it can mimic the taste of chicken or pork in dishes like curries or biryanis.

2. Is jackfruit a good source of protein compared to meat?

Jackfruit is low in protein compared to meat, but it’s high in fiber and packed with vitamins. To balance your meal, you can serve jackfruit with other protein-rich foods like lentils or paneer.

3. Can I use canned jackfruit for Indian recipes?

Yes! Canned jackfruit is a convenient option. Just be sure to buy the kind packed in water or brine, not syrup. Rinse it well before cooking, and shred it to mimic the texture of meat.

4. How long does it take to cook jackfruit?

Canned jackfruit can be cooked in about 10-15 minutes, since it’s already soft. If you’re using fresh jackfruit, you’ll need to boil it for around 30 minutes to soften it before shredding and cooking it in your chosen recipe.

5. What’s the best way to season jackfruit?

Jackfruit doesn’t have much flavor on its own, so you’ll want to use a lot of spices. Indian masalas like garam masala, cumin, turmeric, and coriander work wonderfully to give it a rich, meaty flavor.

That’s all you need to know about using jackfruit as a meat substitute in Indian cooking! Whether you’re making a biryani, curry, or kebabs, jackfruit can add a delicious, plant-based twist to your meals.

For more healthy and exciting recipes, don’t forget to check out The Drill Blogs for more plant-based recipe ideas!