Instant Pot Citrus Chile Jackfruit

Plant Based Carnitas in Your Instant Pot

I even have a whole post about Instant Pot Jackfruit Recipes with tons of information on the miracle fruit if you want to learn more.

It’s like veganized carnitas that just happen to be oil-free. Lime chile jackfruit tacos are a great way to introduce your family to this miracle food.

Serve this with some Plant Based Instant Pot White Beans with Tomatillos or Instant Pot Mexican Quinoa with Black Beans.

What Is Jackfruit?

Jackfruit is a giant fruit that’s native in India and can be grown in a tropic or subtropic climate. It doesn’t have a strong flavor, so it’s great in a bbq sauce, curry, or even a Mexican spiced dish.

Don’t worry, you don’t need to buy and break down a 15 to 50 pound fruit to make jackfruit recipes. You can buy it canned or a smaller piece of the fresh fruit.

Why Use Jackfruit?

With so many allergies it’s always nice to have a filling main that’s soy and gluten-free. It’s a great meat replacement and once cooked and shredded it mimics shredded chicken or pork.

It’s a super easy way to veganize some of your old favorite recipes. I’ve used it in a Tom Yum soup, in Pad Thai, BBQ, and show no signs that I’m stopping any time soon.

Where Can I Buy Canned Jackfruit?

Jackfruit is really taking off and you might find some in a regular grocery in the ethnic section. You will always find the cans in your local Asian market and I actually found some in my local grocery on sale for 50 cents a can! Generally, you will pay between 2 to 3 dollars a can, so I stocked up when I saw the sale.

You can always get fresh or canned jackfruit at your local Asian market. Be sure to read the note below and buy jackfruit in water or brine, not in syrup for savory recipes.

Buy Canned Jackfruit in Brine NOT in a Syrup!

This recipe uses canned and be sure to read the label carefully, because you want the jackfruit in brine and not the one in a sweetened syrup. We’re using an unripe jackfruit and it’s not sweet at all.

How Can I make Cooked Jackfruit More Chewy?

This is great inside tacos, burritos, and as a main part of a dinner bowl. Make it chewier by baking or sauting after you cook it in your Instant Pot.

To bake, spread on a parchment lined baking pan on 350 degrees for about 10 minutes, stir, and cook 5 to 10 minutes more. You could also saute in a nonstick pan over medium heat until the jackfruit begins to be more chewy.