Jackfruit Pulled Pork Lettuce Wraps

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If you are in search for a light, flavorful and easy to make appetizer, then try these jackfruit pulled pork lettuce wraps. They taste like pulled pork tacos, except they are 100% vegan and gluten-free.

Jackfruit filling topped with carrots and green onions over a lettuce leaf.

Jackfruit is a vegan kitchen staple because it’s such a versatile ingredient. Cooked jackfruit has similar taste and texture of pulled pork and a neutral flavor that serves as a blank canvas to imitate meat dishes.

The jackfruit filling for these lettuce wraps is flavored with mouthwatering umami Asian flavors. I usually make the filling in a big batch for an easy meal prep throughout the week.

These jackfruit lettuce wraps can be served as an appetizer, starter or low-carb meal. They are one of the easiest vegan and gluten-free dishes you can make in advance and heat up when ready to serve.

Square serving bowl with cooked jackfruit and garnished with carrots and green onions.

Green jackfruit vs. Ripe jackfruit

From the outside, the green (young) or unripe jackfruit doesn’t look a lot different from ripe jackfruit. Although green jackfruit will feel tougher. Inside however, you’ll see a world of difference. The flesh of unripe jackfruit is white and the seeds will be quite small. On the other hand, ripe jackfruit is very fragrant when you open it and you’ll find that the flesh is yellow and the seeds will be larger.

Ingredients to make Jackfruit

Fifteen ingredients in separate serving bowls.

Organic Young Jackfruit - Canned Green Jackfruit
Water Chestnuts - To add a depth of flavor and crunch.
Toasted Sesame Seed Oil - For nutty flavor.
Onion - To add depth of flavor.
Garlic - Grated, minced or paste (either will do).
Ginger - Grated, minced or paste (either will do).
Tomato Paste
Hoisin Sauce - Make sure to read the label to avoid gluten, if gluten-free is necessary.
Soy Sauce - Make sure to read the label to avoid gluten, if gluten-free is necessary.
Sriracha Sauce - Make sure to read the label to avoid gluten, if gluten-free is necessary.
Maple Syrup - To add a balance of sweetness.
Ginger Powder
Cumin Powder

How to cook Jackfruit Pulled Pork (Step By Step Instructions)

Young jackfruit pieces in a strainer over a steel bowl.

Chopped up raw jackfruit on a wooden surface.

Step 1 - Wash and drain jackfruit under cold water to rinse the extra salt from the brine.
Step 2 - Using a sharp knife, roughly chop up the jackfruit into smaller pieces. Or take two forks into a jackfruit piece and pull them in opposite directions to shred the the jackfruit pieces apart.
Step 3 - Slice the water chest nuts in small minced pieces.

Deep skillet with sauteed onions, spices, and tomato paste. — Step 4

Step 4 - Heat oil in a skillet over low-medium heat. Add onions and cook till they are translucent and fragrant. Then add ginger, garlic and tomato paste.

A skillet with onions and gravy mixer and next to a kitchen towel.

A skillet with seasoned and cooked jackfruit and next to a kitchen towel.

Step 5 - Stir in the following ingredients: hoisin sauce, soy sauce, sriracha, maple syrup, ginger powder and cumin powder.
Step 6 - Toss in the jackfruit and chestnuts and mix together.
Step 7 - Cover the skillet with a lid and turn down the heat to low. Let it cook for 5 minutes.

Saucy and seasoned jackfruit scooped up by a wooden spoon.

Step 8 - Then remove lid and turn off the heat. Give it another good mix and set aside till ready to assemble.

Full recipe details are in the recipe card.

Expert Tip

Most canned jackfruits are extremely salty from being packed in brine, so make sure to properly rinse canned jackfruit before using.

Recipe Notes on Jackfruit Pulled Pork Lettuce Wraps

Lettuce wraps - You can assemble these tacos in iceberg or butter lettuce. If you like crispy bites, then go for the iceberg. Take apart the lettuce cups from the lettuce head and wash them in cold water before assembling.
Toppings - There are several ways to go with toppings or garnishing. For this recipe, I simply went with julienne-cut carrots and sliced green onions. But don't limit yourself; add other toppings like avocado or cilantro to jazz it up more.

Square bowl of shredded jackfruit with toppings and a rectangular platter with lettuce leafs topped with shredded jackfruit and toppings.

Substitutions and Variations

This vegan pulled pork or savory jackfruit filling is simple to make in a batch and store to use as needed. You can use it for several different meal prep ideas, other than just lettuce wraps.

If you don't mind the carbs, it's easy to swap out the lettuce cups for crunchy corn taco shells for your next Taco Tuesday dinner. Top it off with some pico de gallo, drizzle over some sriracha mayo and lime juice.
You can use this jackfruit recipe as a topping for salads, nachos or vegan rice bowls. Or use it as a dip with tortilla chips.
This jackfruit filling can also be used to fill in your wraps, burritos or quesadillas with an Asian twist.
You can even sub the hoisin, soy and sriracha for other flavored sauces like BBQ, Teriyaki or Buffalo.

A lettuce wrap filled with jackfruit filling and garnished held by a human had.

FAQs

What is jackfruit?

A large, green and spiky fruit grown in tropical climates. Asian cuisines use it as an ingredient for several dishes.

Where does jackfruit originate from?

Southeast Asia (India)

Where to buy jackfruit?

Canned young jackfruit is readily available in several local grocery stores and Amazon. But you can also get it fresh in most Asian markets.

What does jackfruit taste like?

Unripped young jackfruit is almost tasteless which why it is easy to mimic meat dishes. Due to its fiber-like texture, it resembles pulled pork or chicken when cooked. Ripe jackfruit is slightly sweet and used in some Southeast Asian desserts.

How to cut fresh jackfruit?

Jackfruit is encased in a thick and spiky skin that can be a little tricky to remove so if you decide to get them fresh, be extra careful. If you’re unsure about how to do this properly, see if the shop removes the skin for you.
Here's a video to check out on: how to to cut fresh jackfruit.

Is jackfruit healthy?

Yes! Jackfruit has several health benefits whether it’s raw (green) or ripe. It is a good source of B vitamins (folate, niacin, and riboflavin), magnesium and potassium. It's vitamin A content also increases as it ripes. In terms of macronutrients, one cup of this fruit has 38 grams carbs, 3 grams of protein, 2 grams of fat at 157 calories.