Vegetarian Braised Jackfruit 'Pork' Recipe

While the holiday season is upon us, I've taken full advantage of being in a tropical country to try out new ways to cook with different ingredients. Today's unusual ingredient is Jackfruit, a popular fruit that is widely eaten when it's ripe. It can also be cooked in savoury dishes and it takes in all the flavour you give it (as well mimicking a pork-like texture). This dish is incredibly simple to make, but fret not if you live in London (or other countries that jackfruit is quite rare in) — you can find a canned version in Whole Foods or Planet Organic. 

Vegetarian Braised Jackfruit 'Pork' Recipe

• Prep Time:10 mins
• Cook Time:40 mins
• Total Time:50 mins
• Servings:2
• Medium

Ingredients

• 300g peeled and prepped jackfruit
• 3 tsp black pepper
• 3 tbsp soy sauce
• 4-5 cloves garlic
• Sunflower oil
• Sesame oil
• 1 bird's eye chilli optional

• Step 1

  Peel and mince the garlic.

  

• Step 2

  Add oil to a pot and turn on the heat to medium. When the oil has heated up, add garlic and fry until it is slightly golden.

  

• Step 3

  Pop the jackfruit in and give it a little stir.

  

• Step 4

  Add the soy sauce.

  

• Step 5

  Sprinkle pepper and mix until well combined. At this point lower the heat.

  

• Step 6

  Add just enough water so the jackfruit is covered. Close the lid and let it simmer.

  

• Step 7

  While it simmers, check on it and stir occasionally so the bottom doesn't burn. Remember to be gentle because you don't want to break make the jackfruit pieces and make it mushy.

  

• Step 8

  This step is optional but after 15 minutes of simmering you can add a bird's eye chilli for a little kick of spice.

  

• Step 9

  Let is simmer for another 30 minutes. Finally, turn up the heat to high, add the sesame oil and more pepper if you like and give it a really quick mix. Take it off the heat immediately after.

  

• Step 10

  Now you're done! Enjoy it with rice.