BBQ Jackfruit

Learning this new way of eating real whole foods, I have heard of and found Jackfruit. This is a fruit that can be eaten ripe or unripe. When ripe it is....well, a fruit. We have tried it and really don't care for the flavor and texture. When young green unripe it is used by non-meat eaters as a meat substitute. I am not one who cares to substitute meat. I was never a big meat eater anyway. Plus I think if I'm changing my lifestyle to not eat animals then why do I want something that is like it.

Anywho, I sometimes find healthy things that is used to substitutes meat. As long as it's a healthier alternative I'll try the recipe. So hearing of Jackfruit I decided to give it a try by using it in place of BBQ Pulled Pork. But it can also be used to replace tuna salad, flaked crabmeat for, say....crab cakes. But this is just a recipe for the BBQ Jackfruit. Of course, if I try the others I will make sure to post.




We buy canned jackfruit. Make sure it's young green jackfruit and in water. Drain the water and rinse the fruit. You can shred it now or after you cook it. I waited to shred after cooking and have decided it would work better for me to shred it before cooking. I use non-stick cookware and can't use metal utensils so I feel shredding it before adding to my skillet will be better. But of course if you prefer to do it after you cook, have at it. You can shred it using a potato masher, fork or your hands.

There is a harder part of the fruit they call the core. It is not necessary to remove this. The only thing is it won't shred but you can chop it up small if it bothers you. I don't remove mine. Waste not want not! There is no reason to waste this part just cause it may not "look" pretty.

BBQ JACKFRUIT
Two 20 oz. can green jackfruit in water, drained and rinsed
1 onion, diced
2 tsp. minced garlic cloves
1 1/2 cups BBQ sauce of choice
1 tsp. each: smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, liquid smoke
salt and pepper to taste

Water sauté the onion and garlic in a skillet. When soft add all the remaining ingredients. Simmer for about 30 minutes adding water as needed. When it's done you may also add more BBQ sauce if you'd like. I didn't find a need to add more but hey, each his own.

Until next time....enjoy some jackfruit!!