Perfect for movie night or game day, these delicious nachos are covered in BBQ jackfruit, cooked in a homemade BBQ sauce that is immensely flavourful, yet incredibly simple to prepare.
This recipe was originally published in July 2018. It has been updated for content and photos.
You are going to love these jackfruit nachos!
They’re ready in minutes with very simple prep methods.
They’re fun, perfect to feed a crowd, and vegan and omnivore approved.
As an added bonus, these jackfruit nachos are not only vegan, but they’re gluten free, and allergen friendly. If you make your own chips, you could make this dish oil free too!
What’s in BBQ jackfruit?
First, make sure you’re using canned green jackfruit in water or brine, not syrup.
You do not want the syrupy kind as it will be very sweet and doesn’t work well for a savoury dish.
I find it at my local Asian supermarket, some Walmart’s or large chain grocery stores. It’s very inexpensive and under two dollars a can. If you’re having trouble finding it near you, try online. Amazon often carries it, but again, do NOT get the syrup kind.
Can I use fresh over canned?
Although you can buy fresh jackfruit at the supermarket, I hear it’s VERY difficult to work with.
It’s sticky, and messy and the textured skin is difficult to remove. So your hands will end up a sticky mess, plus you’ll then need to cook it for up to 45 minutes to soften it.
So if you’re feeling adventurous, give it a go, and tell me all about it. Or just grab a can, drain, rinse and you’re ready to go. 🙂
How to prepare canned jackfruit
Open your can and make sure to rinse well to remove the brine flavour. Then drain and set aside.
To make the homemade BBQ sauce, combine all the sauce ingredients in a medium bowl and mix well, then set aside.
Shred the jackfruit using your hands (or two forks). Place it in a large skillet. (photos 1-2)
I like to shred before cooking it so it’s easier to handle and not hot to the touch. It will pull apart fairly easily, but you may use a knife help with the core pieces, if needed.
Do not discard any parts of the fruit. It’s all edible and delicious, no need to waste any!
How to cook it
Pour the BBQ sauce over the jackfruit and mix well. (photos 3-4)
Then, over medium heat, cook stirring occasionally until it absorbs the sauce. It may look a little watery at first, but it will reduce. Just let it simmer, and the jackfruit will absorb all the delicious sauce. This will take about 5-8 minutes. (photos 5-6)
I like jackfruit soft in texture, but if you prefer some crispy edges, transfer it to a baking tray and bake in a hot oven for 15-20 minutes before assembling your nachos.
How to assemble your jackfruit nachos
Add your favourite tortilla chips to a large platter. Then layer them generously with your BBQ jackfruit and sprinkle any other toppings you’d like. (photos 7-8)
Remember, the jackfruit is the star of the show here, so add a good amount.
I usually opt for simple ingredients like canned black beans, thawed frozen corn and some sliced jalapeno.
Serve your jackfruit nachos with all your favourite dippers (I like guacamole and cashew cream) and enjoy.
Or, you may want to make some vegan cheese sauce to dunk in or just drizzle on top. Or go for a spicy cheesy sauce like my Jalapeno Popper Dip.
Either way, you are going to love these!
More nacho toppings
- Black olives
- Pinto beans
- Diced tomatoes
- Cilantro
- Avocado
- Green or red onion
More jackfruit recipes
If you tried this recipe, please let me know about it in the comments below. I always love hearing from you! Don’t forget to Subscribe to This Healthy Kitchen to be among the first to get my new recipes! You can also FOLLOW ME on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest and Twitter to see more delicious food and get all the latest updates.
Buon appetito,
Rosa
Ingredients
For the Jackfruit
- 220 grams bag multigrain tortilla chips or your choice
- 20 oz can young green jackfruit drained & rinsed (the kind in water or brine, not syrup)
- 3 tablespoon tomato paste
- ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
- 2 tablespoon tamari or soy sauce (or ½ teaspoon salt)
- ¼ cup water
- 2 teaspoon onion powder
- 2 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper optional
Optional Toppings & Dips
- black beans
- corn
- jalapeno
- olives
- fresh cilantro
- guacamole
- cashew cream
- salsa
- nut free cheese sauce
- spicy "Jalapeno Popper" dip
Instructions
- Combine all the bbq sauce ingredients in a medium bowl and mix well. Set aside.
- Pull apart the chunks of jackfruit using your hands or two forks. It will shred quite easily, and place it in a large skillet. Then pour the sauce over top and mix well.
- Over medium heat, cook the jackfruit in the sauce, it will be a little soupy at first but it will quickly absorb the sauce as it cooks. This will take about 5-8 minutes.
- Meanwhile, layer your chips in a serving dish, and once ready, top it with the jackfruit and your choice of toppings. Serve your jackfruit nachos with guacamole, cashew cream, and/or salsa.
Jd
I just made these and they are delicious. I wasn’t going to make the BBQ sauce and use one I had in the refrigerator. I am so glad I made the sauce. Thanks for sharing.
Rosa
You’re very welcome. Thrilled you enjoyed! 🙂
Karl
We’re just recently eating vegan and I’ve been looking for something to do with Jackfruit, the flavour of the BBQ sauce is freaking delicious! I made a few substitutes but it turned out amazing! Thanks so much for posting this. Yum
rosa
My pleasure Karl, so glad you enjoyed! 🙂
Tammy
This was so delicious 😋
rosa
Thanks Tammy! Glad you think so.