If you’re new to cooking jackfruit, try these Easy Jackfruit Tostadas for a healthy meatless dinner! Loaded with flavor and toppings like beans and corn. (vegan & gluten-free)
I was very surprised to look at my blog analytics the other day and see how popular my BBQ jackfruit sandwiches are! Which tells me that y’all want more jackfruit recipes… so I’m here today delivering that for you.
Cayden (my 6′ tall, perpetually hungry boyfriend) absolutely LOVED these jackfruit tostadas – he loved the “meaty” texture and heartiness. But I don’t think he’s ever disliked anything I’ve cooked so… maybe not the best judge. Oh well, I still trust his tastebuds!
What is jackfruit?
I’m glad you asked! It’s a huge spiky green fruit, but when it’s harvested young, it’s not sweet. The flesh of jackfruit resembles the texture of pulled pork when cooking, making it a really awesome meat substitute! Something to remember, though, is that although it’s used as a meat substitute, it’s not a good source of protein, so pair it with plant protein like beans (black beans in this tostada recipe), tofu, tempeh, etc.
I’ve never bought a whole jackfruit; I buy it canned in water or brine. Beware of jackfruit in syrup – not what you want for savory recipes!
For this recipe, we’re marinating the jackfruit in a whole lot of salsa and delicious Mexican-style spices. I swear my apartment smelled like chili powder for like 2 days after cooking this (not complaining at all).
Broil some tortilla to make ’em nice and crispy, then load ’em up with ALL of the best tostada toppings: marinated jackfruit, black beans, corn, lettuce, jalapeño, and cilantro. I used an avocado salsa on top which is why guac is missing, but I can’t say I didn’t add a few avocado slices after I shot these photos…
Double the recipe if you’re serving a crowd! If you’re making these for meal prep, keep all the toppings separate, then load up the tortilla when you’re ready to eat.
How do you feel about jackfruit? Have you ever tried it? What other jackfruit recipes do you want to see? Let me know!
Easy Jackfruit Tostadas
If you’re new to cooking jackfruit, try these Easy Jackfruit Tostadas for a healthy meatless dinner! Loaded with flavor and toppings like beans and corn. (vegan & gluten-free)
Ingredients
- 1 20-ounce can jackfruit (in water or brine, not syrup), drained
- 1 tablespoon cooking oil
- 1 red onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 16-ounce jar salsa, plus more for topping
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 4 whole grain tortillas
- 1 15-ounce can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup yellow corn
- 1 cup romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1 jalapeno, sliced
- 1 lime, sliced into wedges
- 1/2 cup cilantro, finely chopped
Instructions
- Slice the jackfruit into thin pieces. Set aside.
- In a medium skillet over medium heat, add oil. When hot, add onion; cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring, until tender. Add garlic; cook for 1 minute. Add jackfruit, salsa, chili powder, cumin, and pepper; stir. Cover the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes, until jackfruit is tender. Using a potato masher, break up jackfruit pieces until shredded.
- Turn oven broiler on low. Place tortillas on a baking sheet. Broil until crispy, about 5 minutes.
- Top crispy tortillas with jackfruit, black beans, corn, salsa, lettuce, jalapeño slices, lime juice, and cilantro.
