Buffalo Wing Jackfruit Nuggets Recipe (2024)

· Plant Based Diet Recipes

Vegan jackfruit buffalo wing nuggets are a healthy and lighter alternative to an old favorite. If you haven’t started cooking with jackfruit yet, this is a great recipe to try. The texture makes it the perfect alternative to chicken! I find it to be incredibly tasty and satisfying.

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In fact, jackfruit is quickly becoming one of my favorite meat replacements! It’s also really easy to find cans of jackfruit at the local market – I like buying the Trader Joe’s brand. So, whether you’re looking for a game day appetizer or just cooking for yourself, give this recipe a shot next time you’re craving something spicy.

Buffalo Wing Jackfruit Nuggets Recipe (1)

What is jackfruit?

I remember seeing jackfruit in stores and wondering what the strange looking fruit was. I never knew you could cook such tasty appetizers with it! But, what is this mystery fruit?

Native to South India, jackfruit is an exotic fruit that has gained a ton of popularity for its unique flavor and texture. It’s one of the largest fruits that grows on trees, and they can be a whopping 80 pounds in weight! When ripe, it has a sweet and tropical taste. Unripe jackfruit has a meat-like texture and a more neutral flavor. This is why it’s so popular in vegan dishes.

Buffalo Wing Jackfruit Nuggets Recipe (2)

How to make these jackfruit nuggets

When you’re making these jackfruit nuggets you’ll follow a similar process as if you were making chicken nuggets. The jackfruit is dipped in a wet batter made with almond milk and a flax egg. The flax egg is completely optional, but I find it really does help keep everything together.

To make the flax egg: use 1 tablespoon of flax seeds to 3 tablespoons of water. Then, let it sit for 5 minutes to firm up.

After dipping the nuggets in the wet batter, you’ll then bread them as you would any other nugget recipe! The breading is very versatile and you can add as many different spices as you want. So, don’t be afraid to experiment.

You will adore the vegan ranch dipping sauce!

They wouldn’t be nuggets without a vegan ranch dipping sauce, right? Feel free to experiment with the herbs and spices in this recipe as well.

Here are some ideas for additions to the dipping sauce:

  • Fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary
  • Dill
  • Nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor
  • Cayenne pepper for a bit of added kick
  • 1 oz of pickle juice for extra tang
  • Fresh chopped green onion
  • Honey or maple syrup for added sweetness

Why use jackfruit in recipes

  1. Versatility: Jackfruit can be used in a variety of recipes, from savory dishes to sweet desserts, making it a versatile ingredient in the kitchen.
  2. Texture: Its meaty texture makes it a popular choice for vegetarian and vegan recipes, serving as a great substitute for meat.
  3. Nutrition: Jackfruit is packed with nutrients, including vitamin C, potassium, and dietary fiber, making it a healthy addition to any meal.
  4. Flavor: Its unique, subtly sweet flavor can enhance the taste of numerous dishes.
  5. Sustainability: As a fast-growing, drought-resistant tree, using jackfruit is more environmentally friendly compared to many other food sources.

Buffalo Wing Jackfruit Nuggets Recipe (3)

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Buffalo Wing Jackfruit Nuggets

Vegan jackfruit nuggets are delicious and plant based.

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Keyword jackfruit, plant based diet, vegan, vegetables

Prep Time 15 minutes minutes

Cook Time 15 minutes minutes

Total Time 30 minutes minutes

Servings 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 2 (14 oz) cans of jackfruit in brine or water rinsed and drained
  • 1 cup almond milk
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegaror lemon juice
  • 1 flax egg optional
  • ¼ cup buffalo sauce
  • ¾ cup flour almond flour works well
  • ¼ cup cornstarch
  • ¼ cup panko bread crumbs optional
  • 1 Tbsp sea salt
  • ¼ tsp harissa seasoning optional
  • vegetable or olive oil for frying

For The Vegan Ranch Dipping Sauce

  • 1.5 cups cup vegan mayo
  • ¼ cup unsweetened soy milk
  • 1 Tsp apple cider vinegar
  • 3 cloves crushed garlic
  • 1 Tbsp dried parsley
  • 2 Tsp dried dill
  • 1 Tsp onion powder
  • ½ tsp Black pepper
  • ½ tbsp Sea salt

Instructions

  • Drain and rinse jackfruit. Rest on plate lined with a paper towel to dry and pat off any excess moisture.

  • Whisk together almond milk and apple cider vinegar in a medium-sized bowel.

  • Add flax egg to bowl with almond milk (if using).

  • Combined flour, corn starch, panko, salt and spices in a shallow pan or bowl.

  • In a large frying pan bring oil to a medium high heat. You can also use your air fryer for this recipe.

  • Take a 3 or 4 prepped jackfruit piecesat a time and gently dip into your almond milk mixture, then roll the pieces into the dry flour mixture.

  • Carefully drop coated jackfruit pieces in the hot oil until they crisp up.

  • Allow each piece to cool before gently tossing with buffalo sauce before serving.

For The Vegan Ranch

  • Combine all the ingredients and whisk vigorously until thoroughly combined

  • Cover with plastic wrap and set in the fridge for 30 minutes

Buffalo Wing Jackfruit Nuggets Recipe (2024)

FAQs

Are jackfruit nuggets healthy? ›

Nutrients in Jackfruit

There is a small amount of protein present in the fruit and seeds, However, it makes a great low-calorie, low glycemic meat replacement, a good source of fiber, potassium and antioxidants. Say hello to your new favorite recipe, Fried Jackfruit Chicken nuggets.

What do jackfruit nuggets taste like? ›

What do the nuggets taste like? Think of your classic chicken nugget, then imagine them with jackfruit. Our nuggets taste just like a crispy and savory chicken tender—minus the chicken.

Does jackfruit taste like chicken? ›

Jackfruit has a mildly sweet flavor to it, and can be used in place of meats in a variety of recipes. The jackfruit will cook down into what resembles shredded chicken or pork, and when sautéed with BBQ sauce and put in a sandwich or wrap, it will have the same texture and is very satisfying.

Is jackfruit gluten free? ›

Jackfruit is gluten free. Jackfruit should be safe for patients with celiac and other gluten-related disorders. Fig's dietitians reviewed this note on jackfruit.

When not to eat jackfruit? ›

People who should not eat jackfruit

Need to be careful when eating jackfruit with people with fatty liver, diabetes, chronic kidney failure, debilitated people, weak health. Absolutely abstain from eating jackfruit for people with diabetes and fatty liver. Avoid eating jackfruit with those who want to get pregnant.

Does jackfruit increase blood sugar? ›

It is known that jackfruit is in the food group with a glycemic index (GI) and a moderate glycemic index (GL) (GI of jackfruit is between 50 - 60 and GL is between 13 - 18. ). This means that, compared to foods with a high glycemic index, eating jackfruit will not cause blood sugar to rise rapidly.

What does jackfruit taste like as a meat substitute? ›

Ripe yellow jackfruit has a subtly sweet flavor, often described as a combination of banana, apple, and mango. Young green jackfruit, on the other hand, has a neutral flavor and texture similar to shredded meat, making it a popular meat substitute in savory dishes.

How does jackfruit compared to meat? ›

“Jackfruit's stringy texture makes it a good vegan substitute for pulled pork or chicken,” Culbertson says. “It has under 3 grams of protein per cup, making it much lower in protein than meat. Keep that in mind as you consider the protein sources in your diet.”

Why is jackfruit so delicious? ›

The fleshy bulbs of the ripe fruit can vary from light yellow to a bright orange depending on the cultivar. During the ripening process, the sugar (sucrose, glucose, and fructose) content increases significantly, and the quantity of organic acids reduces. Because of this, ripe jackfruits taste sweet.

What is the meat of jackfruit called? ›

The ripe fruit is sweet (depending on variety) and is commonly used in desserts. Canned green jackfruit has a mild taste and meat-like texture that lends itself to being called "vegetable meat".

What fruit is similar to jackfruit? ›

Breadfruit and jackfruit do indeed have a similar external and internal appearance, as they are both members of the mulberry family. This similarity hides some major differences in taste, nutrition, and plant biology, however.

Is jackfruit an acquired taste? ›

It can be eaten whole when it's unripe and the interior is eaten when the fruit is ripe. It is served both raw and cooked. Poor rural families in Sri Lanka use it as a substitute for rice. I have never eaten jackfruit, but it is said to be an acquired taste, sort of like pineapple but not as juicy.

Why are people allergic to jackfruit? ›

Sensitization to jackfruit allergy is due to the cross-reactive BP allergen Bet v 1. The prevalence of jackfruit allergy in the selected group of 5 patients was 100%, but jackfruit is not regularly consumed in Northern Europe, explaining why jackfruit allergy is not common.

Can vegans eat jackfruit? ›

Many vegan and vegetarian eaters seek out jackfruit for their dishes because of its absorbent texture, versatility, and mild taste. Jackfruit is a large tropical fruit that has a slightly sweet and fruity flavor and a meaty texture. It's often used as a replacement for meat in vegetarian or vegan dishes.

Does jackfruit contain alcohol? ›

It is found that about 18% of alcohol present in the ripped jack-fruit flesh. In addition to this we extracted the alcohol from the outer part and the waste part of the jack-fruit using same method. It is found that it also contains about 13% of ethanol.

Is jackfruit a healthy snack? ›

Research shows that eating jackfruit can potentially reduce the risk of heart disease. “The combination of potassium, fiber and antioxidants can benefit heart health,” Culbertson says. Potassium combats the negative effects of sodium on your blood pressure, while fiber contributes to lowering your cholesterol levels.

Is jackfruit healthier than chicken? ›

Jackfruit is low calorie (about 6 times less than chicken), and has no fat or cholesterol. Where it shines in comparison to a meat-based protein is the fiber content. It is rich in fiber at 7 grams a cup. Meat proteins do not provide any fiber.

Is jackfruit good for weight loss calories? ›

Jackfruit is a low-calorie fruit that can contribute to weight loss due to its high water, fibre, and low-fat content. It contains 73.5 grams of water per 100 grams, which can increase satiety and support metabolism. Jackfruit has little fat, and low-fat foods can increase satiety and decrease overall calorie intake.

How healthy is jackfruit chips? ›

1) Are jackfruit chips healthy? Yes, jackfruit chips can be a healthy snack option. They are rich in fiber, which is essential for digestive health.

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