Easy Thai Jackfruit Curry Recipe
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Want a simple, healthy Easy Thai Vegan Curry Recipe? Here you have an easy Thai Jackfruit Curry recipe in less than 30 minutes. It’s vegan, gluten-free, and made with only a few ingredients. The jackfruit adds a ‘meaty’ texture, absorbing the flavors of the rich, creamy coconut sauce.
Who’s in the mood for some spicy Thai food? I certainly am! I’m always up for a curry, and this one is a delight, full of flavor with a delicious, creamy, meaty texture.
That’s where this jackfruit curry comes in handy. Thick chunks of jackfruit were an ingredient I used for many years in curries until I came to Spain where, in the ’90s, it wasn’t easy to get my hands on it. I often had it sent over, but then with Brexit, everything became difficult. In the last couple of years, since people have become aware of the health benefits of plant-based food, jackfruit has become more available, and again I can enjoy my Thai jackfruit curry.
RELATED: If you enjoy Asian cuisine try my Asian Style – Aubergine or a hot and spicy Asian Bok Choy & Bean Soup.
What Is It With This Thai Jackfruit Curry You Will Love
- Dairy Free: No added milk, you can use any vegetable milk in this recipe, although tinned coconut milk is far more creamier.
- Gluten Free: Jackfruit and coconut are naturally gluten-free.
- Nutritious: High in nutrients including fiber, protein, vitamin C and B vitamins
- Easy to make: This spicy dish is made in less than 30 minutes and best of all, no special ingredients or equipment is needed.
- Versatile: The Jackfruit can be prepared in many ways, cut into small pieces, or larger chunks, or eaten with a wide range of vegetables.
- Soy-Free: The curry is a flavorful choice for those avoiding soya.
Jackfruit is an excellent meat alternative
It’s one of those dishes that always impresses. It’s quick to make, and one of my favorite dishes. My friends are consistently impressed, even the meat eaters who say it tastes like chicken curry. The meaty texture of the jackfruit, combined with the Thai spice blends, often disguises the natural taste of any major ingredient, whether it’s protein or a vegetable.
What I especially appreciate about this tropical fruit is its fairly mild taste, though younger jackfruit tends to have a bit more flavor. The jackfruit’s texture includes a firmer core that can be chopped into small pieces and added to recipes, while the outer part beneath its thick green rind has a softer, almost fibrous texture that can be shredded with a fork.
What will I need to make this curry?
Here are the most important ingredients needed for this dish that will serve 4 people and of course you also need a cast iron non-stick pan or skillet
- A jar or tin of organic jackfruit chunks. (use between 300-400 grams of jackfruit)
- Full-fat tin of coconut milk.
- Thai spice blend powder or paste.
- Turmeric powder
- Vegetables of choice. I used onion and red pepper.
- A cast iron frying pan. (from Amazon)
Watch me Cook
Want to watch the video instructions on how to prepare this wonderful curry? Check out my YouTube video here!
Tomato sauce is not necessary with a Thai curry
Many curries and creamy dishes call for a squirt of some tomato. However, since Thai curry spice is loaded with flavor, there is no need to add tomatoes or sauce for extra flavor.
How to cook an Easy Thai Jackfruit Curry
Visual Step-by-Step Instructions
- Add the oil to the cast iron skillet and place it on medium heat. Start by adding the grated garlic cloves and ginger to the pan.
- Mix in the onions and red pepper and stir occasionally, lowering the heat to a minimum.
- Let the veggies caramelize until golden brown, make sure to stir occasionally. This takes around ten minutes.
- Add the entire coconut milk, the solid cream on top, and the remaining liquid in the can., followed by the Thai Spice blend powder, salt, and turmeric powder, and mix thoroughly. Make sure all the powder has combined well into the coconut mixture.
- Stir the mixture thoroughly.
- Add the jackfruit pieces. I buy organic jackfruit in a jar, drain it, and add it as is, but you can chop or shred it if desired—great for tacos or burritos.
- Finally, add a handful of freshly washed parsley or cilantro and turn off the heat. Your Easy Thai Jackfruit Curry is ready in less than 30 minutes!
- Let the curry set for a few minutes before serving. Serve with rice, vegetables, garlic bread, fried potatoes, or noodles.
You might also like to try our:
Asian Style-Aubergine A delicious and easy-to-make Asian-style aubergine dish with a bowl of healthy turmeric rice and a spicy sweet and sour sauce.
Vegan Lentil Meatballs These are delicious healthy and nutritious little wonders bathed in a creamy thick tomato sauce and they are an excellent source of plant-based protein.
Tikka Masala Deluxe Sweet Potato Chips Ooooh you must try one of those healthy comfort foods that you will want to stuff yourself with and with no regrets.
Easy Minestrone Soup Eat the rainbow, it always makes you feel good with a combination of pasta, beans, rice, and colored veggies.
Black Garlic Vegan Pesto Dip your finger into this delicious creamy cheesy pesto and dive in to discover the fifth taste called umami reminiscent of balsamic vinegar and soy sauce.
Sweet Paprika Spanish-Style Stuffed Eggplants: Spanish-style stuffed eggplants combine tender eggplant halves with a savory filling made from sautéed vegetables and chickpea flour. Ideal for serving as a main course or a hearty appetizer.
Tips for making the best Thai curry
The secret to making amazing Thai curries is to use plenty of aromatics, such as herbs, spices, onion, ginger, garlic, parsley, or cilantro. Choose a good quality, full-fat coconut milk for its richness and texture. Readily available store-bought Thai spice blends add characteristic Thai flavor, but you can make your own if you’re inclined.
Feel free to change the vegetables, if you’re limiting the vegetables you use as in my recipe where I’ve only used onion and red pepper, you can cut them into large strips. This gives more fullness to the dish.
FAQ`S
While Thai cuisine is deeply rooted in the broader culinary traditions of Asia, it has also been significantly influenced by India`s flavors and cooking practices.
Jackfruit is an enormous, melon-shaped fruit with spikes that can grow very big. It’s very high in fiber and rich in nutrients. When it`s ripe, jackfruit has a sweet, creamy flavor reminiscent of banana and pineapple. It’s delicious on its own or used in ice cream and other sweet treats. Unripe jackfruit, also called young or green jackfruit, is used more often in savory dishes.
You can purchase jackfruit at many grocery stores, health food stores, and local markets. It comes in various forms.
Fresh: Whole jackfruit or pre-cut pieces in the produce section.
Canned: Often found in brine or water, available in canned or jarred fruit.
Frozen: Found in the frozen fruit section, often pre-cut and ready to use.
Packaged: Available as dried jackfruit or in vacuum-sealed packs, usually in the snack or dried fruit section.
When possible use organic turmeric powder with black pepper because the black pepper enhances the absorption of curcumin, the active compound in turmeric, making it more effective for health benefits. Additionally, using organic turmeric ensures it is free from harmful pesticides and additives, providing a healthier option. (Highly respected database from The National Institutes of Health).
Yes, you can give jackfruit to your baby, start with small, mashed, or pureed pieces to prevent choking, and observe for any allergic reactions. Always consult your pediatrician before introducing new foods to your baby’s diet.
No, because the coconut flavor gets disguised by the Thai spices.
Yes, you can easily mix turmeric with black pepper. Combine 1 tablespoon of ground turmeric with 1/4 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper. This mixture enhances the absorption of curcumin, turmeric’s active ingredient, thanks to piperine in black pepper, which can boost curcumin absorption by up to 2000%. (Highly respected database from The National Institutes of Health).
Cilantro, paprika, chili, turmeric, ginger, salt, onion, mustard, cloves, cumin, corn flour, celery, citric acid, and bay leaves.
Yes, you can eat the jackfruit straight from a can or jar if it is mature jackfruit but it will taste better warmed and seasoned. (Read all about jackfruit)
Substitutions and Variations
- Can I substitute jackfruit with another ingredient?
Yes, it`s not always easy to find jackfruit, if you can’t find it, you can substitute it with other meat alternatives like tofu, tempeh, or chickpeas. Each will provide a different texture but it will still absorb the rich, creamy coconut sauce well.
- Are there any variations I can try with this curry?
Yes indeed! Feel free to change up the vegetables in this curry. Broccoli, cauliflower, spinach, mushrooms, carrots, zucchini, or wild asparagus are all great options. You can also experiment with different Thai spice blends to adjust the flavor to your liking.
Storing and Freezing
Store any leftover jackfruit curry in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors often deepen and improve after a day or two, making the leftovers even tastier.
- Can I freeze jackfruit curry?
Yes, you can freeze jackfruit curry. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It will keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat it on the stove over low heat.
More Serving Suggestions
- What are some good side dishes to serve with Thai jackfruit curry?
In addition to rice, you can serve this curry with a roasted vegetable salad, quinoa, or naan bread. For a bit of crunchiness, try pairing it with fresh salad or a side of crispy spring rolls.
- Can I serve this curry with noodles?
Yes, this curry pairs wonderfully with rice noodles or whole-grain noodles. I’ve also enjoyed it with thin whole-grain spaghetti. Just cook the noodles or spaghetti according to the instructions and serve them with the curry. Keep in mind that adding noodles or pasta means the meal won’t be gluten-free unless you use gluten-free options.
Helpful Kitchen Tools
- What kitchen tools help make this curry?
A good wok, cast-iron frying pan, or skillet ( Amazon links) is essential for cooking the curry evenly. A sharp knife for chopping vegetables and a garlic press or grater for mincing or grating the garlic and ginger can also make the preparation process easier.
Pro Tips
- What’s a pro tip for making the best Thai jackfruit curry?
Ensure you caramelize the vegetables well before adding the coconut milk and spices. This step adds depth to the flavor and enhances the overall taste of the curry.
Fresh, high-quality spices and full-fat coconut milk can significantly affect the flavor. Also, allowing the curry to simmer for a few extra minutes helps the jackfruit and vegetables absorb the flavors better.
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Recipe
Easy Thai Jackfruit Curry Recipe
Watch me Make it (Video)
Equipment
Ingredients
- 340 grams of jackfruit slices Note: This is the amount I used, If there is a little more or less quantity it's fine, the jackfruit curry will still have the same flavor and consistency. Drain it, and add it as it is, you can chop or shred it into smaller pieces if desired
- 1 large Yellow onion
- 1 large Red pepper
- 4 Garlic cloves grated
- 2 cm piece of Ginger root grated
- 400 ml of full-fat Coconut milk
- 2 tablespoons of virgin oil for frying
- 3 tablespoons of mixed Thai Spice powder
- ½ teaspoon Turmeric & black pepper powder
- ½ teaspoon of Himalayan salt
- 1 Handful of fresh Parsley or cilantro for flavor and decoration
Instructions
- Start by grating the garlic cloves and ginger, no need to remove the skin from the ginger root, as it is edible.
- Chop the onion lengthwise from stem to root, do the same with the red pepper then cut the slices in half. If you prefer smaller pieces of onion and pepper, cut them smaller.
- Empty the jackfruit from the jar or can and drain well.
- Add the oil to the cast iron frying pan and place it on a medium heat.
- Add the grated onion and garlic to the pan and stir. Mix in the onions and red pepper and stir occasionally, lowering the heat to a minimum.
- Caramelize those scrumptious veggies until golden brown, make sure to stir occasionally. This takes around ten minutes.
- Pour in the full-fat coconut milk, both the liquid and solid parts, and stir.
- Add the Thai Spice blend powder, salt, and turmeric powder and now give it a good swish. Make sure all the powder has combined well into the coconut mixture.
- Add the jackfruit chunks, stir again, and let simmer for five minutes.
- Finally, add a handful of freshly washed parsley or cilantro and turn off the heat.
- Let the curry set for a few minutes before serving it with rice, naan bread, or noodles.
Notes & Suggestions
Nutrition Profile
The Nutritional information is an estimate and has been calculated automatically per serving, The amount of sodium depends on the salt used.
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Wow this looks absolutely amazing and love that it is so easy to make. I am going going to make this tomorrow night.
Thank you so much Jackie, pleased you like the recipe!
Thank you Jackie, so pleased I have inspired you to make this wonderful dish.
Loved the ginger and cilantro punch of flavor! So tasty!
Thank you Dina and Bruce! Oh yes, plenty of garlic, ginger nd cilantro.
Fresh ingredients and wonderful aromatic flavors, this jackfruit curry sounds incredible.
Thank you Kathleen! Fresh ingredients are wonderful and always taste better.
Before this recipe I had only ever had fresh jackfruit. It tastes so good in a curry! Loved it.
Thank you Paula, I am kind of jelous as I have never found or tried fresh jackfruit. I would love to though, I`m sure you could use fresh jackfruit in the curry.
Amazing! We loved this curry, lots of flavor. I’ll make this again!
Thank you Kristine, pleased you enjoyed the curry
This was such a great way to make jackfruit! Loved the flavors and the texture.
Thank you Justine! Pleased you loved my curry.
This sounds and looks absolutely delicious. Bookmarked this to try on the weekend. Thanks for sharing!
Thank you Angela, I am pleased I have inspired you to making the curry.
This was delicious! I served it with basmati rice and it was the perfect pairing. I had no idea jackfruit could be this good, and neither did our guests! I’ll be making this again soon.
Thank you Emily, its so versatil and my guests thought it was chicken.
This Easy Thai Jackfruit Curry is a delicious and flavorful dish. The jackfruit takes on the curry’s rich spices perfectly, making it a satisfying meal. Simple to prepare and vibrant tasting. Thanks for sharing this great recipe!
Thank you Heather, I am glad you liked the recipe.
This Easy Thai Jackfruit Curry recipe is a total winner! The flavors are incredibly rich and satisfying, and the best part is how simple it is to make. It’s the perfect weeknight meal that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen.
Gianne thank you for your comment! I totally agree and that is why I love this curry because it is so easy to make.
This was delicious. I had never thought to try jackfruit in a Thai curry before, but it worked beautifully. Thank you!
thank you Harriet, Jackfruit is fantastic in curry. Those meat eaters say it tastes like chicken.
My new favorite way to eat jackfruit! I really loved the way the curry flavors accentuated the fruit.
I tried this easy Thai jackfruit curry, and it turned out delicious! The flavors were well-balanced, and the jackfruit had a great texture. Thank you for sharing!
This Thai curry is so delicious and flavourful! And I love how convenient the tinned jackfruit is. I’m keeping a tin in the pantry to make this recipe again!
Thank you Adri, yes it`s so easy to make, canned or jarred jackfruit works the best.
I made the Easy Thai Jackfruit Curry, and it was bursting with flavor! The jackfruit texture was surprisingly meaty, making this a great plant-based option.
Thank you Ned! Glad to hear a meat eater enoy the recipe and find it to have a similar texture.
This curry was delicious! Had so much flavor!
Thank you Kelly! I am happy to hear you enjoyed the recipe.