Ever tried swapping out jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus), a large tree-borne fruit in the mulberry family (Moraceae) native to South and Southeast Asia?
We've all been in a pinch, looking for something unique to toss into our meals. Jackfruit's a tough one to replace, yet here we are, ready with a list to shake things up.
We got creative. Found substitutes you wouldn't believe work.
Sure, jackfruit's unique. But who says we can't find a few curveballs to throw into the mix?
Stick with us. We're about to make your kitchen life a tad easier.
7 Easy Substitutes for Jackfruit
The following substitutes are sure to bring your dish to life and give you the same satisfaction as a jackfruit.
| Substitute | Taste | Texture | Suitable Dishes |
| Young Green Bananas | Starchy, slightly sweet | Firm, dense | Curries, stews, baked dishes |
| Firm Tofu | Mild, nutty | Firm, dense | Stir-fries, curries, baked dishes |
| Hearts of Palm | Mild, slightly sweet | Tender, fibrous | Salads, sandwiches, stir-fries |
| Pulled Oyster Mushrooms | Savory, umami | Fibrous, meaty | Stir-fries, tacos, burgers |
| Eggplant | Mild, slightly bitter | Soft, spongy | Curries, baked dishes, grilled |
| Chickpeas | Nutty, earthy | Firm, creamy | Curries, stews, salads, dips |
| Tempeh | Nutty, slightly earthy | Firm, dense | Stir-fries, curries, sandwiches |
1 - Young Green Bananas
We found out, surprisingly, young green bananas can take jackfruit's place. They mimic the texture quite well (with a fibrous, pulled-pork-like mouthfeel).
You wouldn't think it at first glance.
In recipes where jackfruit stars, use green bananas. One banana for every cup of jackfruit does the trick.
We tried it in tacos. The result?
Impressively close to the real deal.
Our kitchen experiments showed versatility. Green bananas worked in both savory and sweet dishes.
A revelation for us!
Remember, cooking them softens them up. Makes them perfect for absorbing flavors.
A secret weapon in disguise.
2 - Firm Tofu
Firm tofu absorbs flavors (a soy-based curd made from coagulated soy milk). It works well in dishes where jackfruit is usually the star.
We sliced it, marinated it, and bam - it transformed.
Tofu's texture makes it a great stand-in. For every cup of jackfruit, use about three-quarters of a pound of tofu.
We threw it into a curry.
The results? Shockingly good.
This switch has been a useful. Tofu's versatility amazed us.
Savory or sweet, it took on the challenge.
If you're curious about other ways to swap out ingredients, check this out: Find more tofu substitutes here: silken tofu alternatives for recipes.
3 - Hearts of Palm
We landed on hearts of palm as a solid swap. Its texture gets pretty close to jackfruit (from the inner core of Arecaceae palm stalks).
Cut them up for any dish missing its main star.
A can equals a cup of jackfruit, easy math. We tossed it into a salad.
The vibe? Surprisingly similar.
These stalks blend in well. They soak up any flavor they meet.
Makes every bite worth it. We've found them a reliable pick for many recipes.
Keen on other swaps like these?
Take a peek right here: artichoke heart alternatives for salads.
4 - Pulled Oyster Mushrooms
Next up, pulled oyster mushrooms. They slide in as a stand-in for jackfruit.
Texture? Spot on.
We chopped them, cooked them down. They soaked up every flavor.
For each cup of jackfruit, grab a handful of these mushrooms (about 1 to 1¼ cups shredded oyster mushrooms).
We tossed them in BBQ sauce.
The verdict? They held their own.
These mushrooms turned dishes bright without missing a beat.
Seeking alternatives that won't leave you missing jackfruit? Our pulled oyster mushrooms recipe did the trick.
Intrigued? find out more right here: oyster sauce swaps for flavor.
5 - Eggplant
Eggplant steps up as a swap for jackfruit. Its ability to absorb flavors is key (thanks to its spongy, porous flesh).
We found that one medium eggplant works for roughly a cup and a half of jackfruit.
We tried it in a stir-fry. It held up well, soaking in the spices and sauces.
Eggplant adds a nice texture to dishes, making it a solid option for those looking to mix things up.
For those on the hunt for more eggplant-based switch-ups, you might find this page eye-opening: eggplant Parmesan side ideas.
6 - Chickpeas
Chickpeas serve well in place of jackfruit (a legume high in protein and fiber). They absorb flavors, making every dish they're part of something to remember.
In our attempts, a can of chickpeas replaced a cup of jackfruit easily.
We found this swap works wonders in salads and stews. Chickpeas add that hearty texture without making a fuss.
A straightforward swap. Our trials in the kitchen proved successful.
We even whipped up a chickpea curry that had us forgetting about jackfruit.
For those intrigued by other chickpea transformations, see more here.
7 - Tempeh
Tempeh shines as a jackfruit alternative (a fermented Indonesian soy cake).
It's dense and has a grainy feel. This makes it great for absorbing different sauces.
We use tempeh in many dishes. A block can swap out for a cup of jackfruit.
We tested it in a stir-fry and loved the results.
Tempeh holds flavors well. This makes every bite interesting.
In our kitchen tests, tempeh adapted to every recipe we tried. For those looking for more information on using tempeh in recipes, we suggest checking out this page for more tempeh ideas.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, young green bananas have a similar texture to jackfruit and can absorb flavors well, making them a great replacement in savory dishes.
Firm tofu can work in place of jackfruit, though it has a firmer, less fibrous texture. Press and marinate tofu for best results.
Yes, hearts of palm offer a tender texture and mild flavor, making them a great replacement for jackfruit in tacos.
Eggplant has a soft, meaty texture that can mimic jackfruit in savory dishes, though it lacks the fibrous texture.
Yes, tempeh offers a filling, nutty flavor and firm texture, making it a great substitute for jackfruit in barbecue dishes.
Andrew Gray is a seasoned food writer and blogger with a wealth of experience in the restaurant and catering industries. With a passion for all things delicious, Andrew has honed his culinary expertise through his work as a personal chef and caterer.
His love for food led him to venture into food writing, where he has contributed to various online publications, sharing his knowledge and insights on the culinary world. As the proud owner of CooksCrafter.com, Andrew covers a wide range of topics, including recipes, restaurant reviews, product recommendations, and culinary tips.
Through his website, he aims to inspire and educate fellow food enthusiasts, offering a comprehensive resource for all things food-related.
