Jackfruit Pot Roast

Pot roast is a classic dish usually associated with meat-based recipes. However, with more and more people adopting a vegan lifestyle, it’s important to find delicious and nutritious alternatives to traditional dishes. Jackfruit pot roast is one such alternative that is both satisfying and flavorful.

I love creating meals that are plant-based versions of dishes from my childhood. Pot roast is a great example. This jackfruit pot roast is easy to make and creates leftovers you can enjoy throughout the week. That’s a win-win in my book!

Health Benefits of Jackfruit

Jackfruit is a versatile fruit that has been gaining popularity in recent years as a meat alternative. Why? Because it has a flaky, meat-like texture and provides sound nutritional value.

Jackfruit is a rich source of dietary fiber, vitamin C, and other essential micronutrients. It’s also low in calories and contains no cholesterol or saturated fats, making it an ideal ingredient for vegan diets.

Key Ingredients

• Lemon — We’ll use both the zest and the juice of the lemon.
• Oats — I used rolled oats for this recipe, but you can substitute instant oats.
• Chia — We’ll add some ground chia seeds to create a thicker texture. You can use whole chia seeds; I just prefer ground because it creates a smoother finished texture.
• Syrup — I used maple syrup, but you can substitute agave nectar.
• Milk — We’ll use almond milk for the best overnight oats! Substitute your favorite plant-based milk.
• Yogurt — I love adding some plant-based yogurt (plain, unsweetened) for an even more tangy flavor.
• Protein Powder — I add some vanilla protein powder for increased flavor and nutrients. If your protein powder is not sweetened, you may want to add an extra teaspoon or two of sweetener.
• Cornstarch — We’ll use cornstarch to thicken the lemon curd topping.
• Turmeric — A pinch of turmeric makes that lemon curd sunny yellow.

• Tomato paste — A bit of tomato paste adds color and flavor to the sauce.
• Vinegar — I used apple cider vinegar, but you could substitute white vinegar or lemon juice.
• Worcestershire — We’ll use some vegetarian Worcestershire sauce to add lots of umami flavor.
• Broth — You’ll need 3 cups of vegetable broth. I prefer making my own using water combined with Better than Bouillion vegetarian base.
• Seasoning — I used a combination of dried thyme and rosemary for the seasoning.
• Onions — You’ll need a couple of onions. You can use red, white, or yellow onions.
• Jackfruit — We’ll use two 15 oz cans of young green jackfruit in brine. You do not want to use jackfruit canned in syrup.
• Garlic — You’ll need around five cloves of garlic. You can use more or less based on your taste preferences.
• Cornstarch — We’ll be using cornstarch to thicken the sauce.
• Veggies — I like to use baby carrots and russet potatoes in my veggie pot roast. You can also add other vegetables, like parsnips or Brussels sprouts.
• Bay leaves — I added 3 bay leaves to the pot as the jackfruit roast simmered.

How to Make Jackfruit Pot Roast

You can find the full printable recipe, including ingredient quantities, below. But first, here are some explanations of ingredients and steps to help you make this recipe perfect every time.

1. Stir together the sauce ingredients.
2. Add a tablespoon or two of the sauce to a Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onions and cook until the onions are golden brown around the edges,
3. Stir in the jackfruit and cook until golden around the edges.
4. Add the garlic and cook for one minute. 
5. Reserve two tablespoons of the sauce mixture and stir it with the cornstarch to create a slurry.
6. Pour the rest of the sauce into the pot. Add the vegetables and cook until it begins to simmer.
7. Pour the cornstarch slurry in with the sauce and stir to combine. Add the bay leaves.
8. Transfer the pan to the oven and bake until the vegetables are tender.
9. Transfer to a serving dish for the best presentation.

Serving Suggestions

Once your jackfruit pot roast is ready, you can serve it with a variety of delicious sides. Here are some of our favorites:

• Vegan Mashed potatoes are a classic choice, and their creamy texture pairs perfectly with the savory flavors of the pot roast.
• Roasted vegetables, such as carrots, parsnips, and Brussels sprouts, are also a great option. They add a pop of color to your plate and some extra fiber and nutrients.
• A side salad like this Vegan Wedge Salad with cherry tomatoes and some Plant-Based Blue Cheese Dressing can help balance out the richness of the jackfruit pot roast and provide some extra nutrition.

More Vegan Main Meals

If you love this jackfruit pot roast recipe, here are more plant-based main meal favorites to try:

Vegan Ham

106 mins total

Vegan Pot Pie

210 mins total

Vegan Stuffed Peppers

45 mins total

Vegan Twice-Baked Potatoes

100 mins total

Jackfruit pot roast is a delicious and healthy alternative to traditional meat-based pot roast. It is easy to make and packed with essential nutrients for a balanced vegan diet.

Give it a try and discover a new favorite dish that will satisfy your cravings without compromising your dietary choices.