How to Prepare and Cook Thai Jackfruit - A Comprehensive Guide

Jackfruit, a meaty fruit with a versatile dietary profile, is a staple in Thai cuisine. Whether it's unripe green jackfruit or ripe jackfruit, this fruit can be prepared and cooked in a variety of ways to enhance your culinary experience. In this guide, we will explore different preparation and cooking techniques to make the most out of this versatile ingredient.

Unripe Green Jackfruit

Unripe jackfruit is commonly used in savory Thai dishes like curries or stir-fries. It has a meaty texture and absorbs flavors well. This section will guide you through the preparation and cooking process of unripe green jackfruit, offering you a taste of the authentic Thai flavors.

Preparation

Peeling: Start by wearing gloves to protect your hands from the sticky sap. Use a sharp knife to cut the jackfruit into manageable pieces and remove the outer green skin. Core Removal: After peeling, carefully remove the tough core from each piece. The remaining edible flesh can be used in various dishes. Seeds: Boil the seeds if you plan to eat them separately. They are nutritious, soft, and easily digestible.

Cooking Methods

Boiling

Boil the jackfruit flesh for 30-45 minutes. This helps to soften the texture and reduce its natural bitterness, making it more palatable for dishes like Thai green or red curries.

Curry Dishes

For a Thai green or red curry, use the boiled jackfruit. Stir-fry it with a rich blend of curry paste, coconut milk, vegetables, and traditional Thai herbs like kaffir lime leaves and Thai basil.

Stir-Fry

Alternatively, you can stir-fry the jackfruit with garlic, onions, soy sauce, and chili for a savory dish that complements a variety of Thai recipes.

Ripe Jackfruit

Ripe jackfruit is characterized by its sweetness and is commonly used in desserts or eaten fresh. This section will provide you with detailed preparation and cooking techniques for ripe jackfruit.

Preparation

Peeling: Start by slicing the jackfruit open and removing the pods, the fleshy part around the seeds. Dispose of the seeds or save them for later use. Cleaning: Remove any excess fibers attached to the pods to ensure a clean taste.

Eating Raw and Cooking

Raw ripe jackfruit can be enjoyed fresh, often served chilled and as a sweet snack. For cooking, use ripe jackfruit in desserts like Khao Niew (Jackfruit Sticky Rice) or blend it into smoothies. Another delicious option is to deep-fry it in a light batter for a crispy treat.

Jackfruit and Coconut Sticky Rice - A Southeast Asian Delicacy

Jackfruit and coconut sticky rice is a simple yet delicious dessert that brings out the full flavor of the jackfruit. This traditional dish is a perfect blend of Southeast Asian spices and textures, making it a delightful treat for any occasion.

Ingredients

100g glutinous rice (sticky rice) 100ml coconut milk 15g sugar A little salt Optional: fried mung bean kernels, pandan leaves

Preparation

Soak the glutinous rice in water overnight to soften it. Drain the rice and steam it for about 30-40 minutes. To enhance the flavor, you can add pandan leaves during the steaming process. In a separate pot, heat the coconut milk with 15g of sugar and a little salt. Stir over low heat until the mixture becomes foamy and thick. Mix the steamed rice with the coconut milk mixture. Carefully remove the seeds from the jackfruit and add the rice mixture to the jackfruit. Pour any remaining coconut milk over the jackfruit-rice mixture and sprinkle with fried mung bean kernels for extra crunch.

N> Note the ratio of glutinous rice to coconut milk is typically about 1:1, but you can adjust according to your personal preference. Additionally, pandan leaves can be omitted if you prefer a milder taste.

This Coconut Sticky Rice with Jackfruit is a full of Southeast Asian flavor and can be enjoyed as a dessert or a simple snack. It's the perfect way to incorporate the unique taste and texture of jackfruit into your culinary repertoire.