Jackfruit Lettuce Cups Asian-Style

These jackfruit lettuce cups layer deliciously seasoned shredded jackfruit on crisp lettuce cups topped with fresh veggies! Asian-style jackfruit lettuce wraps are a quick and easy vegan recipe ready in just 15 minutes. It makes a crowd-pleasing party appetizer, game day snack, or a simple yet filling weeknight dinner.

Why Use Jackfruit?

Jackfruit is a tropical fruit. But the unripe version of it is often prepared as a vegetable instead. It is an ideal plant-based alternative because of its meat-like texture and neutral taste. For this recipe, I used Roland Foods’ Young Green Jackfruit to make the prep easier! Roland Foods is known as a purveyor of fine ingredients. They import products from around the world. from the places that make them best. Their brand offers everything from balsamic glazes and artichokes to jackfruit and organic noodles. Plus, I love how mindful they are of where they source their products. And their growing selection of vegan offerings is top-notch!

Ingredients for Jackfruit Lettuce Wraps

• Creamy peanut butter: Use any brand you like! You can also use chunky if you do not mind a coarser sauce. The tiny bits on nuts could add a nice crunch.
• Soy sauce: Gives the sauce a nice umami flavor. If you want to make this gluten-free, you can use tamari. If you are allergic to soy, try making it using coconut aminos instead.
• Agave: Adds a touch of sweetness. Alternatives are maple syrup or coconut sugar.
• Rice vinegar: A splash of this will brighten the sauce with its tangy flavor.
• Water
• Garlic chili sauce: For a savory and spicy kick!
• Roland Foods Jackfruit in Brine: Drained and shredded, it is amazingly similar to pulled pork in texture. If you want to make the filling even more substantial, you can also add water chestnuts and mushrooms.
• Butter lettuce: Select medium to large heads with perfectly shaped deep leaves to hold the filling. If you cannot find this, you can also use iceberg or romaine lettuce.
• Toppings: I used diced red bell pepper and chopped green onion stalk. However, feel free to top your jackfruit lettuce cups with other garnishes like cilantro, corn, avocado, jalapeno, sesame seeds, crushed nuts, or lime wedges.

How to Make Jackfruit Lettuce Cups Asian Style

Toni’s Recipe Tips for Vegan Lettuce Wraps

• Kid-friendly: If you want this recipe to be kid-friendly, just omit the chili sauce.
• Marinate: If you want your topping to be extra flavorful, marinate the Asian-style jackfruit for a few hours or even overnight.
• Lettuce wrap bar: You can serve this with the filling already in the lettuce cups or just place the filling on a serving plate at the center and let your guests pile the lettuce up with their preferred toppings.
• Make it hearty: Make this a meal-in-one by layering the lettuce with rice or quinoa before adding the jackfruit filling.

Serving Suggestions for Asian-Style Jackfruit Lettuce Cups

Serve these Asian-style jackfruit lettuce cups as an appetizer or side/main alongside these other tasty dishes.

• Make it a meal: If you want to make this into an all-in-one meal, you can add a hearty grain, like this fried brown rice, Mediterranean couscous, or lemon-garlic quinoa.
• Use filling in creative ways: You can also use the jackfruit filling to make sandwiches (like in this jackfruit BBQ sandwich), wraps (like in this cauliflower veggie wrap), or as toppings to your Buddha bowls.
• More appetizers: If you want a few more Asian-inspired appetizers to serve these with, try spring rolls, crispy wontons, tofu sushi, or blistered shishito peppers.
• Mains after starters: If using these as a starter, some recommended mains include tempeh kabobs, vegetable pad Thai or tofu pad Thai, peanut noodle salad, sweet potato fried rice, Thai red curry, or lemongrass tofu.

Make Ahead and Storage Instructions

It is always best to serve this with fresh lettuce and toppings. However, you can make the filling ahead of time and keep it refrigerated for up to 7 days. Make sure to place it in an airtight container.

Freeze: You can also freeze it for up to 2 months.

Reheat: Defrost the Asian-style jackfruit lettuce filling in the fridge overnight and reheat in the microwave or stovetop before serving on fresh lettuce.

More Delicious Ways to Use Jackfruit

Vegan Dinners

20-Minute BBQ Jackfruit Sandwiches

Vegan Dinners

Vegan Jackfruit Chicken Noodle Soup

Vegan Dinners

Slow Cooker Jackfruit Carnitas

Vegan Dinners

Vegan BBQ Jackfruit

If you tried this Jackfruit Lettuce Cups recipe or any other recipe on my blog, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it went in the 📝 comments below. Thanks!