Vegan heaven: discover the incredible jackfruit chicken nugget recipe

Craving the crispy, savory goodness of chicken nuggets but looking for a plant-based alternative? Jackfruit chicken nuggets are here to satisfy your cravings! This guide will walk you through the simple steps to create delicious, satisfying jackfruit chicken nuggets that will leave you wondering why you ever ate animal-based nuggets.

Ingredients:

• 1 young jackfruit (or 2 cans of jackfruit in brine)
• 1 cup bread crumbs
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup nutritional yeast
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 cup vegetable broth
• 1/4 cup unsweetened plant-based milk
• Vegetable oil for frying

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Jackfruit: Remove the jackfruit from its shell and discard the seeds. Shred the jackfruit into bite-sized pieces. If using canned jackfruit, simply drain and rinse it.

2. Create the Seasoning Mix: In a large bowl, combine the bread crumbs, flour, nutritional yeast, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.

3. Make the Wet Mixture: In a separate bowl, whisk together the vegetable broth and plant-based milk.

4. Coat the Jackfruit: Dip the jackfruit pieces into the wet mixture, then coat them in the seasoning mix. Ensure they are evenly coated.

5. Fry the Nuggets: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Carefully add the coated jackfruit pieces and fry for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy.

6. Drain and Serve: Remove the nuggets from the skillet and drain them on paper towels. Serve them hot with your favorite dipping sauce.

Tips for the Perfect Nuggets:

• For extra crispy nuggets, double-coat them in the bread crumb mixture.
• If you don’t have young jackfruit, canned jackfruit in brine is a great substitute. Just be sure to rinse it thoroughly.
• Add your favorite herbs and spices to the seasoning mix to create unique flavors.
• Don’t overcrowd the skillet when frying the nuggets. This will prevent them from getting crispy.

Health Benefits of Jackfruit Chicken Nuggets

Beyond their delicious taste, jackfruit chicken nuggets offer several health benefits:

• Rich in Fiber: Jackfruit is an excellent source of dietary fiber, which promotes digestive health and satiety.
• Low in Calories: Compared to traditional chicken nuggets, jackfruit nuggets are lower in calories and fat, making them a healthier choice.
• Plant-Based Protein: Jackfruit provides a good source of plant-based protein, essential for building and repairing tissues.
• Antioxidant Properties: Jackfruit contains antioxidants that help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals.

How to Store and Reheat Jackfruit Chicken Nuggets

• Storage: Store leftover jackfruit chicken nuggets in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat the nuggets in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through.

Variations on Jackfruit Chicken Nuggets

Feel free to experiment with different flavors and ingredients to create your own unique jackfruit chicken nuggets:

• Spicy Nuggets: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder to the seasoning mix.
• Buffalo Nuggets: Toss the cooked nuggets in a buffalo sauce made with hot sauce, melted vegan butter, and vinegar.
• Teriyaki Nuggets: Marinate the jackfruit pieces in teriyaki sauce before coating and frying.
• Lemon-Herb Nuggets: Add lemon zest and dried herbs, such as thyme or rosemary, to the seasoning mix.

Beyond Nuggets: Other Jackfruit Delicacies

Jackfruit is a versatile fruit that can be used in various dishes:

• Jackfruit Tacos: Shredded jackfruit makes a delicious filling for tacos, topped with your favorite toppings.
• Jackfruit Curry: Combine jackfruit with vegetables and spices to create a flavorful curry that’s perfect for a cozy meal.
• Jackfruit Pizza: Use shredded jackfruit as a meat alternative on pizza, topped with your favorite vegan cheese and vegetables.
• Jackfruit Pulled Pork: Slow-cook shredded jackfruit with barbecue sauce for a plant-based pulled pork sandwich that will impress everyone.

Top Questions Asked

Q: Can I use other types of plant-based milk in the wet mixture?
A: Yes, you can use any unsweetened plant-based milk, such as almond milk, soy milk, or oat milk.

Q: How do I know when the jackfruit nuggets are cooked through?
A: The nuggets should be golden brown and crispy on the outside. You can also insert a fork into a nugget to check if it’s cooked through. The fork should easily pierce the nugget without resistance.

Q: Can I freeze jackfruit chicken nuggets?
A: Yes, you can freeze the nuggets before cooking. Place them on a baking sheet and freeze for 1-2 hours, or until frozen solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag and freeze for up to 3 months. To cook, thaw the nuggets overnight in the refrigerator, then fry them as directed.