Grilled Jackfruit 'Pork' with Lemongrass and Kaffir Lime
Smoky grilled jackfruit infused with lemongrass and kaffir lime, offering a tender, savory plant-based meal inspired by Phuket street food. This asian-inspired vegetarian ready in about 33 minutes pairs stalks, finely minced lemongrass, finely shredded kaffir lime leaves, coconut aminos for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 calories and feeds 2, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 (20 oz / 560g) can in brine young jackfruit
- 2 stalks, finely minced lemongrass
- 4, finely shredded kaffir lime leaves
- 3 tbsp coconut aminos
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
Instructions
- Step 1: Drain jackfruit thoroughly, then shred it using two forks into bite-sized pieces, removing any tough core.
- Step 2: In a bowl, combine lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, coconut aminos, soy sauce, sesame oil, and rice vinegar; mix well to form a marinade.
- Step 3: Add shredded jackfruit to the marinade and toss until evenly coated. Let marinate for 15 minutes at room temperature.
- Step 4: Heat vegetable oil in a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat until smoking slightly.
- Step 5: Add jackfruit in a single layer, pressing down gently to create sear marks. Cook undisturbed for 4 minutes until golden on the bottom.
- Step 6: Flip pieces and cook for another 3 minutes until deeply browned and edges are crispy.
- Step 7: Remove from heat, let rest for 2 minutes, then serve hot with steamed jasmine rice and a side of fresh cucumber slices.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Grilled Jackfruit 'Pork' with Lemongrass and Kaffir Lime take to make?
Total time is about 33 minutes (25 min prep + 8 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Grilled Jackfruit 'Pork' with Lemongrass and Kaffir Lime?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep coconut aminos from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Jackfruit 'Pork' with Lemongrass and Kaffir Lime?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Grilled Jackfruit 'Pork' with Lemongrass and Kaffir Lime for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Grilled Jackfruit 'Pork' with Lemongrass and Kaffir Lime?
Asian vegetarian like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
So much better than takeout. We'll never order asian delivery again.
- ★★★★★
Absolutely wonderful.
- ★★★★★
Added some red pepper flakes for heat — highly recommend.