Discovering Jackfruit: A Meat-Free Star in Thai Green Curry
For those exploring meat-free alternatives in their cooking, jackfruit has become a favourite ingredient. With its unique texture and neutral taste, unripe jackfruit makes a perfect meat substitute, especially in curries like the famous Thai Green Curry. Not only is it delicious, but jackfruit is also a healthy, versatile option that adds a satisfying bite to any dish. In this blog, we’ll dive deep into the wonders of jackfruit, its benefits, and how to use it in a Thai Green Curry, creating a meal that’s both wholesome and packed with authentic Thai flavours.
Why Jackfruit Is a Great Meat Substitute
Unripe jackfruit is often used in savoury dishes due to its stringy, fibrous texture, which mimics pulled pork or chicken. This texture makes it a fantastic meat replacement in curries, sandwiches, and stews. Its neutral flavour profile means that it easily absorbs the spices and seasonings of the dish it’s cooked in. In Thai Green Curry, jackfruit soaks up the rich, aromatic curry paste and coconut milk, adding depth and heartiness to the meal.
Aside from its culinary advantages, jackfruit is also a healthy option. It is low in calories, fat-free, and high in fibre, making it an excellent ingredient for those looking to eat more plant-based meals. Whether you’re vegan, vegetarian, or just exploring new flavours, jackfruit is an ideal ingredient to incorporate into your diet.
Where to Find Jackfruit
Jackfruits are huge, tropical fruits that can weigh up to 40 kilograms! Luckily, you don’t have to buy the entire fruit if you're not cooking for a large group. For most home cooking, you can find canned jackfruit in Asian supermarkets or online stores. When shopping, make sure to pick up unripe jackfruit in brine, as this is the type used for savoury dishes. Ripe jackfruit, often found in syrup, is sweeter and typically reserved for desserts.
Stores like Wing Yip, which has locations in Croydon, Birmingham, Manchester, and Cricklewood, stock fresh jackfruit and other Asian ingredients. Alternatively, you can find canned jackfruit in local Asian grocery stores or order from online shops like “Thai-food-online,” which sells a variety of Thai ingredients imported regularly from Thailand.
Ingredients for Jackfruit Thai Green Curry
Creating an authentic Jackfruit Thai Green Curry requires the right ingredients, especially if you want to replicate the bold, aromatic flavours that Thai cuisine is known for. Here’s a rundown of the key ingredients you’ll need for this recipe:
- Jackfruit: As mentioned, unripe or young jackfruit in brine is the best option for savoury dishes. Its fibrous texture will absorb the curry flavours beautifully.
- Thai Green Curry Paste: Green curry paste is essential for this recipe, offering a vibrant combination of green chillies, lemongrass, galangal, and kaffir lime. You can find store-bought curry paste, like Mae Jum’s Green Curry Paste, or make your own at home if you prefer.
- Coconut Milk: A high-quality, full-fat coconut milk is key to creating the rich, creamy texture that is characteristic of Thai curries. When purchasing coconut milk, look for brands that have a thick layer of cream at the top, like Aroy-D.
- Palm Sugar and Light Soy Sauce: These ingredients balance the curry, adding a touch of sweetness and umami.
- Khanom Jeen Noodles: Traditionally served with Thai green curry, these soft, thin rice noodles are the perfect complement to the rich curry sauce. You can also serve the dish with jasmine rice if you prefer.
- Vegetables: To enhance the dish’s nutritional profile, adding vegetables like green beans, sweet Thai basil, bean sprouts, and cucumber slices brings both texture and flavour to the curry.
How to Make Jackfruit Thai Green Curry
Now that you’ve gathered your ingredients, it’s time to start cooking! This Jackfruit Thai Green Curry recipe is straightforward and can be made in under an hour, making it perfect for a weeknight meal or a special weekend treat.Step 1: Fry the Curry Paste
Start by heating oil in a wok or saucepan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the Thai green curry paste and fry it for a couple of minutes. This step is important as it helps release the flavours from the paste and builds the base of the curry.Step 2: Add Coconut Milk
From an unshaken can of coconut milk, scoop out the thick, creamy layer at the top (this should be at least a third of the can) and add it to the wok. The creaminess of the coconut milk balances the heat from the curry paste, creating a rich and luscious sauce. If your coconut milk doesn’t have this thick layer, consider changing brands to one with a higher fat content.Step 3: Season the Curry Sauce
Once the coconut milk has been added, season the curry with palm sugar and light soy sauce. Bring the sauce to a light boil, allowing it to simmer for about 5 minutes. This is the stage where the oils will rise to the surface, giving the curry its beautiful, vibrant green colour. Don’t rush this step—this is crucial for the curry’s final flavour and appearance.Step 4: Add the Jackfruit
After the curry sauce has been prepared, add the jackfruit to the wok along with 200ml of water. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for about 20 minutes, allowing the jackfruit to absorb the flavours of the curry.Step 5: Cook the Noodles
While the curry is simmering, prepare the khanom jeen noodles in a separate pan of boiling water. Cook them for 2-3 minutes until soft, then drain and rinse under cold water. Once drained, take a small bundle of noodles and wrap them around two fingers to form a circular shape. Set the bundles aside on kitchen tissue to dry.Step 6: Add Vegetables and Final Touches
Once the jackfruit has simmered for 20 minutes, add the green beans and continue to cook until they are tender. Turn off the heat and stir in a handful of sweet Thai basil leaves and extra red chillies for a burst of freshness and spice.Step 7: Serve
To serve, place a few bundles of khanom jeen noodles into each bowl and ladle the jackfruit curry on top. For an extra zesty flavour, squeeze fresh lime juice around the bowl. You can also serve the curry with bean sprouts and cucumber slices on the side for added crunch.
Why You Should Incorporate Jackfruit Into Your Diet
In addition to its versatility and deliciousness, jackfruit offers several health benefits. As mentioned earlier, it is low in calories, making it a great option for those looking to maintain a healthy diet. It’s also high in fibre, promoting digestion and helping to keep you feeling full longer. Jackfruit contains vitamins A and C, which boost your immune system, and its potassium content helps maintain heart health.
For those following a plant-based or vegetarian diet, jackfruit is a wonderful alternative to meat due to its texture and ability to absorb flavours. Its neutral taste means it can be used in a variety of dishes, from curries and stews to tacos and sandwiches.
Final Thought
Jackfruit Thai Green Curry is a fantastic option for those looking to try something new and incorporate more plant-based meals into their diet. The texture of jackfruit, combined with the bold flavours of Thai green curry, creates a dish that is both satisfying and full of authentic Thai flavours. Whether you're a seasoned vegan or just exploring meat-free alternatives, this dish is sure to impress with its vibrant, fragrant curry sauce and hearty jackfruit chunks. Serve it with khanom jeen noodles for a traditional touch, and don’t forget the fresh lime juice for an extra burst of flavour!
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