Don’t know jack about jackfruit? The massive fruit, native to southwest India, can reach 120 pounds in weight.
While the fruit in its ripe state has a sweet flavor with an aroma of pineapple and banana, the unripe fruit has a mild flavor and texture that resembles pulled pork when cooked. As a result, chefs have been creative with using the fruit as a meat substitute.
Here are five picks for vegan and vegetarian jackfruit dishes in Tucson.
Ermanos Craft Beer & Wine Bar
220 N. Fourth Ave.
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Ermanos’ Jackfruit Asada Torta features marinated jackfruit, pickled shallots, jalapeños, Merchant’s Garden lettuce, and cashew aioli on an Alejandro’s birote.
Tip: save a couple bucks by getting it as the Monday sandwich special or ordering it during happy hour.
For more information, visit ermanosbrew.com.
Kiss of Smoke BBQ & Catering
663 S. Plumer Ave.
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Available Wednesday through Saturday after 10 a.m. until it’s sold out, Kiss of Smoke’s smoky barbecued jackfruit hits the spot.
While there are several ways to enjoy it on the menu, try it on the Loaded Mac with crispy onion and scallions.
For more information, visit kissofsmokebbq.com.
OBON Sushi Bar Ramen
350 E. Congress St.
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This Jackfruit Steam Bun isn’t at the Tucson location yet, but it will be included with the menu update coming soon. If it’s as good as OBON’s other steam buns, then we’re in for a treat.
For more information, visit fukushuconcepts.com.
Tumerico
2526 E. Sixth St.
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Although Tumerico’s menu changes daily, there will usually be at least one jackfruit dish included. The jackfruit Carne Asada and Al Pastor have both been outstanding.
For more information visit tumerico.com.
Welcome Diner
902 E. Broadway Blvd.
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Welcome Diner features Barrio Rojo Ale-braised jackfruit, Carolina barbecue sauce, and slaw in two forms: on top of shoestring fries in the Jackfruit French Fries, and on a birote roll in the Jackfruit Po’ Boy.
Visit during happy hour to save a buck on the Jackfruit Fries.
For more information, visit welcomediner.net.
Article written by:
Jackie Tran
More about JackieJackie Tran is a Tucson-based food writer, photographer, culinary educator, and owner-chef of the now-closed food truck Tran’s Fats. Although he is best known locally for his work for Tucson Foodie, his work has also appeared in publications such as Bon Appétit, National Geographic, and the New York Times.
An adventurous foodie, he enjoys culinary experiences ranging from seasonal omakase to sloppily devouring green chili patty melts in his car afterhours. His favorite foods include aguachile, garlic noodles, and leftover fried chicken illuminated by the fridge light. His favorite drinks include morning micheladas, fireside imperial stouts, candle-lit negroni, and grassy mezcales.
Outside of food, he also loves playing musical instruments, karaoke, Tetris, Super Smash Bros. Melee, and petting Addie’s dog Spaghetti.
If you’d like to stalk him, visit his Instagram @jackie_tran_ or jackietran.com.
