Vegetarian Rendang Jackfruit Recipe –Easy And Delicious 5 Step Recipe

This vegetarian rendang jackfruit recipe delicious, and you can make it in only 5 easy steps. If you’re craving a deep, bold, coconut infused Indonesian flavors, but trying to skip the meat, meet your new obsession: Jackfruit Rendang.

This is one of those vegetarian international dish recipes that is inspired from a recipe made with meat, and tailored to a vegetarian experience.

This particular jackfruit recipe can be made into an easy healthy meal plan, and is inspired from the classic beef rendang.

It takes everything we love about the original, such as the rich spices, creamy coconut milk, melt in your mouth texture, and reimagines it with young jackfruit. The result is a dish so tender and flavorful, even meat lovers won’t miss the beef.

The best part of this recipe is that the slow cooker does most of the work, so it makes

Let’s dive into this easy five step jackfruit recipe, and bring the magic of a flavorful Indonesian cuisine to your kitchen.

Why This Jackfruit Recipe Works Like a Dream

Unripe (young) jackfruit is a plant based cook’s secret weapon. The fibrous texture mimics pulled pork or shredded beef. It’s perfect for soaking up bold sauces like rendang. Plus, it’s low in calories and packed with nutrients.

Jackfruit has many health benefits associated with it, such as being high in fiber and good for digestion health.

If you haven’t experimented with it yet, this slow cooker recipe is the place to start.

Ingredients You’ll Need To Make This Jackfruit Recipe:

Here’s your ingredient lineup for 4 hearty servings:

Main:

• 2 cans young green jackfruit in brine or water, drained and rinsed (Do NOT use syrup)
• 1 can full fat coconut milk
• 2 tbsp coconut oil
• 1 cup vegetable broth

Spice paste (blend together):

• 4 cloves garlic
• 1 small shallot
• 1 thumb-sized piece of fresh ginger
• 1 stalk lemongrass (or 1 tbsp paste)
• 1 tsp turmeric
• 2 tsp ground coriander
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 1 tsp chili flakes (optional, or more if you love heat)
• 1 tbsp soy sauce or tamari
• 1 tsp brown sugar

Step by Step Instructions To Make This Jackfruit Recipe:

1. Sear the Jackfruit

Heat coconut oil in a skillet. Add the jackfruit and lightly sear it until golden brown edges develop. This helps develop flavor and keeps the texture meaty. Don’t skip this!

2. Make the Spice Base

While the jackfruit is searing, blend up your spice paste until smooth. This is where all that Indonesian flavor lives, so don’t be shy with the spices.

3. Build the Flavor

Transfer the jackfruit to your slow cooker. Pour in the spice paste, coconut milk, and veggie broth. Stir well to coat every piece.

4. Slow Cook the Magic

Cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours. The jackfruit will break down and absorb all the saucy goodness, becoming rich, savory, and slightly caramelized.

5. Finish and Serve

Once done, give it a taste and adjust salt if needed. Serve with fluffy jasmine rice, a side of pickled cucumbers, or steamed greens.

Flavor Profile & Texture

Expect complex, warming flavors that deepen as they simmer. It’s a little bit spicy, and slightly sweet with coconut flavor. The jackfruit shreds into rich, hearty bites that hold up like slow cooked beef. It’s the kind of comfort food that feels gourmet.

Bonus Tip: Make It Creamier

To make a thicker rendang, for the last 30–45 minutes or so, remove the lid to reduce the sauce. You can also stir in a spoonful of nut cashew or almond butter at the end.

🧠 Bonus Ideas To Enhance This Recipe:

• Add sweet potatoes or mushrooms for texture contrast
• For higher protein: toss in tofu or tempeh cubes in the last 30 minutes
• Use in lettuce or tortilla wraps

Final Thoughts

This Jackfruit Rendang proves that plant based meals don’t have to feel like compromise. They can be bold, rich, and deeply satisfying. Whether you’re meat free by choice or just looking to mix things up, this slow cooker recipe is definitely something to try.

Serve it hot, and savor every bite.

This jackfruit recipe is definitely something to try for a quick and easy healthy meal plan. It’s not only great for digestion health, but it’s satisfying and tasty.

If you want another great, slow cooker recipe to make, try our Vegetarian Cajun Cabbage Jambalaya.

Print Recipe

Vegetarian Rendang Jackfruit Recipe –Easy And Delicious 5 Step Recipe

Slow cooker recipe with bold Indonesian flavor. Plant based comfort meal, and 100% meat-lover approved.

Prep Time15 minutes mins

Total Time7 hours hrs 15 minutes mins

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Indonesian, international

Diet: Vegetarian

Keyword: easy healthy meal plan, international dish recipes, jackfruit recipe, jackfruit rendeng, slow cooker recipe

Servings: 4

Ingredients

Main

• 2 cans young green jackfruit (in brine or water, not syrup), drained + rinsed
• 1 can full-fat coconut milk
• 1 cup vegetable broth
• 2 tbsp coconut oil

Spice Paste (Blend)

• 4 cloves garlic
• 1 small shallot
• 1 thumb sized ginger
• 1 stalk lemongrass or 1 tbsp paste
• 1 tsp turmeric
• 2 tsp ground coriander
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 1 tsp chili flakes optional
• 1 tbsp soy sauce or tamari
• 1 tsp brown sugar

Instructions

• Sear the Jackfruit:

  Sauté jackfruit in coconut oil until golden brown edges form.
• Blend the Flavor Base:

  Blend spice paste ingredients until smooth.
• Build the Base:

  Transfer jackfruit to slow cooker. Add spice paste, coconut milk, broth. Stir to coat.
• Slow Cook:

  Low: 6–7 hrs | High: 3–4 hrs

  The Jackfruit will soak up all the flavor.
• Serve:

  Adjust salt. Serve over jasmine rice with cucumbers or greens.

Notes

Tips to Elevate It:

• Thicker sauce? Remove lid last 30 mins to reduce
• Creamy finish? Stir in 1 tbsp cashew or almond butter
• Add-ins: Sweet potato, mushrooms, tofu, or tempeh for more substance
• Serve in lettuce or tortilla wraps