Vegetarian Kalua Pig

Transform your kitchen into a Hawaiian oasis with this mouthwatering Vegetarian Kalua Pig recipe, a creative plant-based twist on the traditional island classic. Made with tender young green jackfruit, this dish is expertly seasoned with smoky liquid smoke, savory soy sauce, and aromatic spices like smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder to mimic the iconic slow-cooked flavors of Kalua pig. Baked to perfection until the jackfruit becomes tender with crispy edges, this recipe delivers all the rich, smoky goodness you crave—without the meat. Serve it on a bed of banana leaves for an authentic presentation or pile it onto tacos, sandwiches, or bowls for an unforgettable vegan meal. Ready in just under an hour, this irresistible plant-based dish is perfect for weeknight dinners or a tropical-themed feast.

Nutriscore Rating: 52/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:45 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 cans (each about 14-20 oz) young green jackfruit (in water or brine, not syrup), drained
• 2 teaspoons liquid smoke
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 0.5 teaspoon sea salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 banana leaves (optional, for serving)

Directions

Step 1

Begin by draining the jackfruit and rinsing it well under cold water to remove excess brine or salt. Pat the jackfruit dry with a clean kitchen towel.

Step 2

In a large mixing bowl, combine the liquid smoke, soy sauce, coconut oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, sea salt, and black pepper. Add the jackfruit pieces to the bowl and toss until they are evenly coated with the marinade.

Step 3

Using your hands or a fork, gently break apart the jackfruit pieces to resemble pulled pork. The jackfruit should easily break into fibrous strands.

Step 4

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 5

Spread the coated jackfruit evenly on a baking sheet. If you have them, place a banana leaf on the baking sheet to lay the jackfruit on for added aroma and authenticity.

Step 6

Bake the jackfruit in the preheated oven for 45 minutes, stirring halfway through, until it becomes tender and slightly crisp on the edges.

Step 7

Serve the Vegetarian Kalua Pig warm, either on a platter laid with banana leaves for a traditional presentation, or in sandwiches, tacos, or bowls, as desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(125.9g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	182.3

Total Fat 14.4g	0%
Saturated Fat 11.6g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.3g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 2348.4mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 10.3g	0%
Dietary Fiber 2.8g	0%
Total Sugars 0.7g
Protein 4.6g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 47.6mg	0%
Iron 1.7mg	0%
Potassium 399.2mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 68.5%

Protein: 9.7%

Carbs: 21.8%