Vegetarian Kalua Pork

Experience the bold, smoky flavors of Hawai‘i with this innovative Vegetarian Kalua Pork recipe, a plant-based twist on the traditional island favorite. Made with tender young green jackfruit, this dish mimics the texture of slow-cooked pulled pork, while a flavorful marinade featuring liquid smoke, soy sauce, and smoked paprika delivers that signature savory depth. Easy to prepare with just 15 minutes of prep time, this recipe lets the oven do the work, transforming jackfruit into a hearty, versatile dish perfect for rice bowls, tacos, or as a standout main. Whether you're vegan, vegetarian, or simply craving a meat-free meal packed with flavor, this Vegetarian Kalua Pork is guaranteed to impress.

Nutriscore Rating: 70/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:45 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 20 ounces young green jackfruit (canned in brine or water)
• 2 teaspoons liquid smoke
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 0.5 teaspoon sea salt
• 2 tablespoons green onions, chopped

Directions

Step 1

Drain and rinse the canned jackfruit. Pat dry with a towel and cut away the hard cores. In a large bowl, shred the jackfruit pieces with your hands or a fork to resemble pulled pork.

Step 2

In a small bowl, mix together the liquid smoke, soy sauce, olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, and sea salt to create a marinade.

Step 3

Pour the marinade over the shredded jackfruit and mix until all pieces are well coated. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes to allow the flavors to develop.

Step 4

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.

Step 5

Spread the marinated jackfruit evenly across the prepared baking sheet.

Step 6

Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes, until the jackfruit is slightly crisp on the edges and deeply savory.

Step 7

Remove from the oven and allow to cool for a few minutes. Transfer to a serving dish and garnish with chopped green onions before serving.

Step 8

Enjoy your Vegetarian Kalua Pork with rice, in tacos, or as a main dish accompanied by your favorite sides.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(676.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	424.1

Total Fat 29.1g	0%
Saturated Fat 4.4g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 4902.8mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 36.9g	0%
Dietary Fiber 13.7g	0%
Total Sugars 6.5g
Protein 11.4g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 183.7mg	0%
Iron 4.3mg	0%
Potassium 1944.4mg	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: 57.5%

Protein: 10.0%

Carbs: 32.4%