Looking for a delicious, cruelty-free alternative to traditional popcorn chicken? Look no further than this Vegan Popcorn Chicken recipe. Made with jackfruit for a surprisingly 'meaty' texture, this dish is perfect for snack time, parties, or even as a main dish. A blend of spices gives it a flavorful kick, while a crispy outer layer provides crunch that rivals any fast-food option.
One of the primary ingredients of this recipe is jackfruit, a tropical fruit known for its versatile use in vegan dishes. It gives the dish a 'meaty' texture. You may not typically have this ingredient in your pantry, but it's widely available in supermarkets. You'll find canned jackfruit in the canned fruit aisle or sometimes in the international/Asian food section. Another uncommon ingredient is the vegetable bouillon cube. It is used to flavor the jackfruit. If it's not already in your pantry, you can find it in the soup aisle of your local supermarket.
Ingredients for Vegan Popcorn Chicken
Jackfruit: This is the main ingredient of the dish. It provides a 'meaty' texture.
Vegetable bouillon cube: It flavors the jackfruit.
Spices (garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne, black pepper, salt): These will give the dish its savory flavor.
Apple cider vinegar: This will act as a marinade for the jackfruit.
Flour and Cornstarch: These will provide the crispy outer layer.
Non-dairy milk: This will help create the batter.
One reader, Lark Person says:
This vegan popcorn chicken recipe is a game-changer! The jackfruit has the perfect texture, and the spices give it an amazing flavor. The crispy coating is so satisfying, and it's hard to believe it's not real chicken. I'm definitely making this again!
Techniques Required for Making Vegan Popcorn Chicken
Marinating the jackfruit: Combine warm water and bouillon cube in a medium bowl and whisk to dissolve the bouillon. Drain the jackfruit, rinse under cold water, remove any seed pods, and discard. Add the jackfruit to the bowl and marinate for 30 minutes to remove some of the briny flavor from the canned jackfruit.
Baking the jackfruit: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a small bowl, combine the spices and coat the jackfruit with 1 tablespoon of the spice blend. Transfer to the prepared baking sheet and bake for 15–18 minutes until the jackfruit has partially dried out.
Frying the coated jackfruit: Heat the canola oil in a large, high-walled skillet over medium-high heat to 375°F (190°C). Whisk together the non-dairy milk, apple cider vinegar, ½ cup (65 g) flour, the remaining teaspoon of salt, and the baking soda in a medium bowl. In a separate medium bowl, combine the remaining cup of flour, the cornstarch, and remaining spice blend. Coat the jackfruit in the batter, then in the flour mixture. Working in batches, fry the coated jackfruit in the hot oil until golden brown, flipping halfway through, for a total of 2–3 minutes. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain and season with more salt if desired.
How To Make Vegan Popcorn Chicken
Enjoy popcorn chicken even on a plant-based diet with this jackfruit-based recipe. It still has all the crunch and flavor of its meaty counterpart.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 3cupswarm water
- 1vegetable bouillon cube
- 30ozjackfruit
- 1½tspgarlic powder
- 1½tsponion powder
- 2tsppaprika
- ½tsppaprika,smoked
- ½tspcayenne
- 1tspground black pepper
- 2tspkosher salt,divided, plus more to taste
- 2cupscanola oil,for frying
- 1cupnon dairy milk,unsweetened
- 1tbspapple cider vinegar
- 1½cupsall purpose flour,divided
- ½tspbaking soda
- 2tbspcornstarch
Instructions
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In a medium bowl, combine the warm water and bouillon cube and whisk to dissolve the bouillon.
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Drain the jackfruit and rinse under cold water. Remove any seed pods and discard. Add the jackfruit to the bowl and marinate for 30 minutes.
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After marinating, drain and set the jackfruit aside.
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Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
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In a small bowl, combine the garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, smoked paprika, cayenne, black pepper, and 1 teaspoon of salt.
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In a medium bowl, combine the jackfruit and 1 tablespoon of the spice blend, tossing well to coat.
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Transfer to the prepared baking sheet and bake for 15 to 18 minutes, until the jackfruit has partially dried out.
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Heat the canola oil in a large, high-walled skillet over medium-high heat to 375 degrees F.
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In a medium bowl, whisk together the non-dairy milk, apple cider vinegar, ½ cup flour, the remaining teaspoon of salt, and the baking soda..
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In a separate medium bowl, combine the remaining cup of flour, the cornstarch, and remaining spice blend. Stir well.
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Coat the jackfruit in the batter, letting any excess drip off. Then, coat in the flour mixture.
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Working in batches, fry the coated jackfruit in the hot oil for 2 to 3 minutes, until golden brown, flipping halfway and frying for another 1 to 2 minutes.
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Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain and season with more salt if desired. Serve hot.
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Enjoy!
Nutrition
- Calories: 1398.22kcal
- Fat: 112.15g
- Saturated Fat: 8.69g
- Trans Fat: 0.43g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 69.62g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 31.79g
- Carbohydrates: 95.53g
- Fiber: 5.81g
- Sugar: 43.40g
- Protein: 11.09g
- Sodium: 1149.00mg
- Calcium: 90.13mg
- Potassium: 1145.78mg
- Iron: 3.57mg
- Vitamin A: 50.87µg
- Vitamin C: 29.54mg
Crucial Technique for Perfecting Vegan Popcorn Chicken
When frying the jackfruit, it's important to maintain the oil temperature at 375°F. If the oil is too hot, the jackfruit will brown too quickly on the outside before it's properly cooked on the inside. Conversely, if the oil is not hot enough, the jackfruit will absorb too much oil and become greasy. Using a cooking thermometer can help ensure the oil is at the right temperature.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing This Recipe
Prep ahead: Prepare the marinade and spice blend the night before to save time on the day of cooking.
Efficient assembly: Set up an assembly line for coating the jackfruit to streamline the process and minimize mess.
Double batch: Consider making a larger batch and freezing the extra popcorn chicken for future quick and easy meals.
Organized workspace: Keep your workspace organized and clean to work efficiently and avoid any unnecessary delays.
Use kitchen tools: Utilize kitchen tools like a food processor to speed up the preparation process for the jackfruit.
Substitute Ingredients For Vegan Popcorn Chicken Recipe
warm water - Substitute with vegetable broth: Vegetable broth adds flavor and depth to the recipe, similar to warm water with a vegetable bouillon cube.
vegetable bouillon cube - Substitute with vegetable broth: Using vegetable broth instead of a bouillon cube can provide a richer flavor to the dish.
jackfruit - Substitute with cauliflower florets: Cauliflower florets can provide a similar texture and absorb flavors well, making it a great substitute for jackfruit in this recipe.
garlic powder - Substitute with minced garlic: Minced garlic can offer a more intense and fresh garlic flavor compared to garlic powder.
onion powder - Substitute with finely chopped onions: Finely chopped onions can provide a more pronounced onion flavor and texture compared to onion powder.
paprika - Substitute with smoked paprika: Smoked paprika can add a deeper, smokier flavor to the dish, enhancing the overall taste.
cayenne - Substitute with chili powder: Chili powder can provide a similar level of heat and a hint of smokiness, similar to cayenne.
ground black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper can offer a milder and slightly different flavor compared to black pepper.
kosher salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can provide a similar level of salinity and enhance the overall taste of the dish.
canola oil - Substitute with vegetable oil: Vegetable oil can be used as a substitute for canola oil, offering a neutral flavor and suitable for frying.
non dairy milk - Substitute with coconut milk: Coconut milk can add a creamy texture and a hint of coconut flavor to the dish, similar to non-dairy milk.
apple cider vinegar - Substitute with white wine vinegar: White wine vinegar can provide a similar level of acidity and tanginess to the recipe.
all purpose flour - Substitute with gluten-free flour: Gluten-free flour can be used as a substitute for all-purpose flour to accommodate a gluten-free diet.
baking soda - Substitute with baking powder: Baking powder can be used as a substitute for baking soda to help with leavening in the recipe.
cornstarch - Substitute with arrowroot powder: Arrowroot powder can be used as a substitute for cornstarch to help thicken the batter and provide a similar texture.
Best Way to Present Popcorn Chicken to Your Guests
Elevate the plating: When presenting the vegan popcorn chicken, focus on creating an elegant and visually appealing presentation. Arrange the popcorn chicken in a neat and organized manner on the plate, ensuring that each piece is showcased beautifully.
Incorporate vibrant colors: Introduce pops of color to the plate by adding garnishes such as fresh microgreens and thinly sliced radishes. These colorful elements will enhance the overall visual appeal of the dish.
Utilize contrasting textures: Create a textural contrast by serving the vegan popcorn chicken alongside a creamy vegan aioli or a tangy barbecue sauce. This will add depth to the dish and provide a delightful sensory experience.
Emphasize symmetry and balance: Pay attention to the placement of each component on the plate, aiming for symmetry and balance. This meticulous approach will demonstrate precision and attention to detail.
Incorporate edible flowers: Introduce delicate and edible flowers to the presentation to add a touch of elegance and sophistication. Choose flowers that are safe for consumption and complement the flavors of the dish.
Consider the plate selection: Select a plate that complements the colors of the vegan popcorn chicken, enhancing the overall visual impact. Opt for a plate that provides a striking backdrop for the dish without overshadowing its appeal.
Add a touch of greenery: Incorporate a sprig of fresh herbs such as parsley or chives to add a touch of freshness and elevate the overall presentation with a hint of natural beauty.
Focus on precision: Pay attention to the finer details, ensuring that each element of the presentation is meticulously placed and presented with precision, reflecting a high level of culinary expertise.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Vegan Popcorn Chicken
Mixing bowl: A mixing bowl is essential for combining ingredients and mixing the jackfruit with the spice blend.
Baking sheet: A baking sheet is used to line the parchment paper for baking the marinated jackfruit.
High-walled skillet: A high-walled skillet is used for frying the coated jackfruit until golden brown.
Food processor: A food processor can be used to shred the jackfruit for a more chicken-like texture.
Parchment paper: Parchment paper is used to line the baking sheet for baking the marinated jackfruit.
Whisk: A whisk is used to combine the non-dairy milk, apple cider vinegar, flour, salt, and baking soda for the batter.
Paper towels: Paper towels are used to drain the fried jackfruit after cooking.
Oven: The oven is used to bake the marinated jackfruit until partially dried out.
Storing and Freezing Tips for Vegan Popcorn Chicken
- Once the vegan popcorn chicken has cooled to room temperature, store it in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- To maintain the crispiness of the jackfruit nuggets, you can reheat them in the oven or an air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 5-7 minutes, or until heated through and crispy.
- For longer storage, you can freeze the cooled vegan popcorn chicken in a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag for up to 2-3 months.
- To freeze, arrange the nuggets in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and place them in the freezer until solid, about 1-2 hours. Once frozen, transfer the nuggets to a freezer-safe container or bag, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
- When ready to enjoy the frozen vegan popcorn chicken, preheat the oven or air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and cook the nuggets for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through and crispy. No need to thaw before reheating.
- If you prefer, you can also reheat the frozen nuggets in the microwave, but they may lose some of their crispiness. Place the desired amount of nuggets on a microwave-safe plate and heat in 30-second intervals until heated through, typically 1-2 minutes total.
How To Reheat Leftover Popcorn Chicken
Here are the best methods for reheating leftover vegan popcorn chicken:
Oven method: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the leftover popcorn chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the jackfruit is heated through and crispy on the outside. This method helps to restore the crispiness of the coating while evenly heating the interior.
Air fryer method: Set your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover popcorn chicken in the air fryer basket, making sure not to overcrowd it. Cook for 5-7 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the jackfruit is heated through and crispy. The air fryer is an excellent option for quickly reheating small batches while maintaining the crispy texture.
Stovetop method: Heat a small amount of canola oil in a skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the leftover popcorn chicken to the skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the exterior is crispy and the interior is heated through. This method is ideal if you want to quickly reheat a small portion and don't mind a slightly greasier result.
Microwave method (last resort): Place the leftover popcorn chicken on a microwave-safe plate. Microwave on high for 30-second intervals, checking the temperature and texture after each interval. While this method is the quickest, it may result in a softer, less crispy texture. To help maintain some crispiness, place a damp paper towel over the popcorn chicken while microwaving.
Interesting Trivia About Vegan Popcorn Chicken
Jackfruit is a versatile fruit that is often used as a meat substitute in vegan cooking due to its texture and ability to absorb flavors.
Is Making Vegan Popcorn Chicken at Home Cost-Effective?
This vegan popcorn chicken recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The main ingredient, jackfruit, is budget-friendly and versatile. The use of common pantry spices and basic cooking ingredients keeps the cost low. With a bit of creativity, this recipe offers a satisfying and affordable alternative to traditional popcorn chicken. The overall verdict rating for this recipe is 8/10. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $15, making it a budget-friendly option for a delicious and satisfying meal.
Is This Vegan Popcorn Chicken Recipe Healthy?
This vegan popcorn chicken recipe, while creative and tasty, is not particularly healthy. The main concerns are the high amount of oil used for frying and the refined flour in the batter. Fried foods are often high in calories and unhealthy fats, which can contribute to obesity, heart disease, and other health issues. Additionally, the recipe relies on processed ingredients like bouillon cubes and canned jackfruit, which may contain added sodium and preservatives.
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Bake the jackfruit instead of frying it. Coat the marinated jackfruit in the spice blend and bake until crispy, flipping halfway through.
- Use whole wheat flour or a gluten-free alternative like chickpea flour for the batter to increase fiber and nutrient content.
- Reduce the amount of salt in the recipe, especially if using bouillon cubes which are often high in sodium.
- Experiment with different spice blends to add flavor without relying on salt, such as using more herbs or citrus zest.
- Serve the popcorn chicken with a side of fresh vegetables or a salad to balance out the meal and add more nutrients.
Editor's Opinion on This Vegan Popcorn Chicken Recipe
This vegan popcorn chicken recipe is a delightful twist on a classic favorite. The use of jackfruit as a meat substitute provides a unique texture and flavor, while the combination of spices adds a satisfying kick. The baking method for the jackfruit ensures a crispy exterior without the need for excessive oil, making it a healthier alternative to traditional fried chicken. The batter and flour coating create a satisfying crunch, and the seasoning is perfectly balanced. Overall, this recipe offers a delicious and satisfying vegan option for those craving a comforting and flavorful snack.
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Why trust this Vegan Popcorn Chicken Recipe:
This recipe offers a delectable and satisfying vegan twist on a classic favorite. The use of jackfruit as a meat substitute provides a hearty and flavorful base, while the blend of spices and seasonings ensures a mouthwatering taste experience. The step-by-step instructions guide you through the process, ensuring a successful outcome. With a focus on plant-based ingredients and a meticulous approach to preparation, this recipe is a testament to its reliability and trustworthiness. Whether you're a seasoned vegan cook or new to plant-based cuisine, this recipe promises to deliver a delightful and satisfying popcorn chicken experience.
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