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Health & Life

“A Mouth-Watering Treat: Braised Jackfruit with Lemongrass and Vietnamese Coriander”

17 July, 2025

Jackfruit Braised in Fish Sauce with Vietnamese Coriander

1. Why is Jackfruit Braised in Fish Sauce with Vietnamese Coriander a Favorite?

This traditional Vietnamese dish is beloved by many families across the country for its harmonious combination of flavors. The mild nuttiness of young jackfruit is complemented by the pungent aroma of Vietnamese coriander, while fish sauce, shallots, and pepper add a savory touch. Here’s why this dish is so popular:

Easy to prepare: Suitable for novice cooks.
Budget-friendly: Ingredients are easily accessible and affordable.
Delicious and flavorful: Unique and appetizing.
Nutritious: Young jackfruit is a good source of fiber and aids digestion, while Vietnamese coriander has warming properties beneficial to health.

Often featured in family meals in Northern and Central Vietnam, this dish is ideal for those seeking simple yet captivating flavors.

2. Ingredients for Jackfruit Braised in Fish Sauce with Vietnamese Coriander

To cook this delicious braised jackfruit dish for four people, gather the following ingredients:

Young jackfruit: 500g (choose fresh, not overly ripe jackfruit for tenderness)
Vietnamese coriander: 50g (washed and finely chopped)
Shallots: 3 bulbs (finely chopped)
Garlic: 2 cloves (finely chopped, optional)
Fish sauce: 2 tablespoons (use a quality brand for better flavor)
Sugar: 1 teaspoon
Salt: 1/2 teaspoon
Pepper: 1 teaspoon (freshly ground black pepper)
Cooking oil: 2 tablespoons
Water: 200ml
Fresh chili: 1-2 chilies (adjust to your preference)

Tip for selecting young jackfruit: Choose jackfruit with green skin, free from bruises, and with soft yet firm flesh. The presence of white latex when cutting indicates freshness.

This simple braised jackfruit dish is incredibly flavorful and pairs well with rice.

3. Detailed Guide on How to Make Jackfruit Braised in Fish Sauce with Vietnamese Coriander

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Young jackfruit preparation: Peel the jackfruit, rinse the latex off with diluted salt water, and cut into bite-sized pieces (around 3-4cm). Blanch the jackfruit in salted water for 5-7 minutes to reduce latex and soften it, then drain.
Vietnamese coriander preparation: Wash, pluck the leaves, and chop finely to sprinkle over the dish when served.
Shallots, garlic, and chili: Peel and finely chop the shallots and garlic. Thinly slice the chili to add a spicy kick.

Step 2: Marinate the Young Jackfruit

Place the jackfruit in a bowl. Add 1 tablespoon of fish sauce, 1/2 teaspoon of pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon of sugar. Mix well and let it marinate for about 15 minutes to enhance the flavor of the braised jackfruit.

Step 3: Braise the Jackfruit

Heat 2 tablespoons of cooking oil in a pot and sauté the shallots and garlic until fragrant.
Add the marinated jackfruit and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until it slightly changes color.
Pour in 200ml of water, 1 tablespoon of fish sauce, and 1/2 teaspoon of sugar. Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat to low.
Simmer for 20-25 minutes until the jackfruit is tender and the sauce thickens. Adjust the seasoning to your taste.
Sprinkle the Vietnamese coriander and fresh chili on top, giving it a quick stir before turning off the heat.

Step 4: Serve

Dish out the braised jackfruit onto a plate and sprinkle some ground pepper for extra flavor.
Serve it with hot rice, along with some pickled vegetables or soup for a complete meal.

4. Secrets to Making Even Better Jackfruit Braised in Fish Sauce with Vietnamese Coriander

To perfect this humble yet delightful dish, keep these tips in mind:

Select jackfruit at the right stage of ripeness: Overly ripe jackfruit will be tough, while very young jackfruit may disintegrate during braising.
Adjust the spiciness: Increase the amount of chili or pepper to suit your preference for a spicier dish.
Use a clay pot: Cooking in a clay pot helps retain heat and enhances the aroma of the dish.
Storage: This dish can be stored in the refrigerator for 2-3 days and reheated before serving.

Not only is this dish delicious, but it’s also packed with nutritional benefits. Young jackfruit is an excellent source of fiber and vitamin C, aiding digestion and boosting overall health. Vietnamese coriander has warming properties that help reduce bloating and stimulate digestion. This dish is suitable for all ages and is a wonderful way to experience the flavors of Vietnam.

Jackfruit Braised in Fish Sauce with Vietnamese Coriander is a simple yet flavorful Vietnamese dish. With its ease of preparation and readily available ingredients, you can create a tasty and hearty braised dish to accompany your family meals.

If you’re seeking a simple family dish, a delicious braised dish, or a recipe for young jackfruit, this is the perfect choice.