📖 Instructions

1. First, prep the jackfruit: Open the cans of young green jackfruit and drain them well. Rinse the jackfruit under cold water to remove any excess brine. This step is CRUCIAL to avoiding a sweet taste in your nuggets!
2. Shred the jackfruit: In a food processor, pulse the jackfruit until it's shredded into small, chicken-like pieces. Be careful not to over-process it into a paste. If you don't have a food processor, simply use two forks to shred it manually. Takes a while longer, but hey, good things take time, right?
3. Squeeze out excess moisture: Place the shredded jackfruit in a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth and squeeze out as much moisture as possible. This will help the nuggets get nice and crispy when fried. Don't skip this! I tried it once without squeezing and… well, let's just say it wasn't pretty.
4. Mix the spices: In a large bowl, combine the shredded jackfruit with the breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix everything thoroughly until the jackfruit is evenly coated with the spices.
5. Form the nuggets: Take a small amount of the jackfruit mixture (about 1-2 tablespoons) and form it into a nugget shape with your hands. Place the formed nuggets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This prevents them from sticking.
6. Prepare for frying: Pour the vegetable oil into a large skillet and heat over medium-high heat until it's hot enough for frying. You can test the oil by dropping a small piece of breadcrumb into it. If it sizzles and turns golden brown in about 30 seconds, the oil is ready.
7. Fry the nuggets: Carefully place the jackfruit nuggets into the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the skillet. Fry them for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until they're golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the fried nuggets to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
8. Serve and enjoy: Serve the jackfruit nuggets immediately while they're still hot and crispy. They're delicious on their own as a snack or appetizer, or you can serve them with your favorite dipping sauce. Try BBQ sauce, ranch dressing, or even a spicy sriracha mayo!