Hey there, food lovers! So, my friend Miguel—a total culinary genius, by the way—introduced me to these amazing jackfruit arepas. I was skeptical at first. Jackfruit? In an arepa? But let me tell you, the combination is ridiculously delicious. The sweet and smoky BBQ jackfruit perfectly complements the soft, slightly salty arepa, and the chipotle aioli adds a delightful kick.

This recipe is all about bold flavors and easy steps. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or just starting your culinary journey, you'll be able to whip up this delightful dish. It's also incredibly versatile. Feel free to experiment with different BBQ sauces, add extra veggies, or use other types of meat if you prefer. It's about exploring tastes and having fun in the kitchen!

BBQ Jackfruit Arepas with a Chipotle Aioli

Name: BBQ-Jackfruit-Arepas-with-a-Chipotle-Aioli
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 2
Cuisine: South-American
Ingredients: 1/4 cup Young green jackfruit (canned), drained and chopped; 1 tablespoon BBQ sauce; 1/4 cup Mayonnaise; 1 tablespoon Chipotle peppers in adobo sauce; 1/2 clove Garlic (minced); 1/4 teaspoon Lime juice; 1 cup Arepa flour (pre-cooked); 7/8 cup Water (warm); 1/4 teaspoon Salt; 1/2 tablespoon Olive oil; 1 tablespoon chopped (optional) Cilantro

These BBQ Jackfruit Arepas with Chipotle Aioli are a flavor explosion! Sweet, smoky, and spicy all in one bite. This recipe is easy to follow and perfect for a fun weeknight meal.

⏳ Yield & Time

Yield: 2 servings

Preparation Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

📖 Instructions

First, let's tackle the chipotle aioli. In a small bowl, combine 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 1 tablespoon adobo sauce from canned chipotle peppers (reserve the peppers for another recipe!), 1 clove minced garlic, and a squeeze of lime juice. Whisk until smooth and creamy. Taste and add more lime or adobo, depending on your preference. Set aside - this stuff is addictive. Seriously.
Now for the jackfruit. Drain one 20-ounce can of young green jackfruit and roughly chop it. I know, I know, some people just use a fork and shred the jackfruit, but I like a slightly more defined texture. In a medium bowl, mix it with 1/4 cup of your favorite BBQ sauce (I’m a big fan of Sweet Baby Ray’s). Set aside.
Next up, the arepas! Combine 2 cups of pre-cooked arepa flour (masa harina), 1 3/4 cups warm water, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1 tablespoon olive oil. Mix with your hands, forming a dough. If its too wet, add a bit more flour; too dry, add a bit more water. That's the beauty of cooking! It's not always exact.
Once your dough is the consistency of playdough, divide it into 8 equal portions (if your math is as bad as mine, just eyeball it). Shape each into a disc. I usually make them about 4-5 inches across, but that's completely up to you, dear reader. You can get creative.
Lightly grease a pan or griddle. Gently flatten each arepa disc into a thin, round patty. If you have an arepa press, that makes life easier, but honestly, a good ol' fork works fine. Cook for about 3-4 minutes per side over medium heat, flipping once, until golden brown and cooked through.
Time to assemble your masterpiece! Spread a generous amount of the chipotle aioli on each arepa. Top with about 1/4 cup of the BBQ jackfruit mixture. You could add some extra cilantro for a pop of color and freshness!
Serve immediately and enjoy! I’d love to hear how they turned out! What other toppings would you add?

📝 Notes

For a spicier aioli, add more adobo sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
If you don’t have pre-cooked arepa flour, you can find it at most Latin American grocery stores.
Feel free to experiment with different toppings and flavors!