Breadfruit Recipes: 6 Delicious Ways to Cook Breadfruit Brisbane

Breadfruit is one of the most versatile tropical fruits in the world - used as both a vegetable (when green) and a sweet fruit (when ripe). Favu delivers fresh breadfruit in Brisbane, sourced direct from North Queensland and Pacific growers. Here are 6 delicious ways to cook it.

Understanding Breadfruit Ripeness

Before choosing a recipe, it's important to know your breadfruit:

  • Green/Firm breadfruit: Starchy, potato-like texture - best for savoury recipes (boiling, roasting, curries, chips)
  • Slightly yellow, slightly soft: Transitioning - can go either way
  • Yellow and soft: Sweet, bread-like texture - best for sweet recipes and eating fresh

Recipe 1: Boiled Breadfruit (Traditional Pacific Style)

The simplest and most traditional way to prepare green breadfruit.

Ingredients:

  • 1 medium green breadfruit
  • Water and salt
  • Coconut cream (optional, for serving)

Method:

  1. Peel and cut breadfruit into large chunks, removing the core
  2. Boil in salted water for 20-30 minutes until tender (test with a fork)
  3. Serve with coconut cream, butter, or alongside a meat dish

This is a staple in Fijian, Samoan and Tongan households. Perfect with corned beef or palusami.

Recipe 2: Breadfruit Chips (Crispy Fried Chips)

A popular Pacific Islander snack that rivals potato chips.

Ingredients:

  • 1 green breadfruit
  • Oil for frying
  • Salt and seasoning to taste

Method:

  1. Peel breadfruit and slice very thinly (use a mandolin if possible)
  2. Heat oil to 180°C
  3. Fry slices in batches until golden and crispy (3-5 minutes)
  4. Drain, season immediately with salt

For a healthier option, brush slices with oil and bake at 200°C for 15-20 minutes, turning halfway.

Recipe 3: Breadfruit Curry (Indian/Sri Lankan Style)

Breadfruit is excellent in curries where it absorbs spices beautifully.

Ingredients:

  • 1 green breadfruit, cubed
  • 1 can coconut milk
  • 1 onion, diced
  • Curry leaves, garlic, ginger
  • Curry powder, turmeric, chilli

Method:

  1. Sauté onion, garlic, ginger and curry leaves in oil
  2. Add spices and cook 2 minutes
  3. Add breadfruit cubes and coat in spice mix
  4. Pour in coconut milk and simmer 25-30 minutes until breadfruit is tender
  5. Serve with rice or roti

Recipe 4: Roasted Breadfruit with Garlic and Herbs

A simple, crowd-pleasing side dish.

Ingredients:

  • 1 green breadfruit, cubed
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • Olive oil, rosemary, salt and pepper

Method:

  1. Toss breadfruit cubes with olive oil, garlic and herbs
  2. Spread on a baking tray
  3. Roast at 200°C for 30-35 minutes until golden, turning halfway

This works beautifully as a potato substitute alongside grilled meats.

Recipe 5: Breadfruit Soup

A comforting, nutritious soup perfect for Brisbane winters.

Ingredients:

  • Half a green breadfruit, diced
  • 1 onion, 2 cloves garlic
  • 1L chicken or vegetable stock
  • 1 can coconut milk
  • Salt, pepper, fresh ginger

Method:

  1. Sauté onion, garlic and ginger
  2. Add breadfruit and stock
  3. Simmer 20 minutes until tender
  4. Blend until smooth, stir in coconut milk
  5. Season and serve garnished with fresh herbs

Recipe 6: Sweet Ripe Breadfruit Dessert

When your breadfruit is fully ripe (yellow and soft), try this simple dessert.

Ingredients:

  • 1 ripe breadfruit
  • Coconut cream
  • Brown sugar or honey
  • Cinnamon

Method:

  1. Cut ripe breadfruit into slices
  2. Pan-fry in a little butter until golden on each side
  3. Drizzle with coconut cream and honey
  4. Sprinkle with cinnamon

The natural sweetness of ripe breadfruit makes it almost dessert-like on its own.

Nutritional Benefits of Breadfruit

  • High in complex carbohydrates - sustained energy
  • Good source of dietary fibre
  • Contains Vitamin C, B1 (thiamine) and potassium
  • Naturally gluten-free
  • Low in fat

Buy Fresh Breadfruit in Brisbane

Favu delivers fresh breadfruit across Brisbane and Southeast Queensland. We stock both small breadfruit and large breadfruit (6kg) - perfect for families and Pacific Islander households.

Order online for home delivery across Brisbane, Logan, Ipswich, North Lakes, Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast.

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