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If you love Jamaican food with a twist, you’re going to fall head first for these vegan ackee egg rolls. They have the perfect combination of Caribbean flair with a bit of a unique twist on the traditional Ackee recipe. Did I mention its all vegan? These plant based ackee egg rolls make the perfect appetiser for any Caribbean party or gathering!
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What is Ackee?
Ackee is Jamaica’s national fruit. But get this, its not sweet at all and doesn’t taste like a fruit. Its texture is very custard-y and looks a lot like scrambled eggs. Its seriously one of my all time favorite Jamaican dishes.
Growing up I had a lot of Ackee with saltfish which is how its typically prepared and served. Since going fully plant based, I worried if I would not longer be able to eat one of my favorite childhood dishes. Good news is ackee tastes just as delicious without saltfish and can even be replaced with oyster mushrooms or even heart of palm!
Quick important/fun fact: Ackee can be deadly if opened before ripe. The fruit contains a toxic chemical compound that is released when it ripens up. If you ever find yourself in the tropics and see ackee, wait until its ripe to enjoy!
What you’ll need
- 1 can of Ackee– Get a can of ackee here.
- Vegan Egg Roll Wraps- (I used Nasoya)
- Fresh Thyme
- Onion
- Garlic
- Tomatoes
- Bell Pepper
- Scallion (green onion)
Seasonings to note
- Seasoned Salt or Sea salt– Seasoned salt add a deeper taste and flavour profile than Sea Salt. My go to brand is Lawry’s and a bottle can be purchased through this link.
- Jamaican All Purpose– This seasoning is a must for any Jamaican recipe in my opinion. Grab a bottle here.
- Black pepper
- Garlic/Onion Powder
How to make vegan ackee egg rolls
Ackee coming from a can is very delicate and soft. My family always makes sure to put all seasonings in before adding the ackee or else it’ll mash out.
1. Throughly wash and chop the fresh produce minus the scotch bonnet and thyme. Scotch bonnet must be left whole as the seeds are extremely spicy.
2. Add oil to a hot pan and sauce the fresh veg for about 2 minutes until fragrant. Add in the dry seasoning and salt to taste.
3. Add a little bit of water to form a sort of gravy consistency. Cook for another 2 minutes.
4. Add in the washed canned (or fresh) ackee and cook for no more than 5 minutes. It is done once most of the liquid has evaporated.
5. Put the ackee to the side. On a counter or cutting board, grab one vegan egg roll wrap and place it diagonal. Remove the thyme sprigs and scotch bonnet pepper before wrapping the ackee. Place 1.5 tsp of cooked ackee mix in the middle.
6. Start to wrap but folding the end diagonal up and in the middle. Next fold the left side with the right following. Roll up like a burrito and use water to seal the ends.
7. Gently shallow fry the egg rolls until cooked. Be careful! The sides tend to cook between 1-3 minutes so don’t step away or they will burn.
8. Eat fresh and hot and enjoy with a homemade Jerk BBQ dipping sauce or alone.
Jerk BBQ Dipping Sauce
Okay, say you only like egg rolls (vegan) with a savoury dipping sauce, I’ve got you. This quick and easy dipping sauce takes less than 5 minutes to put together and pairs incredibly well with the vegan ackee egg rolls.
The star of the sauce is definitely dry jerk powder Grab a trust worthy brand here. Jerk paste is not recommended for this quick sauce. BBQ sauce of choice, dry jerk powder, ketchup, a mandarin orange, splash of water, and agave nectar or sweetener of choice.
Throw all the ingredients together and you’ve got a decadent sauce to pair with your vegan ackee egg rolls or anything else you desire!
How to store vegan ackee egg rolls
Vegan ackee egg rolls are best enjoyed right off the stove. If they have to be saved or later, I would suggest reheating in the air fryer. Set to about 375 F or higher for around 5 minutes and they’ll be just as tasty.
Vegan ackee egg rolls can also be frozen in plastic baggies and last in between 2-3 weeks. When ready, same method should be used for reheating in the air fryer.
Did you enjoy this recipe? Sharing is caring! Sure this recipe with family and friends or save to your Pinterest board for later!
Check out these other amazing vegan Jamaican recipes you might enjoy.
2 Comments
Timberly
April 7, 2024 at 11:14 pm
I made these for my toddler who loves ackee patties from a vegan place near by. But it’s almost $6 for one. It was super easy to make and I made like 12 I think. He wasn’t sure at first because the outside is obviously different but he definitely likes them. Thanks!
Tiffany
April 8, 2024 at 12:00 am
Hi Timberly,
I’m so glad to hear your 6 year old enjoyed these, they’re always a hit in my household!