Sides · Caribbean

Breadfruit in Butter Sauce

Sofia Romano

Recipe by Sofia Romano

Pasta & Mediterranean · July 12, 2026

This Bajan classic turns hearty breadfruit into a comforting side by simmering it in a buttery tomato sauce brightened with lime and garlic. It is a great way to try breadfruit for the first time, and it pairs beautifully with grilled fish or roast chicken. The sauce does most of the flavor work, so the recipe is more forgiving than it looks.

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Breadfruit in Butter Sauce

Why you'll love this

  • A comforting, buttery way to enjoy an underrated starchy vegetable.
  • The tomato and lime sauce does most of the flavor work.
  • Naturally vegetarian and pairs with almost any main.
  • Simple enough for a weeknight side.

EveryDayMeal recipe

Breadfruit in Butter Sauce

Prep
15m
Cook
35m
Total
50m
Serves
4
Level
Easy

Ingredients

  • 1/2 breadfruit, seeds and core removed
  • 1/2 onion (for boiling)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 125g butter
  • 3 medium onions, sliced into rings
  • 1 tablespoon chopped garlic
  • 500ml tinned tomatoes
  • 3 tablespoons chopped parsley
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice
  • to taste salt
  • to taste pepper
  • 250ml water
  • to taste red pepper sauce
  • a handful parsley, for garnish

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Wide frying pan
  • Sharp knife
  • Colander
  • Serving dish

Instructions

  1. Peel the breadfruit, then cut out the central core and any seeds, so you are left with clean, starchy flesh that cooks evenly. Cut it into large chunks.
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and add the half onion and the olive oil, which season the breadfruit as it cooks. Add the breadfruit and boil over high heat until a knife slides in easily, about 20 to 25 minutes, then drain well.
  3. While the breadfruit boils, melt the butter in a wide frying pan over medium heat and add the onion rings. Cook until they soften and pick up a little golden color, about 6 to 8 minutes, so they turn sweet and mellow.
  4. Stir in the garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant, then add the tomatoes, parsley, lime juice, salt, and pepper. Saute for a couple of minutes to bring the flavors together.
  5. Pour in the water, bring to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer for 5 to 10 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and tastes rich rather than raw. Add red pepper sauce to taste.
  6. Slice the cooled breadfruit and arrange it in a serving dish, then spoon the warm butter sauce over the top so every piece is coated.
  7. Scatter chopped fresh parsley over the top and serve warm alongside your main.

Tips from the kitchen

  • Test the breadfruit with a knife at the thickest chunk; it should be tender all the way through but not falling apart before you drain it.
  • Let the boiled breadfruit cool a few minutes before slicing so it holds its shape and does not crumble.
  • Taste the sauce before serving and adjust lime, salt, and hot sauce, since breadfruit is mild and benefits from bold seasoning.

Estimated nutrition per serving: 390 cal · 4g protein · 42g carbs · 24g fat

Make it your own

  • Add a chopped scotch bonnet or extra pepper sauce for a spicier Bajan kick.
  • Swap breadfruit for green plantain or potato if breadfruit is hard to find.
  • Finish with a handful of chopped cilantro or thyme for a different herb note.

Storing & make-ahead

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a covered pan with a splash of water to loosen the sauce, since the breadfruit absorbs liquid as it sits.

Good to know

Where do I find breadfruit?
Look in Caribbean, African, or Asian grocery stores, often in the produce section or frozen. Choose one that is firm with slightly yielding skin for cooking.
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of tinned?
Yes. Use about 3 to 4 ripe chopped tomatoes and simmer a little longer so they break down into a sauce.
Is breadfruit supposed to be starchy?
Yes, cooked breadfruit is starchy and mild, somewhere between potato and bread, which is why it soaks up the buttery sauce so well.
Can I make it ahead?
You can boil the breadfruit and make the sauce a day ahead, then combine and warm gently before serving.

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