Pulled jackfruit smothered in barbecue sauce and paired with coleslaw is what dreams are made of. This BBQ jackfruit recipe only requires aĀ few ingredientsĀ and can be whipped up inĀ less than 30 minutes. Get yo grub on with this easy vegan recipe!
Pulled pork sandwiches were one of my favorite things to eat growing up, but since becoming vegetarian, I’ve had to get real creative with some delicious substitutes. This vegan pulled pork swap is so close to the real deal I’m almost positive you can trick your non veg friends š
Tender jackfruit is heated on the stove with your favorite bbq sauce and loaded onto sandwich buns. Start to finish this recipe only takes 30 minutes to make, so it’s perfect for a quick and tasty dinner any night of the week!
Ingredients
- Canned jackfruit
- BBQ sauce
- Paprika
- Garlic powder
- Salt
- Oil (optional)
What is jackfruit?
Jackfruit is a tropical fruit common in Asia that’s recently become popular in the US. It looks like a HUGE spiky watermelon shaped fruit. Now Iāve watched YouTube videos on how to open a jackfruit, and it seems like a pretty crazy process. Luckily they sell canned jackfruit which is way more convenient because one, we donāt have jackfruit naturally in the US, and two, itās a lot easier to cook with.
The flesh of the jackfruit is very tender and has a flaky but firm texture. It shreds easily to resemble pulled pork or chicken, and is a terrific vegan substitute for these and other typically meat-based recipes.
Jackfruit is a game changer for those vegetarians and vegans out there. It’s a delicious meat alternative and tastes amazing on pizza or tacos!
Where to buy canned jackfruit for bbq sandwiches
- Trader Joes
- Asian Markets
- Asian aisle of the grocery store
Note: Jackfruit is sold in a can with brine or syrup. Make sure to get the canned jackfruit in brine! Syrup would make for an overly sweet recipe disaster.
Unlike pulled pork that takes hours to make, this jackfruit recipe is ready in less than 30 minutes!
How to make BBQ jackfruit:
- First, heat the jackfruit in a large skillet on medium/high heat.
- Use a potato masher (or backside of a fork), to mask the jackfruit until the chunks break up into shredded-like pieces.
- Stir in seasonings and your favorite BBQ sauce!
How to assemble and serve bbq jackfruit sandwiches
Pile the bbq jackfruit onto a bun, lather on extra barbecue sauce, and top with coleslaw for the ultimate plant-based meal. This complete sandwich is a great meatless rendition of the American classic dish.
Note:Ā These sandwiches also go great with crispy baked zucchini fries, classic three beans salad, vegan rosemary potato salad, and the best vegan macaroni salad.
BBQ jackfruit sandwiches make the perfect dinner for summer picnics and barbeques. Wow your meat lovin’ friends with this simple and healthy recipe!
Storage and Serving Tips
This recipe is great for making ahead and including as part of your weekly meal prep. BBQ jackfruit will keep well for up to 5 days or so, and tastes delicious when reheated or even eaten cold. Let the jackfruit cool to room temperature before transferring to an airtight container and placing in the fridge.
Pulled pork-style jackfruit can also be frozen. Seal cooled bbq jackfruit in a zipper bag and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating or eating cold.
Enjoy leftovers on sandwiches, salads, or in wraps or tacos for a quick lunch or light dinner.
If you like this quick and easy vegan dinner recipe, you’ll LOVE:
If you tried this vegan bbq jackfruit recipe, let me know in the comments below and share a photo using #mindfulavocado. I’d love to hear from you! Want to see more recipes? Let’s get social! CONNECT WITH ME on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or Pinterest to see what I’m currently cooking up!
BBQ Jackfruit Sandwiches
Ingredients
- 2 14.5-ounce cans jackfruit in brine (see notes for larger can sizes)
- 1 cup your favorite BBQ sauce plus more if needed
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
Serving Suggestions:
- hamburger buns
- coleslaw
Instructions
- Drain the jackfruit and set it aside.
- Place a large non-stick pan over medium heat. Add jackfruit – you will want to use a little bit of oil if your pan isn't non-stick. Let cook for 5-8 minutes.
- Once the jackfruit is warm, use a potato masher or the backside of a fork to mash jackfruit well until it resembles pulled pork. Remove seeds and seed casings (you don't have to get them all, they are perfectly safe to eat!)
- Add paprika, garlic powder, and salt. Mix until seasonings are distributed. Add BBQ sauce and mix well. Let cook for 1-2 minutes stirring frequently.
- Add jackfruit to a hamburger bun. Top with extra some vegan coleslaw.
Video
Notes
- I like using Trader Joe’s jackfruit which come in 20-ounce cans as oppose to a standard 14.5-ounce can. You can use these and keep the recipe as is. Just adjust the seasonings and add more BBQ sauce if desired!
- Leftovers keep for about 1 week. To store leftovers, keep jackfruit separate from coleslaw. When ready to eat, simply reheat jackfruit then top with cool coleslaw!
- I used Trader Joe’s organic barbecue sauce and it’s so delicious! Highly recommend.
Nutrition
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I’ve never had jackfruit! I didn’t even know you could buy it in a can! I’ll have to see if I can find some.This looks good.
Thanks, Beth! I hope you are able to get your hands on some š
Well I have absolutely no idea what jack fruit tastes like but that seems like a great alternative to pork! Sounds delicious!
Yes it is! The fruit is very mild in taste, but the texture is just like meat!
Thank you for sharing this great recipe. I will have to try your bbq jack fruit sandwiches sounds really yummy.
Thanks so much! I hope you enjoy š
You don’t remove the seeds at all?
I do! I remove the seeds and casings as best as I can!