Save A smoky, tangy, and satisfying plant-based take on classic pulled pork sandwiches, featuring tender jackfruit simmered in BBQ sauce and served on toasted buns with crisp slaw.
I discovered jackfruit as a meat substitute a few years ago and was amazed at how convincingly it mimics the texture of pulled pork& With just the right seasonings and a generous pour of BBQ sauce, it has become a crowd-pleaser even among non-vegans in my home.
Ingredients
- Jackfruit Filling: 2 cans (20 oz/565 g each) young green jackfruit in brine or water, drained and rinsed, 1 tbsp olive oil, 1 small yellow onion (finely chopped), 2 cloves garlic (minced), 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp ground cumin, 1/2 tsp chili powder, 1/2 tsp black pepper, 1/4 tsp salt, 1 cup (240 ml) vegan BBQ sauce, 1/4 cup (60 ml) water
- Coleslaw: 2 cups (140 g) shredded green cabbage, 1/2 cup (50 g) shredded carrots, 2 tbsp vegan mayonnaise, 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 1/2 tsp maple syrup, salt and pepper (to taste)
- For Serving: 4 burger buns (vegan if needed), sliced pickles (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the jackfruit:
- Remove tough cores and seeds from jackfruit pieces. Shred the jackfruit with your hands or forks to resemble pulled pork.
- Cook the aromatics:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and saute until translucent about 3&4 minutes. Add garlic and cook 1 minute more.
- Spice and saute:
- Stir in the shredded jackfruit, smoked paprika, cumin, chili powder, black pepper, and salt. Cook for 3&4 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Simmer with BBQ sauce:
- Add BBQ sauce and water. Stir well. Simmer uncovered for 20&25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until jackfruit is tender and sauce is thickened.
- Prepare the coleslaw:
- While the jackfruit simmers, in a bowl combine cabbage, carrots, vegan mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, salt, and pepper. Mix well and set aside.
- Assemble sandwiches:
- Toast burger buns if desired. Pile BBQ jackfruit onto the bottom half of each bun, top with coleslaw, and add pickles if using. Cover with the top bun and serve immediately.
Save My family loves stacking their own sandwiches, adding extra coleslaw or a few more pickles for crunch& It&s always a hit at casual gatherings or summer barbecues.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these sandwiches with sweet potato fries, a fresh green salad, or classic potato chips for a complete meal that&s both satisfying and colorful.
Make it Your Own
Try using red cabbage for a pop of color in the slaw or swapping in chipotle BBQ sauce for a spicy twist& Gluten-free buns make these sandwiches suitable for everyone.
Nutrition & Dietary Info
Each serving contains about 360 calories, 8 g total fat, 60 g carbohydrates, and 6 g protein making it an energizing yet light meal perfect for plant-based diets.
Save Try this recipe at your next cookout — it&s sure to impress vegans and meat-eaters alike& Leftovers make fantastic lunches the next day!
Recipe FAQ
- → How do I prepare jackfruit for cooking?
Drain and rinse canned young green jackfruit, remove any seeds and tough cores, then shred it with your hands or forks to achieve a pulled texture.
- → What spices enhance the jackfruit flavor?
Smoked paprika, ground cumin, chili powder, black pepper, and a pinch of salt create a smoky and slightly spicy profile that complements the jackfruit well.
- → Can I make the coleslaw ahead of time?
Yes, mixing the shredded cabbage, carrots, mayonnaise, vinegar, and maple syrup in advance helps the flavors meld, making it crisp and fresh when served.
- → Is it possible to add extra smoky flavor?
Adding a few drops of liquid smoke to the jackfruit while simmering can boost the smoky aroma and richness.
- → What are good serving suggestions with this dish?
Serve the jackfruit mixture on toasted buns topped with coleslaw and pickles. Side options like sweet potato fries or a fresh salad complement it well.