Smoky BBQ Pulled "Pork" Jackfruit Sandwiches
Vegan BBQ Pulled "Pork" Sandwiches. 🤯🌱
Yep, it's JACKFRUIT again! This stuff is magic. It shreds just like meat and soaks up all that smoky, sweet, tangy BBQ sauce. Piled high with cool, crunchy slaw on a soft bun... this is the ultimate vegan comfort food sandwich. 100% would serve this at a summer cookout.
Servings: 4 sandwiches Prep Time: 15 minutes Cook Time: 25 minutes Total Time: 40 minutes Difficulty: (Easy)
Estimated Calories: ~450-550 per sandwich (includes bun and slaw)
Ingredients
For the Jackfruit "Pork":
2 (20 oz / 565g) cans young green jackfruit in water or brine (NOT in syrup), drained and rinsed
1 tbsp olive or avocado oil
½ onion, finely diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
½ cup (120ml) vegetable broth
For the Simple BBQ Sauce:
¾ cup your favorite vegan BBQ sauce (or see quick recipe below)
1 tbsp tomato paste
1 tbsp maple syrup or agave
1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
1 tsp smoked paprika
½ tsp onion powder
½ tsp garlic powder
Optional: ¼ tsp liquid smoke (for extra smokiness)
Pinch of black pepper
Quick BBQ Sauce (if not using pre-made):
½ cup ketchup
2 tbsp maple syrup
1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
1 tbsp molasses
1 tsp mustard
½ tsp smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder
For Serving:
4 soft burger buns, toasted
Vegan Coleslaw: (2 cups shredded cabbage & carrot mix, 3 tbsp vegan mayo, 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 1 tsp maple syrup, salt & pepper)
Pickle chips
Extra BBQ sauce for drizzling
How to Prepare
1. Prepare the Jackfruit: Drain and rinse the jackfruit thoroughly. Use your fingers or a fork to shred each chunk. The soft parts will shred easily—discard any tough, hard core pieces. It should look like pulled pork.
2. Sauté Aromatics: Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until soft. Add the garlic and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Cook the Jackfruit: Add the shredded jackfruit to the skillet and pour in the vegetable broth. Let it simmer for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until most of the liquid has absorbed. This helps the jackfruit become more tender.
4. Make the BBQ Sauce: While the jackfruit cooks, whisk together all the ingredients for the BBQ sauce in a small bowl.
5. Combine and Simmer: Pour the BBQ sauce over the jackfruit mixture in the skillet. Stir well to ensure every piece is coated. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Use a spoon or fork to further shred the jackfruit as it cooks. The sauce will thicken and the jackfruit will become very tender.
6. Assemble the Sandwiches: Lightly toast your buns. Pile a generous amount of the BBQ jackfruit onto the bottom bun. Top with a big spoonful of vegan coleslaw, a few pickle chips, and an extra drizzle of BBQ sauce. Place the top bun and press down gently. Serve immediately!
