These vegan jackfruit BBQ sandwiches are a perfect plant-based alternative to pulled pork sandwiches, offering a smoky, tangy flavor and tender texture.
Jackfruit mimics the shredded texture of pulled meat and absorbs barbecue sauce beautifully, making it ideal for vegan BBQ meals.
Made with simple ingredients and a homemade barbecue sauce, these sandwiches are quick to prepare and great for gatherings or weeknight dinners.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Young green jackfruit has a shredded texture similar to pulled meat, making it ideal for vegan BBQ dishes.
- The homemade barbecue sauce combines tangy, smoky, and slightly sweet flavors that penetrate the jackfruit for robust taste.
- Cooking the jackfruit slowly allows the flavors to meld and the texture to become tender but not mushy.
Vegan Jackfruit BBQ Sandwiches
Savor the taste of tender, tangy vegan jackfruit BBQ sandwiches with a smoky homemade barbecue sauce served on soft buns.
- Prep time
- 15 minutes
- Cook time
- 35 minutes
- Servings
- 4
- Yield
- 4 sandwiches
Ingredients
- 2 (20-ounce) cans young green jackfruit in water or brine, drained and rinsed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup barbecue sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 4 vegan hamburger buns
- Optional toppings: sliced pickles, coleslaw, vegan mayonnaise
Instructions
- Prepare the jackfruit Drain and rinse the canned jackfruit. Using your hands or two forks, pull apart the jackfruit pieces into shreds, discarding any seeds or tough core pieces.
- Cook the aromatics Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant.
- Simmer the jackfruit in BBQ sauce Add shredded jackfruit to the skillet with onions and garlic. Stir in barbecue sauce, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt. Mix well to combine.
- Simmer and cook through Reduce heat to low and cover the skillet. Let the jackfruit simmer for 25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it is tender and has absorbed the sauce. If sauce thickens too much, add a splash of water.
- Assemble the sandwiches Toast the vegan buns if desired. Spoon the hot jackfruit barbecue mixture onto the buns. Add optional toppings like sliced pickles, coleslaw, or vegan mayonnaise as preferred.
Helpful Tips
- Use young green jackfruit preserved in water or brine, not in syrup, for the best texture and flavor.
- Store-bought barbecue sauce is fine, but homemade sauce can customize sweetness and smokiness.
- Ensure jackfruit is cooked to at least 140°F (60°C) internally for food safety and proper flavor melding.
- Avoid overcooking jackfruit to prevent mushiness; it should be tender but still shredded.
- For a spicy kick, add chili powder or hot sauce to the BBQ sauce.
Storage and Make-Ahead
Refrigerate leftover jackfruit barbecue in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water if needed to loosen the sauce.
Do not freeze the sandwich after assembling to keep buns from becoming soggy; you may freeze the leftover jackfruit mixture for up to 2 months.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh jackfruit instead of canned for this recipe?
Yes, fresh young green jackfruit can be used if peeled and prepared properly, but canned jackfruit is more convenient and consistent for this recipe.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
This recipe is naturally gluten-free if you use gluten-free barbecue sauce and buns.
How can I make my own vegan barbecue sauce?
You can combine tomato paste, apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to make a quick vegan BBQ sauce.
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