BBQ Jackfruit Sandwich Recipe: Tips for Making BBQ Jackfruit
Written by MasterClass
Last updated: May 6, 2022 • 3 min read
These saucy BBQ jackfruit sandwiches will do the trick if you’re searching for a comforting summer dish free of animal products. Featuring slow-cooked young jackfruit, this pulled pork alternative is sure to become one of your new favorite vegan recipes.
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What Is BBQ Jackfruit?
BBQ jackfruit is a vegan alternative to pulled pork made with meaty, pan-seared jackfruit simmered in traditional barbecue sauce. Cultivated in many Southeast Asian countries, jackfruit grows from the jackfruit tree, a relative of breadfruit, mulberry, and fig trees. Raw, ripe jackfruit tastes similar to other sweet, fibrous fruits like pineapple or mango. Compared to the unripe fruit, cooked jackfruit takes on a meaty texture, making it a great meat alternative for vegans and vegetarians. Unlike meat, it contains a very low level of total fat, making it a good option for those watching their cholesterol levels.
Fresh jackfruit—which has a very neutral taste—is the perfect addition to savory dishes like soups or curries to soak up the flavors or function as a healthy vegan meat substitute. Jackfruit is rich in vitamin A and vitamin C and also contains potassium, calcium, and dietary fiber.
Pile BBQ jackfruit on top of a toasted bun and top it with a tangy red cabbage slaw for a jackfruit pulled pork dupe that will impress the avid meat-eaters in your life.
3 Tips for Making BBQ Jackfruit
Whether you’re making jackfruit for the first time or have experience working with this versatile plant, follow these tips to craft the best plant-based pulled pork sandwiches possible:
- 1. Use canned jackfruit. The ripeness level of your jackfruit makes all the difference in the taste and texture of this dish. For this recipe, avoid using fresh, ripe jackfruit—which often contains a sticky white sap on the outside. Instead of syrup or brine, use canned young green jackfruit packaged in water. If you can only find brine-packed jackfruit at the grocery store, drain and rinse the fruit thoroughly before cooking it.
- 2. Experiment with seasonings. Customize this flavor-packed vegan BBQ recipe with spices, condiments, and sauces to suit your palate. Switch up the seasoning mixture with chili powder, cumin, and onion powder. Add a dash of soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, liquid smoke, or another flavorful condiment. Finish the dish with your favorite store-bought or homemade BBQ sauce.
- 3. Try different toppings. Dress up your homemade BBQ jackfruit sandwiches with a variety of flavorful toppings and veggies, like sliced avocado, coleslaw, pickles, peppers, pickled red onions, hot sauce, and more. Use gluten-free buns or grilled sweet potato “buns” for gluten-free sandwiches or corn tortillas to make jackfruit tacos.
Tasty BBQ Jackfruit Sandwich Recipe
makes
prep time
10 mintotal time
5 hr 20 mincook time
5 hr 10 minIngredients
- 1
In a large mixing bowl, combine the canned jackfruit, brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper, and toss to coat. Set the jackfruit aside.
- 2
In a large skillet over medium heat, warm up the olive oil.
- 3
Add the onion to the skillet and sauté until slightly translucent, about 3–4 minutes.
- 4
Add the garlic to the skillet and cook until it is fragrant, about 1 minute.
- 5
Add the seasoned jackfruit to the pan and cook, occasionally stirring, until the fruit is slightly crispy, about 6–7 minutes.
- 6
Transfer the pan-fried jackfruit to a slow cooker, and pour the barbecue sauce over the top. Stir to incorporate.
- 7
Cook the jackfruit on low heat until it is fork-tender and easily shreddable, about 3–5 hours.
- 8
When the BBQ jackfruit is almost ready, make the cabbage slaw. In a large bowl, combine the shredded cabbage, carrots, red onion, parsley, and green onions.
- 9
Sprinkle the remaining teaspoon of salt and lemon juice over the cabbage mixture and toss the ingredients to combine.
- 10
In a small mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, and black pepper to taste.
- 11
Pour the dressing over the cabbage claw and toss it with tongs.
- 12
Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator to chill.
- 13
Using 2 forks, shred the cooked jackfruit into bite-sized pieces.
- 14
Add a heaping portion of barbecue jackfruit to each toasted bun and top with the red cabbage slaw. Serve the BBQ jackfruit sandwiches immediately.
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