Description
BBQ Jackfruit Sandwiches are a flavorful, plant-based meal that mimics the texture of pulled pork with tender young green jackfruit and a rich homemade barbecue sauce. Perfectly smoky, tangy, and slightly sweet, these sandwiches are naturally vegan and gluten-free if using suitable buns. Easy to customize with spice and sweetness levels, they offer a healthy and satisfying alternative to traditional BBQ sandwiches.
Ingredients
Scale
Jackfruit
- 2 cans young green jackfruit packed in water or brine (about 20 oz each)
BBQ Sauce
- 1/2 cup tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar (or maple syrup as variation)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Aromatics & Cooking
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Sandwich
- 4 sandwich buns (soft and sturdy, gluten-free buns optional)
- Optional toppings: pickles, coleslaw, vegan cheese, jalapeños
Instructions
- Prepare the Jackfruit: Drain and rinse the young green jackfruit thoroughly to remove brine. Remove seeds and hard cores, then use fingers or forks to shred the jackfruit into pull-apart strands resembling pulled pork.
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onions and minced garlic; cook until fragrant and translucent to build the flavor base.
- Add Jackfruit and BBQ Sauce: Add the shredded jackfruit to the skillet with the sautéed aromatics. Pour in the homemade barbecue sauce and simmer together for 15-20 minutes until the flavors meld and jackfruit softens.
- Toast the Buns: Lightly brush sandwich buns with oil or vegan butter, then toast them in a skillet or oven until golden and crisp for perfect texture contrast.
- Assemble and Serve: Pile generous amounts of BBQ jackfruit onto the toasted buns. Add optional toppings such as pickles, coleslaw, or vegan cheese to enhance texture and flavor. Serve immediately for best taste.
Notes
- Use young green jackfruit exclusively for the best pulled texture; avoid ripe jackfruit.
- Simmer BBQ sauce well to thicken and deepen flavors.
- Shred jackfruit thoroughly to replicate pulled pork consistency.
- Toast buns well to prevent sogginess and add crunch.
- Add a splash of vinegar or pickles at the end to brighten flavors.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Sautéing and Toasting
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 54g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 0mg