BBQ Jackfruit Pulled Pork Sandwich Recipe
Smoky, saucy jackfruit piled high on a soft bun and loaded with vibrant slaw—this BBQ jackfruit pulled pork sandwich delivers big comfort and bold flavor, plant-based style.
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Why I Love BBQ Jackfruit Sandwiches
As a guy who appreciates hearty, comforting food, I was a bit skeptical about swapping pulled pork for jackfruit. But honestly, this sandwich blows away expectations. The texture is surprisingly meaty and absorbs the BBQ sauce beautifully, creating that classic, saucy bite you want from a pulled sandwich.
Pairing it with a crunchy, tangy slaw and some pickles just takes this sandwich to another level. I love how it's satisfying, messy, and deeply flavorful—everything you want in comfort food, just made plant-based.
Here’s why it works so well:
- The jackfruit shreds easily and carries any spice or sauce you throw at it.
- Homemade or good bottled BBQ sauce makes all the difference—go smoky or spicy depending on your mood.
- This is the kind of meal that leaves you just as satisfied as the traditional version.
- Perfect for meal prep or quick weeknight dinners, and it’s a crowd-pleaser at BBQs.
Give this jackfruit BBQ sandwich a shot—you might just find yourself craving it more than the original!
BBQ Jackfruit Pulled Pork Sandwich
Plant-based BBQ jackfruit stuffed in a bun, topped with tangy coleslaw—a vegan spin on classic pulled pork comfort food.
Ingredients
Instructions
- 1
Prepare the Jackfruit: Drain and rinse the jackfruit. Cut off the core and remove any hard seeds, then shred the jackfruit pieces with your hands or a fork.
- 2
Sauté Aromatics: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, and sauté until soft and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
- 3
Cook the Jackfruit: Add the shredded jackfruit to the skillet. Stir in the BBQ sauce and smoked paprika. Season with salt and pepper. Cook on medium heat for about 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the jackfruit to become tender.
- 4
Prepare the Buns: While the jackfruit is cooking, lightly toast the burger buns if desired.
- 5
Assemble the Sandwich: Pile the BBQ jackfruit onto the bottom half of each bun, top with coleslaw, and add pickles if using. Place the top half of the bun over the filling and serve.
Notes
For best results, shred the jackfruit thoroughly before cooking.
Homemade coleslaw adds an extra crunchy, fresh layer.
Nutrition Facts
Serves: 4 sandwiches
Calories Per Serving: 280
Frequently Asked Questions About This Recipe
Jackfruit is a tropical fruit with a meat-like texture when cooked, making it a popular plant-based substitute for pulled pork in vegan recipes. It absorbs flavors well and shreds easily.
Yes! Use gluten-free burger buns and make sure your BBQ sauce is gluten-free to enjoy this recipe without gluten.
Absolutely. You can make the jackfruit BBQ filling in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze it for several months. Just reheat and assemble your sandwiches when ready.
By itself, jackfruit has a mild, slightly fruity taste, but when cooked with BBQ sauce and seasonings, it takes on the savory profile of pulled pork, especially in texture.
Yes, you can sauté the onion and garlic in water or vegetable broth instead of oil for an oil-free version.
