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Flavorful Jackfruit BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwiches Recipe with Creamy Slaw

jackfruit BBQ pulled pork sandwiches - featured image

A quick and easy plant-based twist on classic pulled pork sandwiches featuring smoky BBQ jackfruit and a creamy slaw, perfect for gatherings and family meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cans young green jackfruit in water or brine (not syrup), drained and rinsed
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or avocado oil
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup barbecue sauce (smoky-sweet brand)
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 2 cups shredded green cabbage
  • 1 cup shredded carrot
  • 1/4 cup vegan mayonnaise (or regular mayo if preferred)
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon maple syrup or honey (optional)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 46 soft sandwich buns or rolls (brioche style recommended)
  • Pickles or sliced jalapeños for topping (optional)

Instructions

  1. Drain and rinse the canned jackfruit well. Use your fingers or two forks to pull apart the pieces into shreds, discarding any seeds or tough core bits.
  2. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
  3. Add the shredded jackfruit to the skillet. Stir well with the onions and garlic, cooking for 5 minutes to warm through and start browning slightly.
  4. Sprinkle in smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Pour in the barbecue sauce and apple cider vinegar. Stir well to coat everything evenly. Reduce heat to low and let simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  5. While the jackfruit simmers, combine shredded cabbage, shredded carrot, vegan mayo, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, maple syrup, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl. Toss until evenly coated and creamy.
  6. Lightly toast the sandwich buns in a dry skillet or toaster oven until just golden.
  7. Spoon a generous amount of the jackfruit BBQ filling onto the bottom bun. Top with creamy slaw and add pickles or jalapeños if desired. Cap with the top bun and serve immediately.

Notes

If the jackfruit feels too wet, cook uncovered longer to evaporate excess liquid. Avoid using canned jackfruit in syrup. Don’t overcook jackfruit to prevent mushiness. Toast buns to prevent sogginess. Slaw can be thinned with water or vinegar if too thick. For a spicy kick, add chipotle powder or hot sauce. Gluten-free buns or lettuce wraps can be used for gluten-free option. Slow cooker method can be used for deeper flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: jackfruit, BBQ pulled pork, plant-based, vegan, sandwich, creamy slaw, easy recipe, barbecue, meatless