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This BBQ Jackfruit Sandwich is a standout plant-based delight that masterfully replicates the smoky, tangy flavors of traditional pulled pork, making it an irresistible choice for both vegans and meat-eaters alike.
The un-ripe jackfruit’s fibrous texture mimics shredded meat perfectly, creating a satisfying bite without the saturated fat and cholesterol found in animal products.
Packed with fiber and low in carbs, this recipe supports digestion and helps maintain balanced blood sugar levels.
The homemade chipotle BBQ sauce adds smoky heat and depth, while the fresh slaw brings a crisp, zesty contrast rich in antioxidants and vitamins.
Its relatively short prep and cook times make it a fantastic, easy weekday meal or a crowd-pleaser for casual gatherings.
Plus, it’s highly adaptable for meal prep, providing flavorful leftovers that reheat well.
Overall, this recipe combines wholesome ingredients with bold flavors and practical simplicity—ideal for anyone looking to enjoy a nutritious, protein-rich, and satisfying meal without sacrificing taste or convenience.
Must-Have Tools for Perfect Results
Food Processor
Essential for blending the chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, and other BBQ sauce ingredients into a smooth, smoky base.
This versatile kitchen tool also speeds up prep for sauces, dips, and dressings, making it indispensable for effortless cooking.
Large Skillet
Perfect for sautéing the onions and cooking the shredded jackfruit evenly.
A good-quality skillet distributes heat well, ensuring your ingredients cook uniformly while preventing sticking, ideal for sautéing, searing, and simmering.
Mixing Bowl
Needed for tossing together the quick slaw ingredients evenly.
A sturdy mixing bowl is a kitchen staple for preparing salads, marinating proteins, or mixing batters, offering ease and space for any prep task.
Tongs
Handy for stirring and turning the jackfruit in the skillet without breaking it apart too much.
Tongs provide precision and control during cooking and serving, making them perfect for handling delicate or slippery foods.
Measuring Spoons
Crucial for accurate seasoning and spice measurements in the BBQ sauce and slaw.
Reliable measuring spoons help maintain flavor balance and consistency in any recipe, elevating your cooking outcomes.
BBQ Pulled Jackfruit Sandwich
Equipment
- 1 Food processor
- 1 Large skillet
- 1 medium mixing bowl
- 1 Pair of Tongs
- Measuring Spoons (set)
Ingredients
For the BBQ Sauce:
- 2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce from a can
- 2 tablespoons adobo sauce from the can
- ½ cup ketchup
- ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 garlic cloves
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
For the Jackfruit:
- 1 20-ounce can young green jackfruit, drained
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 small yellow onion thinly sliced
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt
- ½ cup water
For the Quick Slaw:
- 2 cups shredded cabbage
- ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
- ½ tablespoon fresh lime juice
- ½ teaspoon extra-virgin olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
For Serving:
- 8 slider buns or 6 regular hamburger buns
- Optional toppings: pickles mustard, sliced serrano peppers
Instructions
- Blend the BBQ Sauce: In a food processor, combine the chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, garlic cloves, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, cumin, and several grinds of fresh black pepper. Pulse until the mixture becomes a smooth, smoky sauce. Set this aside to allow the flavors to meld.
- Prepare the Jackfruit: Using your hands, gently pull apart the jackfruit pieces into shreds, discarding any tough core pieces. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced onion along with the sea salt and cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions are soft and translucent, about 8 to 10 minutes. Reduce heat if needed to prevent burning.
- Cook the Jackfruit: Add the shredded jackfruit to the skillet and stir for about 5 minutes, letting it warm through and start absorbing flavors. If the mixture begins to stick, splash in a little water as needed. Pour in ½ cup water and stir in half of the prepared BBQ sauce. Cover the skillet, reduce the heat to low, and let the jackfruit simmer for 20 minutes, allowing it to tenderize and soak up the sauce.
- Finish the Jackfruit: Remove the lid and stir in half of the remaining BBQ sauce. Save the rest for serving alongside the sandwiches.
- Make the Quick Slaw: In a medium mixing bowl, toss together shredded cabbage, chopped cilantro, lime juice, olive oil, and salt and pepper to taste. Mix well until evenly coated.
- Assemble the Sandwiches: Toast the buns lightly if desired. Fill each bun with a generous scoop of the BBQ jackfruit, a helping of slaw, and any additional toppings you like such as pickles, mustard, or sliced serrano peppers. Drizzle with remaining BBQ sauce if you want extra flavor.
Notes
- Jackfruit Selection: Make sure to use young, unripe green jackfruit in brine or water, not the sweet ripe variety. This gives the best shredded texture.
- Adjust Spice Level: Chipotle peppers add smoky heat—reduce the amount or remove seeds for a milder sauce.
- Make Ahead: The BBQ sauce and cooked jackfruit can be prepared a day in advance and stored in the fridge, making meal prep quicker.
- Serving Suggestions: These sandwiches pair wonderfully with crispy fries, roasted veggies, or a fresh green salad.
- Storage: Leftover jackfruit can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
Chef’s Secrets for Flavorful Jackfruit
Creating a truly delicious BBQ jackfruit sandwich relies on layering flavors and paying attention to texture.
Start by shredding the jackfruit carefully by hand to mimic the look and feel of pulled pork.
Removing any tough core pieces ensures a tender bite. Sautéing the onions slowly until they’re soft and slightly caramelized adds a natural sweetness that balances the smoky heat of the chipotle BBQ sauce.
When simmering the jackfruit in the sauce, keep the heat low and cover the pan so the flavors meld deeply and the fruit softens perfectly without drying out.
Using homemade BBQ sauce made from scratch is a game changer, letting you adjust the spice and tang to your liking.
Don’t rush the simmering step; it’s key for an authentic, melt-in-your-mouth texture that will keep everyone coming back for more.
Serving Suggestions to Impress Guests
This sandwich is wonderfully versatile and pairs beautifully with a variety of sides to suit your mood or occasion.
For a classic casual meal, serve it alongside crispy sweet potato fries or seasoned potato wedges.
A fresh green salad with a citrusy vinaigrette provides a bright contrast that complements the rich BBQ flavors.
For a more indulgent option, creamy coleslaw or baked mac and cheese create a comforting balance.
The fresh quick slaw included in the recipe adds a nice crunch and brightness on its own, but you can also experiment with adding shredded carrots or jicama for extra texture.
Don’t forget pickles or sliced jalapeños on the sandwich for added zing and crunch.
Storage Tips for Best Freshness
To keep your BBQ jackfruit tasting its best, store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
Reheat gently over low heat on the stovetop, adding a splash of water or extra BBQ sauce to prevent it from drying out.
The BBQ sauce itself can be stored separately in the fridge for up to one week and even freezes well if you want to keep a batch on hand.
The quick slaw is best served fresh but can be refrigerated for a day if necessary—just toss it again with a little fresh lime juice before serving to revive its crispness.
Avoid freezing the slaw, as cabbage tends to get watery and lose its crunch after thawing.
Frequently Asked Questions Answered
1. What kind of jackfruit should I use?
Use young, unripe jackfruit packed in water or brine, not the ripe sweet kind found in syrup.
The unripe variety has the fibrous texture ideal for shredding and cooking.
2. Can I make the BBQ sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely! The sauce actually tastes better after sitting for a few hours or overnight, allowing the flavors to deepen.
Store it in an airtight container in the fridge.
3. How spicy is this sandwich?
The chipotle peppers give a smoky, moderate heat. You can adjust the spice by using fewer peppers or removing seeds.
For a milder version, omit the chipotles and add smoked paprika instead.
4. Is this recipe gluten-free?
The jackfruit and sauce are naturally gluten-free, but be sure to use gluten-free buns or serve it on lettuce wraps if you need to avoid gluten.
5. Can I freeze leftover jackfruit?
Yes, cooked jackfruit freezes well. Portion it into freezer-safe containers and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.
This recipe is inspired by loveandlemons and has been carefully refined to enhance clarity, streamline preparation steps, and ensure accurate results. We’ve also included health benefits, nutritional highlights, and Must-Have Tools to help you get the best results every time you cook.