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    Home » Recipes » Main Dishes

    BBQ Jackfruit Pulled Pork Sandwiches

    Published: Jun 21, 2023 by Briana · This post may contain affiliate links where I may receive compensation. Please see my disclosure for details.

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    These BBQ Jackfruit Pulled Pork Sandwiches are so good. It’s a classic pulled pork sandwich without the meat! Everyone will be impressed when they try this recipe – vegans and non-vegan alike!

    BBQ Jackfruit Pulled Pork Sandwich on a wooden serving board with BBQ sauce dripping from side of sandwich.
    Jump to Recipe

    As a vegetarian I never knew how much I appreciate finding meat alternatives that actually taste like the real thing! Some "meats" taste artificial or it doesn't have enough seasoning, but once in a while you stumble on a recipe that blows you away, just like my black bean burger recipe.

    These BBQ jackfruit pulled pork sandwiches are an easy meat alternative that has an amazing texture and pairs perfectly with this soul food potato salad. Jackfruit pulled pork is made with jackfruit that's seasoned and then sautéed in a skillet until tender and tossed with your favorite BBQ sauce. Serve the vegan BBQ jackfruit on slightly toasted buns topped off with a simple coleslaw recipe that I included below.

    This recipe is great for making ahead and including as part of your weekly meal prep. The vegan pulled pork sandwiches only require a few ingredients and can be whipped up in less than 30 minutes. They’re so good, they’ll fool any meat eaters into thinking they’re eating real pulled pork!

    What is Jackfruit?

    Jackfruit, also known as jack tree, is a tropical fruit originally grown in South India and is now found across Southeast Asia and the tropics. It is the largest tree fruit in the world. Its most familiar trademark is the spiky green skin.

    You can eat the fresh jackfruit raw or cooked in a variety of dishes. When you pull apart the jackfruit pieces, it has a meaty texture of shredded meat which works great in many vegetarian and vegan savory recipes as a meat substitution. It’s often used to make pulled “pork” sandwiches and jackfruit tacos.

    BBQ Jackfruit on a open-faced on bun.
    BBQ Jackfruit, open-faced, with coleslaw on top on a bun.

    Ingredients You'll Need

    You'll only need a few ingredients for this BBQ pulled jackfruit recipe. Here's what you'll need:

    • Olive oil - is used to coat the pan before sauteing the jackfruit. 
    • Young green jackfruit - look for canned jackfruit in water. Do NOT get one canned in brine or syrup. Once the jackfruit is cooked, it will have a shredded texture of meat. 
    • Seasonings - some of the seasoning used in the recipe includes garlic powder, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt and ground black pepper.
    • BBQ sauce - you can use your favorite store-bought BBQ sauce or try my homemade BBQ sauce.
    BBQ Jackfruit with fork placing coleslaw topping on the sandwich.
    BBQ Jackfruit sandwich with hand placing the top Bun.

    How to Cook Jackfruit

    Making this BBQ Jackfruit pork recipe is so simple and it’ll be done in only 30 minutes. 

    1. Drain and dry jackfruit. Drain the liquid from the can and remove the jackfruit and pat it dry. 
    2. Saute the jackfruit. Heat a large pan over medium heat. Place the jackfruit pieces in a pan with a little bit of oil. Toss to coat the pieces and cook for 8-10 minutes. Gently begin to break the pieces apart to resemble shredded jackfruit “pulled pork”. 
    3. Toss with spices. Remove the large skillet from the heat and add the seasoning to the pan and toss to coat the jackfruit evenly.  
    4. Add BBQ sauce. Lower the heat to low and add the BBQ sauce to coat the seasoned jackfruit in the pan.
    5. Simmer. Let the pulled pork pieces simmer for about 1 -2 minutes, stirring frequently to keep from sticking.
    6. Serve. You can serve the jackfruit pulled pork by itself, on hamburger buns topped with coleslaw or serve it on the side.

    What to Serve with Vegan Pulled Pork 

    The BBQ jackfruit sandwiches are great for any summer gathering, cookout or easy weeknight dinner and works well served on their own as a meal. One of my favorite ways to serve the vegan jackfruit is by adding some creamy coleslaw on top of the bbq sandwich or serving it on the side. This recipe also pairs well with a side of potato salad, baked beans or mac and cheese.

    BBQ Jackfruit Pulled Pork Sandwiches on a wooden serving board with BBQ sauce in container in background.

    Storage and Reheat

    • To store the leftover jackfruit, I suggest keeping jackfruit separate from coleslaw. Let the jackfruit cool to room temperature. Then transfer it to an airtight container and place it in the fridge. It can be stored for up to 3 days. 
    • To reheat the BBQ jackfruit, you can place it in a skillet on low heat with a little oil, stirring until heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave, heating in 20 second increments. Then top the sandwich with the coleslaw or you can serve on the side.

    Is It a Thyroid-Friendly Recipe? Jackfruit may benefit people suffering from thyroid disorders since it contains a high amount of copper, which may benefit in the healthy secretion and absorption of thyroid hormone. Some other benefits of eating jackfruit is that it is rich in several types of antioxidants, fiber, minerals and vitamins, including vitamin C which may help reduce inflammation in the body.

    Recipe FAQ

    What does jackfruit taste like?

    Green Jackfruit by itself has a very little taste. That’s why using it as a meat substitute is great because it’s easy to customize the dish however you like with various seasonings. 

    Where do I buy jackfruit?

    For this recipe you will need green unripe jackfruit in water. Cans of green jackfruit can be found at most Asian and Indian grocery stores, Whole Foods and online through amazon. You can also find cans of Trader Joe’s jackfruit.

    What if I can only find Jackfruit in brine?

    Oftentimes, jackfruit is canned in brine. If you cannot find jackfruit canned in water, simply try to rinse off the jackfruit before using it in the recipe.

    How long does the BBQ Jackfruit last?

    The BBQ jackfruit will keep well in the refrigerator for about a week. 

    How do I store the pulled pork?

    To store leftovers, keep jackfruit separate from coleslaw. Let the jackfruit come to almost room temperature before transferring to an airtight container and placing it in the fridge.

    How do I reheat the Jackfruit?

    When you’re ready to eat, all you need to do is simply reheat jackfruit then top with the coleslaw.

    What goes with the BBQ Jackfruit?

    The jackfruit goes amazing in the coleslaw recipe that I’ve included in this recipe. You can serve it on top of BBQ Jackfruit on a hamburger bun or serve it as a side dish to go along with the pulled pork sandwich.

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    BBQ Jackfruit with coleslaw topping and fork
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    5 from 4 votes

    BBQ Jackfruit Pulled Pork Sandwiches

    These BBQ Jackfruit Pulled Pork Sandwiches are so good. It’s a classic pulled pork sandwich without the meat! Everyone will be impressed when they try this recipe – vegans and non-vegan alike!
    Prep Time10 minutes mins
    Cook Time12 minutes mins
    Total Time22 minutes mins
    Course: Main Dish
    Cuisine: American
    Keyword: BBQ jackfruit, bbq pulled pork, pulled pork
    Servings: 4
    Author: Briana

    Ingredients

    • Whole30 Coleslaw Recipe

    OR

    Traditional Coleslaw Recipe

    • 1 16 ounce coleslaw mix
    • 2/3 cup mayo
    • 1 tablespoon dijon mustard
    • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
    • 1 tablespoon maple syrup
    • Salt and pepper to taste

    BBQ Jackfruit

    • 1 tablespoon olive oil
    • 28 ounces Green Jackfruit in water
    • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
    • 1 teaspoon chili powder
    • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
    • Salt and pepper to taste
    • 1 cup bbq sauce
    Get Recipe Ingredients

    Instructions

    Coleslaw

    • Whisk all of the ingredients for the coleslaw dressing in a small bowl until smooth.
    • Add the coleslaw mix in a large mixing bowl.
    • Add the dressing to the cabbage, a little at a time depending on how much coleslaw you have in the bowl, toss until well combined.
    • Add additional salt and pepper to taste, if needed.
    • Refrigerate the coleslaw before serving with the BQQ Jackfruit.

    BBQ Jackfruit

    • Drain the canned jackfruit and set it aside.
    • Place a large non-stick pan over medium heat with olive oil.
    • Add the jackfruit to the pan and let it cook for 8-10 minutes.
    • Once the jackfruit is warm, remove the pan from the heat and use a fork to gently mash and pull apart the jackfruit until it resembles pulled pork. Remove any seeds and seed casing you may see.
    • Add in the garlic powder, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt and pepper and mix until the seasonings are evenly distributed.
    • Add the BBQ sauce and mix well. Let the jackfruit cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently, then remove from heat.
    • Add the jackfruit to a slightly toasted hamburger bun and top it with the coleslaw and serve.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 616kcal | Carbohydrates: 82g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 33g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 17g | Monounsaturated Fat: 9g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 16mg | Sodium: 1047mg | Potassium: 443mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 27g | Vitamin A: 1202IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 128mg | Iron: 2mg

    Disclaimer

    Although HalfPastHungry.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, note that these are only estimates. Nutritional information may be affected based on which products you use, the brand that was purchased, or in other unforeseeable ways. HalfPastHungry.com will not be held liable for any reliance on given nutritional information. If you need to follow a specific caloric regimen, please consult your physician first.

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    About Briana

    Briana is the blogger, recipe developer and food photographer behind HalfPastHungry. She's been blogging since 2017 sharing thyroid friendly and plant-based recipes that are easy to make, healthy and nutritious.

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    Briana About Me Photo

    Hi! My name is Briana. 
    After being diagnosed with Thyroid Cancer in my early 20's, I struggled with hypothyroidism and weight gain, which started me on my plant-based journey. HalfPastHungry is your source for beginner friendly plant-based recipes that are easy to make, healthy and nutritious and make eating plant-based easier for you.

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