BBQ Jackfruit Sandwiches
Posted: 03/06/20
Updated: 02/01/22
This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
This BBQ jackfruit tastes so much like pulled pork, we can’t get over it! Sweet, tangy, and tender, with a super satisfying texture. Top with the easy coleslaw on a couple of buns for the perfect vegetarian or vegan BBQ sandwich. Oh, and the BBQ jackfruit recipe uses only 5 ingredients and takes just about 10 minutes.
Why This Sandwich Is So Good
- It’s the perfect vegetarian version of a tangy, saucy pulled pork sandwich — and I should know since I’m from Memphis, the home of BBQ!
- Jackfruit is an amazing meat substitute — like the most tender, juicy pork you’ve ever eaten. This recipe for BBQ jackfruit only has 5 ingredients!
- This sandwich is so easy and so fast to make! Only 15 minutes until you’re in BBQ heaven.
How To Make It
- Mix together the apple cider vinegar, the coleslaw mix, the mayonnaise, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and a few pinches of pepper in a bowl. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to serve.
- Drain and seed the jackfruit. You can either use to forks to pull it apart or try using a hand mixer on low.
- Add the barbecue rub, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper to the jackfruit pulled pork and combine well.
- Heat the avocado oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until the oil is shimmering. Add the jackfruit and toss occasionally about 2-3 minutes or until the jackfruit is fragrant.
- Reduce the heat to low and add the barbecue sauce to the skillet, the cover. Stir occasionally, cooking about 5 minutes, or until the jackfruit pulled pork is tender.
- Heat up some vegan butter in a skillet, then add buns with the cut side down. Toast until golden and lightly browned in spots. Serve jackfruit on buns with coleslaw and pickles.
But What IS Jackfruit?
- Jackfruit is related to breadfruit and figs with a consistency like chicken or pork.
- By itself, jackfruit doesn’t taste like much of anything, which makes it perfect as a meat substitute with sauces.
- Jackfruit is super nutritious and low in calories and cholesterol.
Chef’s Tips
- Make sure you buy jackfruit in water, not in juice or brine.
- You can substitute the buns with potato or gluten-free buns, but we love, love, LOVE a soft, buttery brioche bun with our barbecue.
- Use vegan mayonnaise for the coleslaw for vegan.
More Tasty Recipes You’ll Love
- Crockpot BBQ Chicken Sandwiches
- Whole30 Pork and Pineapple Bowls with Plantains, Coconut Cauliflower Rice, and Avocado Lime Mousse
- Whole30 Chili
- Whole30 Chicken Curry (Low Carb, Paleo)
Hey – you’ve made it this far, and now we’re best friends! If you make this recipe, I’d love for you to give it a star rating ★ below. Make sure you follow me on Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook, too!
BBQ Jackfruit Sandwiches
The perfect vegetarian version of a saucy, tangy pulled pork BBQ sandwich.
Ingredients
- 8 ounce coleslaw mix
- 2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar
- 3 tablespoons mayonnaise See notes
- 40 ounces jackfruit about 2 cans, in water
- 2 teaspoons barbecue rub
- 1 tablespoons avocado oil
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- salt
- pepper
- 4 brioche buns See notes
- pickles sliced
Instructions
- Mix together the vinegar, coleslaw mix, mayonnaise, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and a few pinches of pepper in a bowl. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to serve.
- Drain and seed jackfruit. Pull apart with two forks or use a hand mixer on low to break apart.
- Add the BBQ rub, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper to the jackfruit and combine.
- Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the jackfruit, tossing occasionally, until fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the BBQ sauce to the skillet, reduce heat to low, and cover. Stir occasionally and cook about 5 minutes or until tender.
- For the buns, heat up a little vegan butter in a skillet. Add buns, cut side down, and toast until golden and lightly browned in spots. Serve jackfruit on buns with coleslaw and pickles, if desired.
Notes
- For vegan: Use vegan mayonnaise.
- Bun alternatives: Use potato buns or gluten-free buns
Nutrition Information
Calories: 877kcal, Carbohydrates: 138g, Protein: 16g, Fat: 33g, Saturated Fat: 13g, Cholesterol: 148mg, Sodium: 1202mg, Potassium: 1549mg, Fiber: 7g, Sugar: 80g, Vitamin A: 1312IU, Vitamin C: 60mg, Calcium: 187mg, Iron: 3mg, Net Carbs: 131g
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
My store only had jackfruit in brine 🙁 should I rinse it in water? Thanks!
If you drain it, it should be ok! There might be a slight difference in flavor depending on the brine. Watch the salt!
I tried these BBQ Jackfruit Sandwiches today and was so surprised at how good they really were. I truly lost count of how many times my husband complimented me on our delicious lunch. I had not heard of jackfruit prior to learning of this recipe. I enjoy trying new recipes and this one is a 5-star winner. Am anxious to try the BBQ Jackfruit Bowls knowing how delicious the sandwiches were. My cans of jackfruit were only 14 oz, however, I still only used 2 cans and that was the perfect amount for the 1 cup of bbq sauce.
Thank you, Cheryl, for this amazing recipe.
Looks amazing!
Thanks!