BBQ Pulled Jackfruit Sandwich with Avocado Slaw
BBQ Pulled Jackfruit is a dream come true for vegans, vegetarians, and anyone else who loves BBQ but doesn’t want the health risks that come with it. Smoked meat is TERRIBLE for the body. It’s a carcinogen on par with smoking cigarettes, which kind of seems like karma to me. We kill the pigs, they kill us. But BBQ tastes amazing! Every vegan and vegetarian I know misses BBQ sandwiches.
Enter BBQ Pulled Jackfruit. It has a texture and flavor so realistic, it often fools meat eaters. Sweet, smoky BBQ with none of the cruelty, environmental damage, or health risks? Count me in!
This BBQ pulled jackfruit sandwich was made specially for another awesome vegetarian friend and Kickstarter backer! It takes about an hour to prepare, but I assure you, it is time well spent. This BBQ Pulled Jackfruit tastes AMAZING!!! The avocado slaw adds crunch and flavor. I tried the coleslaw recipe first using vegan mayo, but it didn’t taste right and avocado is so much healthier.
Some of the ingredients are specialty items, but can be easily found on Amazon and shipped right to your door! Alternatively, most health food stores carry vegan worcestershire sauce and liquid smoke can usually be found at regular grocery stores near the hot sauce. I source the canned jackfruit from the local Indian market in LA. (Best discover EVER.) I attempted this BBQ Pulled Jackfruit recipe without the worcestershire and liquid smoke and it was nowhere near as delicious. A small jar of each will last a long time, consider it an investment in your taste buds!
INGREDIENTS
- 3 20oz cans of jackfruit in water
- 4 large vegan sandwich buns
- 1 large yellow onion, chopped fine
- 4 cloves minced garlic
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon grapeseed or other cooking oil
- 1/2 cup tomato based bbq sauce, plus more for the sandwiches
- 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vegan worcestershire sauce
- 1 1/2 teaspoons liquid smoke
- 3 tablespoons molasses
- 2 teaspoons thyme
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon dry mustard
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
DIRECTIONS
- Preheat the oven to 400. Open and drain the cans of jackfruit. Trim the tough core from the jackfruit pieces and remove the seeds. Cut the jackfruit into very small triangle shapes. This will help the jackfruit get the stringy, pulled texture.
- In a large skillet, heat the oil on medium high. Sauté the onion for 1-2 minutes until it becomes slightly translucent. Add the garlic and cook for another minute or two. Stir in the jackfruit, then add the vinegar, molasses, worcestershire, liquid smoke, and dry spices. Mix well.
- Pour the vegetable broth into the skillet, reduce heat to medium, and cover. Cook the jackfruit until all the liquid is absorbed, about 10 minutes, stirring often and mashing the jackfruit pieces until the mixture becomes stringy and resembles pulled pork.
- On a lined or greased baking sheet, spread the jackfruit in an even layer. Bake in the oven for 20 minutes, then take the pan out and pour the bbq sauce over the jackfruit. Stir well until evenly combined and if desired, use a fork to shred the bbq pulled jackfruit even further. The smaller the pieces are, the chewier and more delicious they will be.
- Place the pan back in the oven for another 20 minutes and get to work on the avocado slaw. (Recipe below) Assemble the sandwiches with a large scoop of bbq pulled jackfruit, avocado slaw, and a drizzle of bbq sauce.
INGREDIENTS
- 3 cups shredded green cabbage
- 1 large avocado, mashed
- 2 tablespoons white vinegar
- 1 teaspoon celery seed
- 2 teaspoons organic sugar
- sea salt and black pepper to taste
DIRECTIONS
- In a large bowl, combine all ingredients and mix well.
- Place the avocado slaw in the fridge to keep it cool until the BBQ Pulled Jackfruit is ready.
I recommend doubling or even tripling this BBQ Pulled Jackfruit recipe. Trust me. It makes 4 large sandwiches, but you will want leftovers and the BBQ Pulled Jackfruit tastes incredible even when it’s served cold.
Did you try this BBQ Pulled Jackfruit recipe? Tell us all about it in the comments! And while you’re at it, post a photo of your deliciousness on Instagram with the tag #carrotsandflowers so we can admire your handiwork. It will make our day! 
For other yummy vegan sandwich recipes, check out our Chickpea Salad Sandwich or ourMac Daddy Vegan Breakfast Sandwich!
4 COMMENTS