Description
Delicious and tangy BBQ Jackfruit Sandwiches featuring shredded young jackfruit cooked with chickpeas and spices in a savory barbecue sauce, served on toasted buns with a crisp slaw and optional toppings like avocado and pickles. A perfect plant-based alternative to classic pulled pork sandwiches.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Jackfruit BBQ Filling
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 14-ounce can young jackfruit in brine, drained and rinsed
- 1/2 cup canned chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- Paprika, chili powder, and onion powder, several good shakes each
- Pinch of salt
- 1/4 cup barbecue sauce
For the Slaw
- Pre-made slaw bag mix (preferred) or alternatively:
- Thinly sliced cabbage
- Mayonnaise
- Lemon juice or vinegar
- Sugar
- Salt
For Serving
- Toasted buns (brioche buns recommended)
- Optional toppings: avocado, pepperoncini, pickles, hot sauce
Instructions
- Shred the Jackfruit: Drain and rinse the canned young jackfruit. Using your hands or forks, shred the jackfruit into pieces resembling pulled meat.
- Heat the Oil and Cook Jackfruit: Heat 1/4 cup olive oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Add the shredded jackfruit to the pan and break it apart further with the back of a spoon as it cooks.
- Prepare the Chickpea-Garlic Mixture: In a small chopper or food processor, pulse the drained chickpeas and garlic cloves until finely chopped but not pureed.
- Add Chickpea Mixture and Seasonings: Add the chickpea-garlic mix to the pan with the jackfruit. Stir in 1 tablespoon brown sugar, several shakes each of paprika, chili powder, and onion powder, plus a pinch of salt. Mix well to evenly season the filling.
- Add Barbecue Sauce and Brown: Pour 1/4 cup barbecue sauce into the pan. Allow the mixture to cook undisturbed for some time to achieve a slightly roasted, meat-like browning, stirring occasionally.
- Prepare the Slaw: If using a pre-made slaw mix, toss it with mayonnaise, lemon juice or vinegar, sugar, and salt to taste. If using sliced cabbage, combine with these same ingredients to create a quick slaw.
- Toast the Buns: Lightly toast your preferred buns, such as brioche, to enhance texture and flavor.
- Assemble the Sandwiches: Pile the BBQ jackfruit filling onto toasted buns. Top generously with prepared slaw and any optional toppings like avocado slices, pepperoncini, pickles, or hot sauce as desired.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve your BBQ jackfruit sandwiches with salt and pepper chips or your preferred side for a delicious plant-based meal.
Notes
- For best flavor, allow the jackfruit mixture to brown well in the pan without excessive stirring.
- Adjust the amount of barbecue sauce and spices to suit your taste preference.
- Using brioche buns adds a slightly sweet, rich flavor complementing the savory jackfruit.
- The chickpeas add texture and protein, enhancing the meat-like quality of the filling.
- The slaw balances the rich BBQ with crisp, tangy freshness.
- This recipe is vegan and vegetarian friendly.
- Can be served with chips or a side salad for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: BBQ jackfruit sandwiches, vegan pulled pork, plant-based BBQ, jackfruit recipe, vegan sandwich, vegetarian BBQ
