Juicy BBQ Jackfruit Sandwiches Recipe: Smoky Vegan Delight

Crafting mouthwatering bbq jackfruit sandwiches brings plant-based magic to your dinner table.

Tender jackfruit mimics pulled meat with incredible texture and smoky flavor.

Street food meets home cooking in this simple yet satisfying dish.

Vegans and meat lovers alike will celebrate these hearty sandwiches packed with robust seasonings.

Minimal ingredients create maximum taste through clever culinary techniques.

Crisp coleslaw and tangy sauce complement the rich barbecue notes perfectly.

You’ll want to make these again and again for every casual gathering.

Dive into this delicious adventure that proves plant-based eating can be seriously delectable.

Why BBQ Jackfruit Sandwiches Are a Plant-Based Hit

• Craft Plant-Based Comfort: Transform ordinary jackfruit into a mouthwatering sandwich that mimics pulled meat, delighting vegans and meat-lovers alike with its rich, smoky flavors.
• Master Quick Meal Prep: Create a satisfying dinner in mere minutes, using simple ingredients and minimal cooking skills to produce a restaurant-quality sandwich at home.
• Customize Your Flavor Adventure: Personalize the sandwich with different barbecue sauces, slaws, or additional toppings, making it a versatile dish for various taste preferences and dietary needs.
• Boost Nutritional Value: Pack a protein punch with chickpeas and jackfruit, offering a healthier alternative to traditional meat sandwiches while delivering incredible taste and texture.

What You’ll Need for BBQ Jackfruit Sandwich Magic

• Jackfruit: A versatile tropical fruit that mimics the texture of pulled meat when shredded.
• Barbecue Sauce: Provides a rich, tangy flavor that coats the jackfruit and creates a classic BBQ taste.
• Buns: Soft bread rolls that serve as the base for the sandwich.

• Brown Sugar, Garlic, Spices: Add depth and complexity to the jackfruit filling.
• Chickpeas: Provide additional protein and contribute to the meaty texture.

• Olive Oil: Helps to cook and brown the jackfruit mixture.
• Slaw: Optional topping that adds crunch and freshness to the sandwich.

How to Make BBQ Jackfruit Sandwiches in a Snap

Step 1: Prepare Jackfruit Shreds

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high temperature. Gently place jackfruit into the pan and use the back of a wooden spoon to break it into stringy, pulled-like textures.

Continue shredding until the jackfruit resembles pulled meat consistency.

Step 2: Create Flavor-Packed Filling

• Chickpeas
• Garlic
• Brown sugar
• Spice blend

Pulse the ingredients until they form a rough, chunky mixture.

Transfer the blend into the skillet with shredded jackfruit. Stir everything together, allowing the ingredients to meld and develop deep flavors.

Pour barbecue sauce over the mixture and let it simmer, creating a rich caramelized surface without stirring for several minutes.

Step 3: Build Delicious Sandwiches

Select soft burger buns and lightly toast them until golden brown.

Generously pile the spiced jackfruit mixture onto the bottom bun. Top with crisp coleslaw or your favorite toppings like pickled onions, fresh herbs, or additional barbecue sauce.

Crown with the top bun and serve immediately while warm.

Handy Tips for BBQ Jackfruit That Delivers Big Flavor

• Drain and rinse canned jackfruit thoroughly to remove excess brine, ensuring a better texture and absorption of flavors.
• Use a sturdy, thick barbecue sauce for maximum flavor coating and to prevent the jackfruit from becoming too watery.
• Experiment with different spice blends like smoked paprika or cayenne to customize the heat and depth of the barbecue seasoning.
• Let the jackfruit cook longer to develop deeper caramelization and enhance the overall umami flavor profile of the dish.

Tasty Twists on BBQ Jackfruit Sandwiches

• Spicy Southwest Jackfruit: Replace barbecue sauce with chipotle sauce, add diced jalapeños, and top with pepper jack cheese for a fiery kick.
• Mediterranean Jackfruit Wrap: Swap barbecue sauce for tzatziki, add cucumber, tomatoes, and feta cheese, then serve in a warm pita bread.
• Asian-Inspired Jackfruit Bowl: Use hoisin sauce instead of barbecue sauce, sprinkle with sesame seeds, and serve over steamed rice with pickled vegetables.
• Caribbean Jerk Jackfruit Sliders: Incorporate jerk seasoning, drizzle with mango salsa, and serve on mini sweet Hawaiian rolls for a tropical flavor profile.

Top Sidekicks for BBQ Jackfruit Sandwiches

• Craft Crisp Coleslaw Companion: Prepare a tangy, crunchy coleslaw with shredded cabbage, carrots, and a light vinegar-based dressing to complement the rich, smoky jackfruit.
• Pour Perfectly Paired Pale Ale: Select a hoppy craft pale ale with citrusy undertones to cut through the barbecue sauce's sweetness and enhance the sandwich's bold flavors.
• Serve with Zesty Pickle Spears: Add crisp, briny pickle spears on the side to provide a sharp contrast to the sweet and savory jackfruit, creating a balanced flavor profile.
• Drizzle Cooling Ranch Sauce: Whip up a quick vegan ranch dressing to drizzle over the sandwich, offering a creamy, cool counterpoint to the spicy and smoky barbecue notes.

How to Keep BBQ Jackfruit Sandwiches Fresh

• Refrigerate: Store leftover BBQ jackfruit in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Keep slaw separate to prevent sogginess.
• Freeze: Wrap cooled jackfruit tightly in freezer-safe bags or containers. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Avoid freezing assembled sandwiches to maintain bread quality.
• Microwave Reheat: Place jackfruit in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a few drops of water, and heat for 1-2 minutes. Stir halfway through to ensure even warming.
• Skillet Reheat: Warm jackfruit in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of barbecue sauce. Stir frequently to prevent burning and restore moisture. Reheat for 3-4 minutes until thoroughly hot.

BBQ Jackfruit Sandwiches Questions, Answered

• What is jackfruit and why is it used in this recipe?

Jackfruit is a large tropical fruit with a meat-like texture when young and unripe. It’s perfect for vegan and vegetarian recipes because it can absorb flavors and mimic the texture of pulled meat when cooked.

• Is jackfruit nutritious?

Yes, jackfruit is packed with nutrients. It’s rich in vitamins, minerals, and fiber. It’s low in calories and provides a good source of protein, making it a healthy meat alternative.

• Where can I find jackfruit for this recipe?

Jackfruit is commonly available in Asian grocery stores, health food stores, and many supermarkets. You can buy it canned (in water or brine) in the international or canned vegetable section, which works best for this recipe.

• Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

BBQ Jackfruit Sandwiches Recipe

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4.9 from 33 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Spicy BBQ jackfruit sandwiches deliver a mouthwatering plant-based twist on classic pulled pork. Smoky, tangy flavors and tender jackfruit create a satisfying meal that pulls you into a world of delicious comfort.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 14 ounces (397 grams) young jackfruit in brine, drained and rinsed
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) canned chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) barbecue sauce

Seasoning and Flavor Enhancers:

• 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• Paprika (to taste)
• Chili powder (to taste)
• Onion powder (to taste)
• Salt (to taste)

Sandwich Components:

• Toasted buns (preferably brioche)
• Slaw (pre-made or homemade with cabbage, mayonnaise, lemon juice or vinegar, sugar, and salt)
• Optional toppings: avocado, pepperoncini, pickles, hot sauce

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Instructions

1. Prepare a skillet with olive oil at medium-high temperature and carefully tear jackfruit into stringy, meat-like strands using a spoon’s edge.
2. Create a flavor base by pulsing chickpeas and garlic into a fine mixture, then incorporate into the skillet with brown sugar and aromatic spices, stirring thoroughly.
3. Allow the jackfruit mixture to caramelize and develop rich, deep flavors by cooking undisturbed for 3-4 minutes, ensuring a slightly crispy exterior.
4. Drench the jackfruit with barbecue sauce, gently mixing to coat each strand and intensify the smoky, tangy profile.
5. Lightly toast burger buns until golden and crisp around the edges, creating a sturdy foundation for the filling.
6. Layer the spiced jackfruit generously onto the toasted bun, ensuring an even distribution of the savory mixture.
7. Crown the sandwich with a crisp, refreshing slaw to add textural contrast and complement the robust barbecue flavors.

Notes

• Choose young, green jackfruit in brine or water for the best texture and neutral flavor when making this vegan barbecue sandwich.
• Drain and rinse jackfruit thoroughly to remove excess salt and improve the meat-like shredding consistency before cooking.
• Experiment with different barbecue sauce styles like smoky, spicy, or sweet to customize the flavor profile and match personal taste preferences.
• For extra protein, add additional plant-based protein sources like black beans or lentils alongside the chickpea mixture to boost nutritional value.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 500 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 8 g
• Protein: 10 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg