"BBQ jackfruit sandwich with coleslaw, red onions and dill pickles on a rustic wooden board, with additional BBQ sauce and vintage enamelware in the background"

Smoky BBQ Jackfruit Sandwiches (Vegan, 30-Minute Meal)

/ Vegan Recipes / By

Smoky BBQ Jackfruit Sandwiches (Vegan, 30-Minute Meal)

This meat-free wonder transforms young jackfruit into tender, pulled BBQ goodness that’ll satisfy even dedicated carnivores.

KEY INFO
  • Prep time: 10 minutes
  • Cook time: 20 minutes
  • Total time: 30 minutes
  • Servings: 4-6
  • Calories: 280 per serving
  • Fat: 8g
  • Protein: 3g
  • Carbs: 42g
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Dietary: Vegan, Can be Gluten-Free
EQUIPMENT NEEDED
  • Large skillet
  • Mixing bowl
  • Fork or potato masher
  • Cutting board & knife
  • Alternative: Food processor for shredding
INGREDIENTS

For the BBQ Jackfruit:

  • 2 x 400g/14oz cans young green jackfruit in water/brine (not syrup)
  • 240ml/1 cup BBQ sauce (check it’s vegan)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp chili powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste

For Assembly:

  • 4-6 burger buns (use GF if needed)
  • 2 cups prepared coleslaw
  • Pickles (optional)
  • Sliced red onion (optional)

Person preparing and shredding Jackfruit

METHOD
  1. Drain and rinse jackfruit. Remove tough core pieces and shred using forks until it resembles pulled meat
  2. Heat oil in skillet over medium heat. Add onions and cook until soft (3-5 minutes)
  3. Add shredded jackfruit and dry spices. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally
  4. Pour in BBQ sauce. Simmer on medium-low for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally until sauce thickens and jackfruit is tender
  5. Toast buns if desired, pile with BBQ jackfruit, top with slaw and chosen garnishes

Simmering barbecue jackfruit in a skillet

CRUCIAL TIPS
  • Don’t skip draining/rinsing the jackfruit – removes tinny taste
  • Shred thoroughly before cooking for best texture
  • Let sauce reduce properly – prevents soggy buns
  • Taste and adjust seasoning before serving
STORAGE & VARIATIONS

Storage:

  • Keeps 4 days refrigerated
  • Freezes well for up to 3 months
  • Reheat in pan with splash of water

Variations:

  • Add liquid smoke for extra smokiness
  • Mix in chipotle for heat
  • Top with grilled pineapple for sweetness

Common Mistakes:

  • Using ripe jackfruit (must be young green)
  • Not shredding thoroughly enough
  • Adding too much liquid

Assembled vegan BBQ sandwich

SCALING
  • Recipe doubles easily
  • Freeze extra portions
  • Adjust seasoning gradually when scaling up