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BBQ Jackfruit Sandwiches: Easy Smoky Vegan Recipe for Summer Parties

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These BBQ jackfruit sandwiches deliver smoky, sweet, and tangy flavor with a meaty texture, making them a crowd-pleasing vegan alternative to classic pulled pork. Perfect for summer parties, weeknight dinners, or lazy weekend lunches, they come together quickly with canned jackfruit and simple pantry ingredients.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cans (20 oz each) young green jackfruit in brine or water, drained and rinsed
  • 1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp olive oil (or avocado oil)
  • 1 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp ground cumin
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1/8 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 1 cup BBQ sauce
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tbsp brown sugar or coconut sugar (optional)
  • Salt, to taste
  • 2 cups shredded green cabbage or coleslaw mix
  • 1/2 cup shredded carrots
  • 2 tbsp vegan mayo
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tsp maple syrup or agave
  • Salt & pepper, to taste
  • 4 burger buns (brioche, whole wheat, or gluten-free)
  • Pickles (optional)
  • Extra BBQ sauce, for drizzling

Instructions

  1. Drain and rinse jackfruit. Pat dry and remove tough core pieces and large seeds. Shred jackfruit with hands or forks.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook for 3 minutes until soft and golden.
  3. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Add shredded jackfruit to skillet. Sprinkle in smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, cumin, black pepper, and cayenne (if using). Stir well and cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  5. Pour in BBQ sauce, apple cider vinegar, and brown sugar (if using). Stir to combine and bring to a gentle simmer. Cook uncovered for 7–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until sauce thickens.
  6. Taste and add salt if needed.
  7. Preheat oven to 400°F. Spread saucy jackfruit on a lined baking sheet and bake for 10 minutes until edges are crisp and caramelized (optional but recommended).
  8. In a bowl, combine cabbage, carrots, vegan mayo, apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, salt, and pepper. Toss well and chill until ready to use.
  9. Lightly toast buns if desired.
  10. Spoon BBQ jackfruit onto each bun bottom. Top with slaw, extra BBQ sauce, and pickles. Finish with bun tops and serve.

Notes

For best texture, finish jackfruit in the oven for crispy edges. Squeeze excess liquid from jackfruit after rinsing. Toast buns to prevent sogginess. Taste and adjust BBQ sauce seasoning as needed. The filling can be made ahead and reheated. Use gluten-free buns and allergy-friendly mayo for GF and allergy-safe sandwiches.

Nutrition

Keywords: BBQ jackfruit, vegan sandwich, summer party, pulled jackfruit, plant-based BBQ, easy vegan recipe, dairy-free, nut-free, gluten-free option

Find it online: https://tessierecipes.com/bbq-jackfruit-sandwiches-easy-smoky-vegan-recipe-for-summer-parties/