Easy Pulled Jackfruit Sandwiches. Shredded Jackfruit seasoned with bbq seasoning and bbq sauce, baked and served with slaw. 6 Ingredient Vegan Pulled Pork. Nutfree Recipe. Can be gluten-free soy-free
Unripe Jackfruit, a huge fruit commonly found in tropical climates, has a string like shreddable texture which works great in some applications to make vegan version of meaty meals. It is often used to make a pulled “pork” to fill up sandwiches or tacos.
While trying out my soycurl mango bbq tacos, I felt that this short method of directly baking works out best for me. No additional pans, no additional kitchen standing time! Just shred, mix bbq sauce + seasoning, spread and bake. And done! It cannot be simpler than that!
Change it up with different seasonings such as a mix of bbq and cajun, jamaican jerk, taco seasoning etc. This slaw is a basic one with some vegan mayo, pepper, vinegar and sweetener. Make a double helping of the jackfruit and add to sandwiches, tacos or wraps!
More Jackfruit Recipes
- Crispy Jackfruit Tenders So Good
- Easy Jackfruit Curry
- Vegan Tinga bowl with Hearts of Palm, Chickpeas, Spanish Rice – Sub hearts of palm with shredded jackfruit.
- Jackfruit Meatballs Tacos
- Jackfruit Chickpea Coconut Stir Fry
- Jamaican Jerk Jackfruit, Caribbean Bean Wraps.
Step by Step Photos:
Squeeze the jackfruit in a kitchen towel. Then shred with hands or a fork or knife and add to a bowl with onion, garlic, ginger.
Add the bbq spice and bbq sauce and mix. Spread on parchment lined baking sheet and bake.
Tips to make amazing Pulled jackfruit
- Young green jackfruit texture and flavor can be an acquired thing. Adjust the baking time based on your preference of texture. Add more bbq sauce and bake for less time for moist, and bake longer for crisp caramelized.
- Jackfruit is available as ripe as well as unripe. Ripe jackfruit is packed in syrup and is sweet. We need green unripe jackfruit here. It can be found in Asian stores, Indian stores and online on amazon.
- I make my own bbq seasoning/rub. The other seasoning I like is from world spice which is just spices. So use 2 tbsp and add a tbsp of sugar. You can also add a bit of liquid smoke for smokey profile.
- You want to squeeze the jackfruit as much as possible to remove the brine flavor. Then mix and marinate for a bit if you wish in the bbq sauce + seasoning. Add a bit of broth for additional moisture if needed, then bake.
Vegan Pulled Jackfruit Sandwiches
Ingredients
Pulled Jackfruit
- 2 20 oz cans (2 cans) young green jackfruit (packed in brine or water not syrup). Each can is 20 oz. you need 2 cans. So a total of 40 oz.
- 1/2 (0.5 ) medium red onion thinly sliced
- 1 tsp minced garlic
- 1 tsp minced ginger
- 1/4 tsp (0.25 tsp) salt or more, depending on taste
- 2 to 3 tbsp (2 to 3 tbsp) bbq seasoning , add 1 tablespoon sugar if the seasoning is just spices. Use 3 tablespoons if the seasoning already contains sugar. See notes for recipe
- 3/4 cup (214.5 g) bbq sauce , plus more for dressing
Easy Slaw
- 3 cups (210 g) slaw mix (I use shredded cabbage, carrot, brussel sprouts, baby kale mix)
- 1/4 cup (56 g) vegan mayo
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar or lemon juice
- 1/2 tbsp (0.5 tbsp) maple syrup or sugar to taste
- dashes of salt and freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Drain the jackfruit. Place in a thick kitchen towel, fold and squeeze out as much liquid as possible. This will shred some of the jackfruit. Slice the rest using a knife or separate using hands until somewhat shredded. Remove any hard seeds if any (There are rarely hard seeds in the canned version. The tender seedbox and stem area are all edible).
- Add the jackfruit to a large bowl with sliced onion, garlic and ginger. Add bbq seasoning and sugar mixture, and salt and mix well.
- Add 1/2 to 2/3 cup bbq sauce and mix. Add 2 tbsp veggie broth if the bbq sauce is too thick and mix in (I use 2 tbsp of broth to clean out the mixing bowl after transferring to the baking dish). Spread the mixture in a large baking dish (parchment lined).
- Bake at 400 deg F For 30 minutes. Shred some of the larger pieces by pressing with a spatula. Taste and adjust salt, sweet, heat at this point. Add some salt, sugar/maple syrup and cayenne for heat if needed and mix in and move the jackfruit around.
- Spread well again and continue to bake for another 15 to 25 mins (depends on moisture content, pan/oven and preferred texture.) I like some edges caramelized and crispy)
- Prepare your buns tacos and slaw. Mix everything under slaw. Taste and adjust flavor. Chill for 15 mins and use.
- Mix in 2 to 4 tbsp bbq sauce into the baked jackfruit and assemble the sandwiches with generous layers of jackfruit, more bbq sauce, slaw. You can also fill this in wraps or tacos.
Video
Notes
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp oregano/parsley or half of each,
3/4 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp thyme
1/2 tsp cumin ground /coriander
1/4 tsp celery seed cayenne, black pepper (optional add ins)
1 tbsp coconut sugar optional Nutrition is for 1 serve (1 sandwich) does not include bread.
Lisa is Planted365 says
October 1, 2018 at 2:00 pmThese look great! I was pleasantly surprised to find these on the menu of a small town restaurant in Michigan, of all places. It was the only vegan thing on their menu. I love it now, but it’s definitely an acquired taste! I think they’re better the longer they cook.
Richa says
October 1, 2018 at 2:28 pmyes i dont like the texture when cooked onthe stove top. The baked caramelized jackfruit is so much better!
Andrea Biedron says
October 3, 2018 at 7:02 amI agree, if it is not prepared properly, it is an acquired taste. However thorough rinsing of the jackfruit and you CAN make it taste EXACTLY like BBQ pulled pork. I’ve had it made ‘right’ and I’ve had it made ‘wrong’. I sent it back when they get it wrong. Rinse rinse rinse the pulpy fruit!
Richa says
October 3, 2018 at 10:07 amyes definitely rinseand squeeze out all the brine. the brine is weird tasting
ilana says
October 1, 2018 at 9:00 pmwhat about using fresh jackfruit? I have noticed it on sale in my neighborhood but never cooked with it. would it work with this dish or other dishes of yours ? how woudl it be different?
Richa says
October 1, 2018 at 11:23 pmyes definitely.You just wont need to squeeze it. If the fresh jakfruit is already peeled and hard stem removed, then just Shred and use!
Olivia says
March 11, 2019 at 8:22 amThe only thing with the fresh jackfruit is that it is usually ripe and then it is sweet and has an apple/ mango flavor. I don’t like that in my savory dishes but maybe try both. Thank you Richa! I really didn’t like it on the stove top and am grateful for your baking insights! I’ve had it prepared and it was perfect but making it myself has been a learning curve! Thank you!
Barbra says
October 2, 2018 at 2:10 amHi Richa, I have a jar of jack fruit at home, but I will have a look if it’s in syrup or water. If I convert it with your metric, is it correct that 2 20 oz is 40 cans of jack fruit? That seems to me like a lot….
If I use a converter on Google, it says it’s around 60 ml?
Richa says
October 2, 2018 at 10:13 amno 🙂 its just 2 cans. 40 oz total since most cans are 20 oz cans. i’ll add more detail there
Karen says
July 13, 2019 at 9:59 amLove your cooking videos!
Suggest that you correct the recipe, which Barbra noted reads 2 cans 20 oz. (40 cans). As noted it should be (40 oz.).
Richa says
July 13, 2019 at 11:04 amupdated it. the widget does the metric conversion and sometimes picks up the wrong qualifier. like cans instead of oz here. thanks for letting meknow. While editing, the metric conversion is a different tab so it isnt obvious to me until i see the published post on the blog.
Andrea Biedron says
October 3, 2018 at 6:59 amIs this in your advertised cookbook? I have the cookbook at home but it would be nice to know that it’s already in there…I’m at work and hate to waste paper printing this recipe out if it’s already in print at home! 😛
Richa says
October 3, 2018 at 10:08 amThe book was written in 2016 and early 2017, so recipes after mid 2017 on the blog are all new and not in the book :). there are other jackfruit recipes in the book like jackfruit firecracker sandwich, tinga jackfruit etc
Amanda says
October 28, 2018 at 5:53 pmOk so this is a winner of a recipe for sure , so easy and so delicious . My fam loved it 👌
Richa says
October 28, 2018 at 7:28 pmyay!
Jessica Bacho says
November 29, 2018 at 1:29 pmHi! We are replicating this recipe bit with a whole fresh jackfruit. How do we measure the seasonings? Do we go add the specific measurements by each pound of jackfruit?
Richa says
November 29, 2018 at 4:03 pmThe drained jackfruit is 10 oz (280g ) per can. So you can peel and chop the jackfruit and then measure out 20 oz or 560 gm and use
Lorraine says
December 5, 2018 at 7:34 pmThis was a fun new try for us. Jack Fruit Wow! Our family thought this was an excellent recipe. The coleslaw is a perfect addition – don’t skip it!
Richa says
December 5, 2018 at 10:35 pmawesome!
Melissa says
December 12, 2018 at 5:59 pmThis turned out to be delicious. Thanks for the recipe! I’ll make it again.
Richa says
December 12, 2018 at 6:37 pmyay!
Nan says
January 23, 2019 at 7:59 amCan you share your BBQ seasonong recipe or did I miss it here?
vivek garg says
February 5, 2019 at 10:00 pmRecipe links to this one https://www.veganricha.com/2017/08/bbq-sweet-potato-pizza.html
Melody says
February 13, 2019 at 5:31 amRicha, check your wording about adding the sugar. I think you meant add 1 T sugar if already has sugar and vice a versa? Cant wait to try. Have 2 cans sitting on the shelf.
Richa says
February 13, 2019 at 9:38 amthe other way around. Some bbq seasonings are just spice while some are spice + sugar. If the seasoning doesnt have sugar, then add some sugar. If it has sugar, then dont and add later while tasting if needed
Karina says
February 21, 2019 at 3:52 pmHi! How many people will this recipe serve on average?
Thanks:) I love your recipes
Richa says
February 21, 2019 at 4:58 pm2 to 4 depending on their appetite and what you are serving as sides.
Els says
March 27, 2019 at 8:10 amJust cooked this and it was the first time I cook with Jackfruit – way too simple, I don’t know what I was worried about! And the recipe is on point, tastes amazing!! I’m definitely making this again – and again… Thank you!
Richa says
March 27, 2019 at 10:18 amyay! i know right, no simmering for hours needed!
Patty says
March 27, 2019 at 4:24 pmI just saw this comment now. I’ve always hated recipes with jackfruit, but this one inspired me. And I live in Michigan! Curious – in what small town did you get the jackfruit sandwich? Thanks!
Holly says
March 27, 2019 at 8:17 pmYum. Great flavor and texture. So easy too. I’ve made a few different versions of bbq pulled jackfruit but this one is awesome
Richa says
March 27, 2019 at 10:13 pmyay!
Nikki says
March 30, 2019 at 5:29 pmThese jackfruit sandwiches were so flavorful and the texture was on point! I’ve always wondered if baking jackfruit would give it the texture I prefer, and this recipe proved it would. This recipe is a keeper!
Richa says
March 30, 2019 at 8:01 pmyay!
Diane says
April 1, 2019 at 7:14 pmThis sandwich was delicious. I will definitely be making again. My husband like so much he ate 3 sandwiches. Thanks for the recipe.
Richa says
April 1, 2019 at 7:16 pmawesome!!
Michelle C says
April 13, 2019 at 10:50 pmAbsolutely amazing ! So simple. Thank you Richa for this recipe and for including a link to your BBQ seasoning recipe and the dressing for the coleslaw. It all turned about perfectly. My husband wanted seconds. This will be a new meal in our house. To shred the jack fruit I threw it in the food processor with the S blade and it worked great, just pulse. I used HAK’S Habanero Pineapple BBQ sauce, I usually like to make my own, but sometimes cutting corners is necessary. Thanks again!!!
Richa says
April 14, 2019 at 9:06 pmyay!!
Laura says
October 31, 2019 at 5:49 amI made this recipe this week and it was so good. The technique to squeeze the brine out and then bake is the key. I will make this again!! I wonder how a taco seasoning plus enchilada sauce would work for a variation on your idea?
Richa says
October 31, 2019 at 10:42 amyes exactly. taco seasoning + enchilada sauce will work amazingly as well. i made the chili lime jackfruit with tomato base and taco seasoning. it was fab veganricha.com/?s=jackfruit
Angie Broyles says
January 9, 2020 at 3:19 amWe loved this! It was very easy and came out great! The jackfruit from Trader Joe’s was easy to use.
Richa says
January 9, 2020 at 10:17 amawesome!
Pat says
March 15, 2020 at 11:58 amMade this today to have for dinner tonight, I even made the BBQ spice from your other recipe. Came out so good. I definitely think making the spice myself gave it so much added flavor. I .do agree that I like the JF cooked longer and crispy. Thank you for your wonderful recipes
Shelby says
March 21, 2020 at 3:42 pmThis recipe was incredible! The best texture I’ve found so far. I cooked about 10 minutes less as I was using a convection oven.
Richa says
March 21, 2020 at 4:20 pmyay
Becky says
May 5, 2020 at 4:39 amDear Richa
I love all your creations ! I believe once i saw a Recipe with Pulled Oats but i cant find it anymore . Do you have the link?
I might be mistaken in that could you invent yours delicious curry made with pulled oats? Looking forward to cook more of your super tasty curries!!
Keep blogging and stay healthy 🙂
Vegan Richa Support says
May 5, 2020 at 5:45 pmHi Becky, Thank you. Pulled Oats are a really cool option almost like the new jackfruit! Good idea – I’ll start experimenting but haven’t posted anything previously.
Becky says
May 12, 2020 at 7:34 amSuper thanks for your feedback i have been browsing your page for days as you are a big inspiration for my cooking experiments!!! Cant waite to see your recipe with indian curry and pulled oats or hennep seeds kofta keep me posted.
Chasity says
May 14, 2020 at 12:44 pmHello, going to try these this weekend. Not really a fan of shredded soft meat. Does cooking in the oven ensure a more firm jackfruit? Is that why you cook in the over instead of stove top? I want to prevent the soft tender shredded texture.
Richa says
May 14, 2020 at 12:49 pmYes exactly! I am in the same camp so I bake them until most are crispy. You can adjust bake time to get the texture you prefer.
Chasity says
May 14, 2020 at 12:50 pmGreat! this won’t dry it out will it? Or do I just need to add more bbq once removed from the oven?
Richa says
May 14, 2020 at 3:41 pmYou have to add more bbq sauce, see recipe instructions
Nan Hedrick says
June 5, 2020 at 6:47 pmDelicious sub for pulled pork! After I finally found canned jack fruit at Whole Foods, one can made 2 sandwiches, perfect for hubs and me. I think I’ll cut the bake time down a little since it was getting too dry and crispy and had to add more BBQ sauce. But great texture and flavor which was of course from my favorite BBQ sauce!! I used Penzeys BBQ3001 spice and a sugar-free BBQ sauce I found at Safeway. The red onion, garlic, and ginger gave it just the right tang. Thanks for posting!!
Richa says
June 5, 2020 at 6:59 pmAwesome! Yes adjust to preference, pans and ovens matter and texture preference. These r super easy!
Rani says
June 10, 2020 at 9:51 amIt’s a lovely recipe I’ll get jackfruit make I like jackfruit thanks Richa
Janet says
July 10, 2020 at 2:39 pmLove this recipe, I cook longer than the recommended time to get it crispy. It definitely needs the tablespoon of sugar, I use brown coconut sugar. Even my husband who is not a jackfruit fan loves it.
Vegan Richa Support says
July 10, 2020 at 4:54 pmsounds great! well, seems like he’s a new fan now. thank you for the awesome rating Janet =)
Dani says
August 3, 2020 at 6:24 pmThis is one of my fams fave recipes! Its easy and super yummy 😋
Vegan Richa Support says
August 3, 2020 at 6:45 pmAwesome ! thank you
Priya Kanabar says
August 13, 2020 at 3:57 amHi Richa!
I’m thinking about making this for a camping trip this weekend. If I’m going to make it in advance and heat up later on the camp stove should I just reduce the baking time and add some extra Bbq sauce and water when I heat up?
Vegan Richa Support says
August 14, 2020 at 10:00 amThat should work perfectly! 🙂
Serena Patel says
August 14, 2020 at 2:13 amLove this recipe!!!! My non vegan friends were so impressed, I love that it’s simple too, no hobs or pans.
Vegan Richa Support says
August 14, 2020 at 9:55 amThat’s great news! Thank you for the great review!
Julie says
October 6, 2020 at 5:21 pmVery flavorful… my first time working with jackfruit and it was a success. Thanks!
Richa says
October 6, 2020 at 10:38 pmYay
Maz says
March 27, 2021 at 5:56 amThis was delicious! Will definitely make again. Didn’t use broth. My husband had two! Thank you!
Vegan Richa Support says
March 27, 2021 at 11:32 pmyay
Elaine says
April 18, 2021 at 4:55 pmMade this and hubby gives it a 10! He ate two sandwiches. I used fresh jackfruit.
Vegan Richa Support says
April 19, 2021 at 2:07 pmexcellent!