BBQ Pulled Jackfruit Sandwiches

Featured in: Simple Weeknight Dinners

These BBQ pulled jackfruit sandwiches are a satisfying, plant-based alternative to classic pulled pork. Made with young green jackfruit, sautéed onions, and a flavorful blend of spices, they deliver a hearty, tangy filling. Simply shred the jackfruit, cook with aromatics, and simmer with BBQ sauce for infused flavor. Serve on toasted vegan buns with fresh coleslaw and herbs for a delicious meal ideal for weeknight dinners or casual get-togethers.

Updated on Tue, 21 Jul 2026 04:52:15 GMT
BBQ Pulled Jackfruit Sandwiches piled high with creamy coleslaw, ready to enjoy. Save
BBQ Pulled Jackfruit Sandwiches piled high with creamy coleslaw, ready to enjoy. | dunebasil.com

Tangy, smoky, and satisfying, these BBQ pulled jackfruit sandwiches deliver all the flavor of classic pulled pork in a wholesome, plant-based version. Perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.

BBQ Pulled Jackfruit Sandwiches piled high with creamy coleslaw, ready to enjoy. Save
BBQ Pulled Jackfruit Sandwiches piled high with creamy coleslaw, ready to enjoy. | dunebasil.com

This plant-based sandwich provides all the comfort of traditional BBQ but with fewer calories and no animal products. Whether you’re vegan, vegetarian, or simply looking to try something new, these sandwiches make a hearty, crowd-pleasing meal.

Ingredients

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  • Jackfruit Filling
  • 2 cans (400 g each) young green jackfruit in brine or water (not syrup), drained and rinsed
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup vegan BBQ sauce
  • Sandwich Assembly
  • 4 vegan sandwich buns
  • 1 cup coleslaw (store-bought or homemade, vegan)
  • 1 small red onion, thinly sliced (optional)
  • 1 handful fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped (optional)

Instructions

Prepare the Jackfruit
Use your hands or two forks to shred the jackfruit pieces apart, removing any hard seeds or core.
Cook the Aromatics
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
Sauté Spices
Add smoked paprika, cumin, chili powder, black pepper, and salt. Stir well to combine.
Add Jackfruit
Add shredded jackfruit and stir to coat evenly with the spices and aromatics. Cook for 5 minutes.
Simmer with BBQ Sauce
Add the BBQ sauce and stir well. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the jackfruit is tender and infused with the sauce.
Toast Buns
While the jackfruit simmers, lightly toast the buns in a dry skillet or warm oven.
Assemble Sandwiches
Pile generous portions of BBQ jackfruit onto the toasted buns. Top with coleslaw, sliced red onion, and fresh herbs if desired. Serve hot.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

To deepen the smoky flavor, you can add a dash of liquid smoke while simmering the jackfruit. This extra step enhances the BBQ taste without overpowering the natural texture. Also, shredding the jackfruit well ensures your filling has the ideal pulled texture.

Varianten und Anpassungen

Feel free to swap classic sandwich buns for gluten-free options if needed. The sandwich can be customized with different coleslaw variations or fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley to add brightness. For an extra kick, consider adding sliced jalapeños or a spicy vegan mayo.

Serviervorschläge

Serve your BBQ pulled jackfruit sandwiches with classic sides like crispy fries, potato salad, or a fresh green salad. They are great for casual gatherings, picnics, or a simple weeknight meal that satisfies both vegan and non-vegan eaters alike.

Tangy, smoky BBQ Pulled Jackfruit Sandwiches served hot on toasted buns. Save
Tangy, smoky BBQ Pulled Jackfruit Sandwiches served hot on toasted buns. | dunebasil.com
Tangy, smoky BBQ Pulled Jackfruit Sandwiches served hot on toasted buns. Save
Tangy, smoky BBQ Pulled Jackfruit Sandwiches served hot on toasted buns. | dunebasil.com

This BBQ pulled jackfruit recipe offers a delicious, plant-based take on a beloved classic, combining soulful flavor with easy preparation. Whether for a family meal or casual entertaining, it’s sure to become a new favorite in your recipe collection.

Recipe FAQs

What is jackfruit?

Jackfruit is a large tropical fruit known for its meat-like texture, making it a popular plant-based meat substitute.

Can I use gluten-free buns?

Yes, you can substitute with gluten-free buns to accommodate dietary needs.

How do I store leftover jackfruit filling?

Store leftover jackfruit filling in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat before serving.

What spices enhance the flavor?

Smoked paprika, cumin, and chili powder bring depth to the jackfruit filling, providing a rich, smoky profile.

How can I add extra flavor?

Add a dash of liquid smoke while simmering for an extra depth of smokiness.

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BBQ Pulled Jackfruit Sandwiches

Enjoy smoky BBQ pulled jackfruit on soft buns.

Prep Time
20 minutes
Time to Cook
25 minutes
Overall Time
45 minutes
Recipe by Dune Basil Lea Romano


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine American

Makes 4 Portions

Diet Information Vegan-Friendly, No Dairy

What You'll Need

Jackfruit Filling

01 2 cans (400 g each) young green jackfruit in brine or water (not syrup), drained and rinsed
02 1 tablespoon olive oil
03 1 small onion, finely chopped
04 2 garlic cloves, minced
05 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
06 1 teaspoon ground cumin
07 1 teaspoon chili powder
08 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
09 1/2 teaspoon salt
10 1 cup vegan BBQ sauce

Sandwich Assembly

01 4 vegan sandwich buns
02 1 cup coleslaw (store-bought or homemade, vegan)
03 1 small red onion, thinly sliced (optional)
04 1 handful fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped (optional)

How to Make It

Step 01

Prepare the Jackfruit: Use your hands or two forks to shred the jackfruit pieces apart, removing any hard seeds or core.

Step 02

Cook the Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute more.

Step 03

Sauté Spices: Add smoked paprika, cumin, chili powder, black pepper, and salt. Stir well to combine.

Step 04

Add Jackfruit: Add shredded jackfruit and stir to coat evenly with the spices and aromatics. Cook for 5 minutes.

Step 05

Simmer with BBQ Sauce: Add the BBQ sauce and stir well. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the jackfruit is tender and infused with the sauce.

Step 06

Toast Buns: While the jackfruit simmers, lightly toast the buns in a dry skillet or warm oven.

Step 07

Assemble Sandwiches: Pile generous portions of BBQ jackfruit onto the toasted buns. Top with coleslaw, sliced red onion, and fresh herbs if desired. Serve hot.

Essential Tools

  • Large skillet
  • Mixing spoon
  • Knife
  • Cutting board
  • Can opener
  • Forks (for shredding jackfruit)

Allergy Details

Review ingredients for allergies, and talk to your doctor if you're uncertain.
  • Contains: Gluten (in sandwich buns; use gluten-free buns if needed), possible soy (in BBQ sauce or vegan mayo—check labels).
  • Always double-check packaged ingredient labels for hidden allergens.

Nutrition per serving

Nutritional details are for reference only. They're not a substitute for medical advice.
  • Energy: 320
  • Fats: 6 g
  • Carbohydrates: 56 g
  • Proteins: 5 g

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