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These BBQ Jackfruit Sandwiches are a vegan version of pulled pork. They’re saucy, smoky, a little spicy, and ready in just 20 minutes! Perfect for busy weeknights.
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Every once in awhile I like to save some money and “shop” from my pantry for a week instead of heading out to the grocery store. I generally will still buy a few fresh ingredients to round out the pantry staples, but I try to keep it simple.
Not only does this save us some money, but it also makes dinner time quicker and easier! If this sounds like something you would like to try, I’ve got the perfect cookbook for you!! Robin Robertson’s cookbook, Cook the Pantry; Vegan Pantry-to-Plate Recipes in 20 Minutes (or Less!).
The recipe for these BBQ Jackfruit Sandwiches are from this cookbook and are a HUGE hit with the whole family!
Ingredients you need
Ingredient notes and substitutions
Jackfruit ~ Jackfruit is a tropical fruit that can be used in sweet or savory dishes. In savory dishes, it’s the young green unripe fruit that is used. It has a unique texture that shreds easily when cooked, making it the perfect stand-in for dishes normally made with shredded pork or chicken, like these vegan pulled pork sandwiches.
Look for canned young jackfruit in water or brine. If you use the brine-packed jackfruit be sure to rinse it well before adding it to the recipe. Do NOT use jackfruit packed in syrup or fresh ripe jackfruit for these BBQ Jackfruit Sandwiches!
Chiles ~ A can of diced green chiles easily adds flavor and a bit of a kick. Depending on your sensitivity to spicy heat, you can use either mild diced green chiles or hot diced green chiles. Personally, I think the mild ones provide plenty of kick, but use what you prefer.
BBQ sauce ~ Use your favorite store-bought or homemade bbq sauce. We are partial to the sauce we use in these BBQ Chickpea Sandwiches.
Spices ~ You’ll need smoked paprika, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
Seasonings ~ A little yellow mustard, tamari (or soy sauce or liquid aminos), and a dash of liquid smoke help to emphasize those smoky and tangy bbq flavors. If you don’t have liquid smoke, you can leave it out.
Buns ~ Typical burger buns work great. Use your favorite. Use gluten-free buns if desired. I highly recommend toasting the buns. This will prevent the saucy bbq jackfruit from soaking into the bun and making it soggy. The crispy edges of the bun will also provide a nice texture contrast to the soft, saucy jackfruit mixture.
Or switch things up and use tortillas like in these BBQ Jackfruit Tacos or turn them into tostadas with these homemade baked tostada shells.
Extras ~ We love topping these BBQ Jackfruit Sandwiches with creamy coleslaw and lots of pickle slices. Feel free to add a slice of vegan cheese if you like. Other great topping options: pickled red onions, sliced raw onion, fresh cilantro leaves, etc.
How to make the recipe
Please scroll down to the recipe card for exact ingredient measurements and instructions.
- Step 1: Drain and rinse the canned jackfruit. Pat dry.
- Step 2: Shred or thinly slice the jackfruit.
- Step 3: Sauté the shredded jackfruit and diced green chiles.
- Step 4: Add the remaining ingredients and simmer until heated through.
To assemble the BBQ Jackfruit Sandwiches – pile the jackfruit mixture on a toasted bun with toppings of your choice, like vegan slaw and crunchy pickles.
Storage
Make ahead: The shredded bbq jackfruit can be made a day or two in advance. Simply reheat and pile on buns with the toppings of your choice when you’re ready to eat these BBQ Jackfruit Sandwiches.
Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Store the saucy jackfruit separately from the buns and any toppings.
Freezer: The bbq jackfruit sandwich filling can be frozen up to 2 months.
Pro tips and tricks
~ Be sure to use canned young (unripe) jackfruit in water or brine. Drain and rinse it well then pat it dry. Do not use canned jackfruit in syrup or fresh ripe jackfruit for these bbq jackfruit sandwiches.
~ I prefer the edges of the jackfruit to be a bit caramelized. To do this, use a large nonstick skillet and sauté the jackfruit for about 8 to 10 minutes until the moisture is cooked out, stirring occasionally.
~ If you like spicy heat, use hot diced green chiles. For a more subtle heat, use mild diced green chiles.
~ Toast the buns for a nice texture contrast and to prevent the buns from getting soggy from the saucy sandwich filling.
~ This recipe can easily be doubled and it freezes well!
FAQs
Jackfruit is a tropical fruit that can be used in sweet or savory dishes. In savory dishes, it’s the young green unripe fruit that is used. It has a unique texture that shreds easily when cooked, making it the perfect meat substitute for dishes normally made with shredded pork or chicken, like these vegan pulled pork sandwiches.
Canned young jackfruit can be found in Asian markets, some well-stocked large grocery stores, and on Amazon.
Canned young jackfruit has a mild flavor and meaty texture. It soaks up flavors like a sponge making it easy to mimic your favorite meat-based dishes like pulled pork.
The easiest way is to simply slice it thinly. You could also use two fork to shred the jackfruit chunks. Other options are to pulse the jackfruit in a food processor or use a potato masher to mash the jackfruit while it sautés in the skillet.
More vegan BBQ recipes
I hope you love this recipe as much as we do! If you tried it, please use the star rating system in the recipe card and leave a comment with your feedback. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
For even more easy family recipes, be sure to check out my cookbook, The Meatless Monday Family Cookbook!
BBQ Jack Sandwiches
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 can (16-ounce) water-packed canned jackfruit drained and shredded or thinly sliced
- 1 can (4-ounce) chopped mild or hot green chiles drained
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- 1 tablespoon tamari
- 2 teaspoons prepared yellow mustard
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon liquid smoke
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and ground black pepper
- 4 sandwich rolls split and toasted
Instructions
- Heat the oil in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Add the jackfruit and chiles and cook, stirring, for 3 minutes.
- Stir in the barbecue sauce, tamari, mustard, paprika, liquid smoke, onion powder, and salt and pepper to taste.
- Cook, stirring occasionally, to heat through and blend the flavors, about 8 minutes.
- Mix well, adding a little water if the mixture is too dry.
- Taste and adjust seasonings, if needed.
- When ready to serve, spoon the mixture onto the rolls and serve hot.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition values are calculated using online calculators and are estimates only. Please verify using your own data.
Take Two Tapas
Love that you can make these without having to go back to the store! I usually have all the ingredients on hand. Plus I go to the store at least 5 times a week. I don’t want to go again! I will have to see if I can find some jack fruit!
Jenn S.
LOL! I am the same way. I just got back from the store a few minutes ago and I was just there yesterday! (and two days ago, etc. HA!).
Jessica Sherwood
the one thing I always have in my pantry is unsweetened shredded coconut.
Jenn S.
That’s a good one! I usually have that too!
Natalie
I always have oats. So versatile 🙂
Jenn S.
Oh, yes, oats! I use so many oats!! Thanks, Natalie! Good luck!
Karen Delaney
Dried beans, organic grains, and canned tomatoes
Jenn S.
All great to have on hand! Thanks for stopping by, Karen!
Corrine
Artichoke hearts. =)
Jenn S.
Mmmm, that’s a good one! I don’t buy artichoke hearts nearly enough!
Lydia Claire
We have lots of vinegars!
Jenn S.
I love vinegar too!! I could drink the stuff! LOL! Good luck, Lydia!
Levan Wee
Amazing review and I’d be a total jack*** not to try these BBQ Jack Sandwiches! AMAZING!
Jenn S.
LOL! Levan, you always know just want to say! Thanks!
Howie Fox
Yess, very drooling!! 😀
But I never heard of Jack Fruit before, to be honest. It sounds almost as cool as rocket, hahaa
Maybe I should make a Jack Fruit Rocket Salad one day!!
Jenn S.
HaHa, go for it!! If anyone can do it, you can! 🙂
Holly
Always pasta!
Jenn S.
Yes, always! 🙂
strawmarysmith
These sandwiches are perfect for game day! Pinning for later 🙂
Patience
Nutritional yeast. It’s a MUST around here! ;-D
Jenn S.
Oh, yes, I forgot about that. I always have one of those huge canisters of nooch! Good luck, Patience!