BBQ Jackfruit Sandwiches

by Monique

BBQ Jackfruit Sandwiches, shredded jackfruit perfectly seasoned and piled high on a soft fluffy bun. This family friendly vegan BBQ dish will become a weeknight favorite and comes together in just 35 minutes!

Close up, one sandwich with coleslaw on top.

BBQ Jackfruit Sandwiches are seriously delicious and sure to become a family favorite! Perfectly seasoned jackfruit piled high on a soft fluffy bun smothered in BBQ sauce. Your tastebuds are about to be in heaven. The best part, this recipe is super simple to make and comes together in just 35 minutes!

They are perfect for adults and kiddos alike, even meat eaters will enjoy this tasty recipe. Bring them to your next cookout and don’t tell a soul they are vegan, I dare you. Watch as all the guests gobble them up without a clue.

Vegan BBQ at its finest!

Ingredient Notes:

  • Jackfruit – I use canned but you can certainly buy a whole jackfruit and break it down if you would like. If you can find jackfruit in water that is best.
  • BBQ Sauce – Use whatever brand that you prefer and love! If you are vegan just make sure to read the label as some BBQ sauce brands may contain honey or milk ingredients.
  • Spices – These are very important to add an additional depth of BBQ flavor without actually BBQing anything! If you want a spicy sandwich I recommend upping the cayenne in the recipe. About 1/4 tsp. would probably do the trick!
  • Fixings – I like to serve my BBQ Jackfruit Sandwiches with a light slather of vegan mayo and avocado slices. If you want to go oil-free just avocado slices will still be mighty delicious. If you would like to make a quick slaw that would be a great accompaniment. Always reach for a soft pillowy bun for a match made in BBQ Jackfruit Sandwich heaven!
Labeled ingredients for BBQ jackfruit sandwiches.

How To Make:

Preheat your oven to 400°F and lightly grease or line a sheet pan with parchment paper.

First prepare your jackfruit. Rinse and pat dry. This will help to remove any brine or salty flavor. Now shred into thin strips. You can do so with your hands or two forks. The seeds and core are edible as well so you can leave those in or take them out if you prefer.

You can also add your jackfruit to a food processor and pulse for an easier shredding process. Just make sure not to over process your mixture. This is my favorite method as it is much quicker! Keep in mind it won’t have the exact same meaty texture as shredding by hand or with a fork.

Place shredded jackfruit on a sheet pan set aside.

Jackfruit processed in food processor.

To a small bowl add all of your BBQ rub seasonings and mix until well incorporated together. Now sprinkle your BBQ rub mixture onto your jackfruit. Use your hands or a fork to stir everything together and make sure the jackfruit is evenly coated with your rub.

Seasoned uncooked jackfruit.

Place into the oven and bake for 20 minutes.

Cooked jackfruit seasoned.

Now take the jackfruit out of the oven and pour on the BBQ sauce mix until all of the jackfruit is evenly coated in the sauce.

Crank your oven up to 450°F and place back into the oven and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes. You do not have to wait for the oven to come up to temp just go ahead and put the pan right back into the oven. At this point you are simply trying to heat up the sauce and allow the jackfruit to get a few crispy edges.

Finished jackfruit smothered in bbq sauce.

Pile high on your bun of choice and serve topped with your favorite fixings. Things like vegan mayo, coleslaw or avocado are great!

Enjoy!

Two finished sandwiches with a bowl of coleslaw and a tea towel in the background.

Tips For Success:

  • Don’t over pulse. If you are using a food processor to shred your jackfruit make sure not to over pulse as it can quickly turn into more of a purée. If you do not have a food processor you can shred the jackfruit with a fork or cut it into very thin strips with a knife.
  • Rinse and repeat. Make sure to rinse your jackfruit really well. Generally they come in a brine and this is a very pungent flavor. You will want to remove this completely to allow your jackfruit to take in all of the BBQ flavors.
  • Fixings make it even tastier. In my opinion these are best served with a slather of vegan mayo, some tasty coleslaw or even avocado slices. I think a soft bun is the best for this recipe.
Can I Make This On The Stovetop?

If you prefer to make this recipe on the stovetop you most certainly can. However, I think the oven yields a tastier meatier result. If you wish to make this on the stovetop follow the instructions except add the jackfruit to a large skillet over medium heat. Allow to simmer for 15-20 minutes for the jackfruit to absorb the flavors.

How To Store?

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to up to 5 days. This also does freeze well. Place in an airtight container in the freezer for up to a month.

Close up, finished sandwiches with pickle, coleslaw and towel blurred in background.

What To Serve With This Recipe?

Looking for a perfect side to accompany your BBQ Jackfruit Sandwiches. Try some of the recipes below!

If you try this recipe make sure to let me know! Leave a comment, rate it and if you take a photo use #feeninforgreens on instagram. I love seeing photos of your recreations!

Close up, one sandwich with coleslaw on top.

BBQ Jackfruit Sandwiches

BBQ Jackfruit Sandwiches, shredded jackfruit perfectly seasoned and piled high on a fluffy soft bun. This family friendly vegan BBQ dish will become a weeknight favorite and it comes together in just 35 minutes!
Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Entree
Cuisine American, Gluten-free, Vegan
Servings 4 Sandwiches

Ingredients
 

  • 2 14-ounce cans young green jackfruit (drained and rinsed well)
  • ¾ cup bbq sauce

BBQ Rub

  • ½ tsp. paprika
  • ½ tsp. smoked paprika
  • ¼ tsp. garlic powder
  • ¼ tsp. onion powder
  • ¼ tsp. salt
  • ¼ tsp. pepper
  • tsp. mustard powder
  • dash of cayenne

For Serving

  • Buns or Rolls

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 400°F and lightly grease or line a sheet pan with parchment paper.
  • First prepare your jackfruit. Rinse and pat dry. This will help to remove any brine or salty flavor. Now shred into thin strips. You can do so with your hands or two forks. The seeds and core are edible as well so you can leave those in or take them out if you prefer.
  • Place on a sheet pan and set aside.
  • To a small bowl add all of your BBQ rub seasonings and mix until well incorporated together.
  • Now sprinkle your BBQ rub mixture onto your jackfruit. Use your hands or a fork to stir everything together and make sure the jackfruit is evenly coated with your rub.
  • Place into the oven and bake for 20 minutes.
  • Now take the jackfruit out of the oven and pour on the BBQ sauce mix until all of the jackfruit is evenly coated in your sauce.
  • Crank your oven up to 450°F and place back into the oven and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes. You do not have to wait for the oven to come up to temp just go ahead and put the pan right back into the oven. At this point you are simply trying to heat up the sauce and allow the jackfruit to get a few crispy edges.
  • Pile high on your bun of choice and serve topped with your favorite fixings. Things like vegan mayo, coleslaw or avocado are great!
  • Enjoy!

Notes

  • Make sure to wash your jackfruit really well if it comes in a brine. If you can find jackfruit in water that is even better.
  • You can also add your jackfruit to a food processor and pulse for an easier shredding process. Just make sure not to over process your mixture. This is my favorite method as it is much quicker! Keep in mind it won’t have the exact same meaty texture as shredding by hand or with a fork.

Nutrition

Calories: 101kcalCarbohydrates: 24gProtein: 1gFat: 1gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gSodium: 671mgPotassium: 156mgFiber: 1gSugar: 18gVitamin A: 445IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 24mgIron: 1mg
Tried this recipe?Tag @feeninforgreens and use #feeninforgreens

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