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- 2 cans young green jackfruit in brine, drained and rinsed - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 medium onion, finely chopped - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 cup BBQ sauce (store-bought or homemade) Young green jackfruit gives this dish a fantastic texture. You should choose jackfruit in brine for the best flavor. The onions and garlic add depth and aroma. You can use your favorite BBQ sauce, whether it’s sweet, smoky, or spicy. - 1 tablespoon smoked paprika - 1 teaspoon cumin - 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust for spice preference) Smoked paprika brings a rich, smoky taste. Cumin adds warmth, while cayenne pepper gives a kick. You can adjust the cayenne to your liking. These spices work together to enhance the jackfruit's flavor. - Coleslaw (for topping, optional) - Fresh pickles (for garnish, optional) Coleslaw adds crunch and creaminess to the sandwich. You can use store-bought or homemade coleslaw. Fresh pickles provide a nice tangy contrast. These toppings make your BBQ jackfruit sandwich even better, adding layers of flavor and texture. {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, we need to prepare the jackfruit. Open the cans of young green jackfruit. Drain the liquid and rinse the jackfruit pieces under cold water. This step is vital. It removes the brine and helps reduce saltiness. Next, slice the jackfruit into smaller chunks. Trim away any tough core pieces. Smaller chunks make it easier to cook and shred later. Now, let’s move on to the aromatics. In a large skillet, add the olive oil and heat it over medium. Once hot, throw in the chopped onion. Sauté until the onion turns translucent, which takes about five minutes. This releases great flavors. After that, add the minced garlic. Cook for one more minute. This step helps the garlic become fragrant, making the dish more tasty. Now for the fun part: combining all the ingredients. Stir in the smoked paprika, cumin, and cayenne pepper. Cook for another minute to let the spices bloom. Next, add the prepared jackfruit to the skillet. Mix it well with the onion and garlic. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook this mixture for about ten minutes. Stir occasionally until the jackfruit becomes tender and starts to break apart. Finally, pour in the BBQ sauce. Mix thoroughly and reduce the heat to low. Allow the mixture to simmer for 15 to 20 minutes. This lets the jackfruit soak up all the flavors. To make jackfruit tender, cook it longer. After slicing it, cook the jackfruit in the skillet with spices. Stir it often and let it soak up flavors. You want it to break apart easily. Simmering with sauce also helps soften it. A good simmer for 15-20 minutes works well. To boost the flavor, add more spices like chili powder or garlic powder. You can also mix in a bit of brown sugar for sweetness. For BBQ sauce, consider making your own. Mixing ketchup, vinegar, and a touch of molasses gives great results. This homemade sauce can add a personalized touch. For the best bun, try whole grain or brioche. These hold up well and add flavor. You can also use gluten-free buns if needed. Pair these sandwiches with sweet potato fries or a fresh salad. For drinks, iced tea or lemonade works great. Adding coleslaw on top gives a crunchy texture. Fresh pickles can also add a nice tang. Pro Tips Prep the Jackfruit: Ensure to remove any tough core parts of the jackfruit for a better texture in your sandwich. Spice It Up: Feel free to adjust the cayenne pepper based on your spice tolerance; you can also add a dash of hot sauce for extra heat. Simmer for Flavor: Let the jackfruit and BBQ sauce simmer longer if you have time; this allows for deeper flavor absorption. Coleslaw Crunch: For added texture, use a crunchy coleslaw mix with a tangy dressing to complement the BBQ flavors. {{image_2}} You can change the taste of your BBQ jackfruit sandwiches by using different BBQ sauces. Each sauce has a unique flavor. For example, you might try a sweet and tangy sauce, or a smoky one with a kick. If you prefer, you can make your own BBQ sauce at home. This way, you can control the flavors and ingredients. When choosing sauces, consider vegan and non-vegan options. Many store-bought sauces are vegan-friendly. If you want a non-vegan sauce, look for ones that include honey or animal products. You can make your sandwiches heartier by adding extra ingredients. Try mixing in veggies like bell peppers, corn, or black beans. These add flavor and texture. You can also use legumes like lentils for a protein boost. For spice lovers, adjust the heat by adding more cayenne pepper or some chopped jalapeños. If you prefer a milder taste, skip the cayenne or use sweet paprika instead. Not everyone loves sandwiches, and that's okay! You can serve your BBQ jackfruit in wraps or bowls. For wraps, use large tortillas or flatbreads. This gives a fun twist and makes it easy to eat. If you want a low-carb option, try lettuce wraps. Use large lettuce leaves to hold the jackfruit and toppings. This way, you get all the flavors without the bread. To keep your jackfruit filling fresh, store it in an airtight container. Place it in the fridge and use it within three days for the best taste. When reheating, I recommend using a skillet. Heat it on medium for about five minutes. This method helps retain the jackfruit's texture and flavor. Stir occasionally to ensure even heat. If you want to save your BBQ jackfruit sandwiches for later, freezing is a great choice. Wrap each sandwich tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. This helps prevent freezer burn. When you’re ready to eat, take one out and let it thaw in the fridge overnight. To reheat, pop it in the oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes. This keeps the bun crispy and the filling warm. Jackfruit is a large fruit that grows in tropical areas. It has a unique texture that mimics pulled meat. That’s why many vegans and vegetarians use it. Nutritional benefits of jackfruit Jackfruit is low in calories and packed with fiber. It has vitamins A and C, which help boost immunity. This fruit also contains potassium, which is good for heart health. Environmental advantages of using jackfruit Jackfruit trees require less water and grow well in poor soil. They produce a lot of fruit in a small space. Growing jackfruit helps reduce the need for animal farming, which is better for the planet. Yes, you can easily prepare BBQ jackfruit sandwiches ahead of time. This makes meal prep simple and quick. Meal prep tips for busy schedules You can cook the jackfruit mixture and store it in the fridge. It lasts up to five days. Just reheat it when you're ready to eat. Toast the buns fresh for the best taste. Yes, this recipe can be gluten-free. You just need to choose the right buns and sauces. Options for gluten-free buns and sauces Look for gluten-free whole grain or brioche buns at the store. Many brands also offer gluten-free BBQ sauces. Always check labels to ensure they fit your needs. This article covers how to make tasty BBQ jackfruit sandwiches. You learned about key ingredients, like young green jackfruit, spices, and tasty toppings. I shared step-by-step cooking tips, and ways to enhance flavor and texture. You saw variations for different BBQ sauces and unique serving styles. Plus, I included storage tips to keep your leftovers fresh. Try this recipe for a healthy meal that’s fun and easy to prep. You'll impress everyone with these delicious sandwiches!

BBQ Jackfruit Sandwiches

Delicious and hearty BBQ jackfruit sandwiches, perfect for a plant-based meal.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cans young green jackfruit in brine, drained and rinsed
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 0.5 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust for spice preference)
  • 1 cup BBQ sauce (store-bought or homemade)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 4 whole grain or brioche buns
  • Coleslaw (for topping, optional)
  • Fresh pickles (for garnish, optional)

Instructions
 

  • Prepare the Jackfruit: Slice the jackfruit pieces into smaller chunks, removing any tough core parts.
  • Cook the Aromatics: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
  • Add Spices: Stir in the smoked paprika, cumin, and cayenne pepper, then cook for an additional minute, allowing the spices to bloom.
  • Cook Jackfruit: Add the jackfruit to the skillet, mixing it well with the onion and garlic. Season with salt and pepper. Continue to cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the jackfruit becomes tender and starts to break apart.
  • Combine with BBQ Sauce: Pour in the BBQ sauce, mixing thoroughly, and reduce the heat to low. Allow the mixture to simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure the jackfruit absorbs the flavors.
  • Prepare the Buns: While the jackfruit is simmering, toast the buns on a separate pan or grill until golden brown.
  • Build the Sandwiches: Once the jackfruit is done, pile a generous amount onto the bottom half of each bun. Top with coleslaw if desired, and finish with pickles for added crunch.
  • Serve: Place the top half of the bun on each sandwich and serve immediately.

Notes

Serve the sandwiches on a wooden platter lined with parchment paper for a rustic look. Add a side of sweet potato fries or chips for extra crunch.
Keyword BBQ, jackfruit, sandwich, vegan