Looking for an easy vegan sandwich recipe that's packed with flavor? Try our Vegan BBQ Jackfruit Pulled Pork Sandwich! This plant-based sandwich is perfect for everyone, whether you're a vegan or just love trying new things.

Jackfruit is the star here, known for its amazing ability to shred like real pork. We mix it with BBQ sauce, onions, and spices like chili powder and cumin to create that smoky, tangy taste you love. Serve it on whole wheat buns and add a crunch with fried onions.

But it doesn't stop there! Learn how to make jackfruit pulled pork even more exciting with a zesty coleslaw. This mix of white and red cabbage, carrots, and red onion is tossed in a creamy cashew and white wine vinegar dressing. Add some pickles and a sprinkle of celery seed, and you've got a vegan recipe that's bursting with flavor. Whether you're a seasoned vegan or just want to try something new, this sandwich is a must-try!

This recipe pairs well with vegan potato wedges, vegan corn on the cob, and vegan mac and cheese. 

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Jump to:

• Instruction
• Substitution
• Variation
• Equipment
• Storage
• Serving Suggestions
• Top Tip
• 📖 Recipe

Ingredients

Here is the list of the simple ingredients you will need to make this pulled jackfruit sandwich. 

You can find the ingredients with quantities and the recipe to print out on the recipe card below.

• Whole Wheat Hamburger Buns

Pulled Jackfruit

• young green Jackfruit in brine
• Onion
• Garlic Chili powder
• Maple syrup
• Cumin
• Black pepper
• vegan BBQ sauce

Fried Onions

• Onion
• Salt opt
• Black Pepper opt 

American Coleslaw

• White cabbage
• Red cabbage
• Carrots
• Red onion
• Cashew Cream 
• White wine vinegar
• Pickles

Instruction

1. Prepare the Jackfruit
   Drain and rinse the canned jackfruit. Shred the jackfruit pieces into smaller pieces using your hands or a fork to resemble pulled pork. Discard jackfruit seeds.
2. Season the Jackfruit
   In a large bowl, combine the shredded jackfruit with diced onion, minced garlic, chili powder, cumin, black pepper, a pinch of salt, barbecue sauce, and maple syrup. Mix well to ensure everything is evenly coated.
3. Bake the Jackfruit
   Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Spread the seasoned jackfruit mixture evenly on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 25-30 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the edges are crispy, and the onions are caramelized. The jackfruit meat has a tender texture.
4. Caramelize the Onions
   In a non-stick large skillet, add sliced onion and a splash of water over medium heat. Stir frequently, adding more water as needed to prevent sticking, until the onions are golden brown and caramelized.
5. Prepare the Coleslaw
   In a large bowl, mix shredded white cabbage, red cabbage, carrots, and thinly sliced red onion. Toss with cashew cream and white wine vinegar until the veggies are evenly coated.
6. Assemble the Sandwich
   Lightly toast the whole wheat buns in a dry skillet if desired. Place a generous amount of crispy baked jackfruit on the bottom half of each bun.
7. Add the Toppings
   Top the jackfruit with the oil-free caramelized onions and a scoop of the prepared creamy coleslaw. Add sliced pickles for extra crunch and flavor.
8. Serve and Enjoy
   Place the top half of the bun over the fillings. Serve immediately and savor your crispy, flavorful Vegan BBQ Jackfruit Sandwich with oil-free caramelized onions!

Make this recipe, try some of my other vegan sandwich recipes like vegan Kebab Sandwich, vegan Egg Salad Sandwich, Vegan Chicken Salad Sandwich, Vegan Tuna Salad Sandwich and Vegan Sloppy Joes. 

Hint: For an extra burst of flavor, try marinating the jackfruit in your favorite BBQ sauce for at least an hour before cooking. This allows the jackfruit to soak up the rich, tangy flavors, enhancing the overall taste of your sandwich.

Substitution

• Jackfruit Alternatives
  • Use mushrooms (king oyster) instead of jackfruit for a meaty texture.
  • Substitute shredded tofu for jackfruit as a protein-rich option.
  • Replace jackfruit with eggplant slices for similar texture and flavor absorption.
• BBQ Sauce Alternatives
  • Opt for homemade BBQ sauce using tomato paste, vinegar, sweeteners, and spices.
  • Swap BBQ sauce with teriyaki sauce for a different but complementary flavor.
  • Use hoisin sauce with added chili flakes as a sweet and spicy BBQ sauce alternative.
• Coleslaw Alternatives
  • Substitute vegan coleslaw with mixed greens or kale salad with a tangy vinaigrette.
  • Replace coleslaw with a cucumber and carrot salad with lemon juice and herbs.
  • Use avocado slices instead of coleslaw for creaminess without the crunch.
• Bun Alternatives
  • Opt for lettuce wraps instead of buns for a low-carb option.
  • Use gluten-free buns or warm corn tortilla as an alternative for those with gluten sensitivities.
  • Replace buns with pita bread or flatbreads for a different texture.
• Cashew Cream Alternatives
  • Substitute cashew cream with silken tofu blended with lemon juice and garlic.
  • Use dairy-free yogurt as a tangy and creamy cashew cream alternative.
  • Replace cashew cream with almond or sunflower seed cream for nut-free options.
• Oil-Free Caramelized Onions Alternatives
  • Use raw red onions instead of oil-free caramelized onions for a sharp flavor.
  • Substitute oil-free caramelized onions with pickled onions for tanginess.
  • Replace oil-free caramelized onions with roasted garlic or shallots for sweetness.

Variation

• Smoky BBQ Twist: Add smoked paprika and liquid smoke to the jackfruit for an in-depth smoky flavor.
• Spicy Kick: Incorporate jalapeños or hot sauce like sriracha sauce into the BBQ mix for an extra spicy touch.
• Sweet and Tangy: Mix in maple syrup and mustard to achieve a sweet and tangy flavor profile.
• Chipotle Heat: Infuse the jackfruit with chipotle peppers in adobo sauce for a smoky, spicy heat.
• Flavorful Punch: Use a blend of garlic powder, onion powder, and chili flakes for a robust flavor.
• Asian-Inspired: Add fresh ginger and soy sauce to the BBQ sauce for an Asian twist.
• Tropical Sweetness: Stir in tropical fruit like pineapple and a pinch of cinnamon for a tropical, sweet variation. Try my other pineapple pulled jackfruit sandwich. 
• Zesty Finish: Enhance the BBQ sauce with apple cider vinegar and cayenne pepper for zestiness.
• Herbal Freshness: Incorporate fresh herbs like cilantro or basil for an aromatic and fresh touch.

Storage

• Fridge: Store the cooked jackfruit and any leftover sandwich components in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
• Freezer: Freeze the cooked jackfruit in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
• Meal Prep: Prepare this BBQ jackfruit recipe in advance, and store them separately. Assemble the sandwich just before serving to keep it fresh.

Serving Suggestions

• Sweet Potato Fries: Complement the sandwich with crispy sweet potato fries or roasted sweet potatoes for a sweet and savory balance.
• Grilled Corn on the Cob: Pair with lightly charred corn on the cob for a smoky and sweet addition.
• Pickled Vegetables: Offer a side of tangy pickled vegetables to cut through the richness of the BBQ flavors.
• Lemonade or Iced Tea: Refresh your palate with a glass of cold lemonade or iced tea for a perfect summer pairing.
• Potato Salad: Serve a creamy potato salad to add a comforting and hearty side dish to the meal.
• Avocado Salad: Include a fresh avocado salad with lime dressing for a creamy and zesty complement.
• Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Add a side of roasted Brussels sprouts for a crunchy and savory contrast.