A great vegan pulled pork Bbq substitute is jackfruit
A great vegan pulled pork BBQ substitute is jackfruit! is a easy American recipe that serves 2. 350 calories per serving. Recipe by Tabitha Brown on YouTube.
Prep: 20 min | Cook: 15 min | Total: 45 min
Cost: $31.22 total, $15.61 per serving
Ingredients
- 2 cans (20 oz each) Young Green Canned Jackfruit (drained, rinsed, and squeezed dry; pull apart into shreds)
- 1 tablespoon Olive Oil (for sautéing)
- 1 tablespoon Apple Cider Vinegar (adds brightness to the jackfruit)
- 1 tablespoon Fresh Lemon Juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1 teaspoon Salt‑Free Multi‑Spice Blend (any all‑purpose seasoning without added salt)
- ½ teaspoon Sea Salt
- 1 tablespoon Maple Syrup (pure, for a hint of sweetness)
- ½ cup Barbecue Sauce (store‑bought or homemade; choose a gluten‑free version if needed)
- 6 large leaves Collard Green Leaves (rinsed, stems trimmed, pat dry)
- 2 cups Green Cabbage (shredded)
- ½ cup Carrot (shredded)
- ¼ cup Plain Raw Yogurt (for a creamy, dairy‑based coleslaw dressing)
- 1 teaspoon Apple Cider Vinegar (for coleslaw)
- ¼ teaspoon Sea Salt (for coleslaw)
- ¼ teaspoon Black Pepper (freshly ground)
- 2 tablespoons Pickles (sliced; optional)
- 1 small Tomato (sliced; optional)
Instructions
Drain and Dry the Jackfruit
Open the cans, pour the jackfruit into a colander, rinse quickly, then press firmly with a kitchen towel to squeeze out as much liquid as possible.
Time: PT5M
Shred the Jackfruit
Using your hands or two forks, pull apart the jackfruit pieces into bite‑size shreds that resemble pulled pork.
Time: PT3M
Sauté the Jackfruit
Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the shredded jackfruit, 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp salt‑free multi‑spice, ½ tsp sea salt, and 1 tbsp maple syrup. Stir to coat evenly.
Time: PT12M
Temperature: Medium heat
Add Barbecue Sauce
Pour ½ cup barbecue sauce over the browned jackfruit, stir well, and let it simmer for another 3‑4 minutes so the sauce thickens and clings.
Time: PT4M
Temperature: Medium heat
Prepare the Yogurt Coleslaw
In a mixing bowl combine 2 cups shredded green cabbage, ½ cup shredded carrot, ¼ cup plain raw yogurt, 1 tsp apple cider vinegar, ¼ tsp sea salt, and ¼ tsp black pepper. Toss until evenly coated.
Time: PT5M
Prep the Collard Green Wraps
Rinse the collard leaves under cold water, pat dry, and trim the thick central stem. If the leaves are stiff, microwave them for 15 seconds to soften.
Time: PT3M
Assemble the Wraps
Lay a collard leaf flat, place a generous spoonful of the BBQ jackfruit in the center, add a mound of yogurt coleslaw, and optional sliced pickles or tomato. Fold the sides over and roll tightly like a burrito.
Time: PT5M
Serve
Plate the wraps, drizzle any extra BBQ sauce on top, and enjoy immediately while warm.
Time: PT3M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 350
- Protein
- 8 g
- Carbohydrates
- 45 g
- Fat
- 12 g
- Fiber
- 8 g
Dietary info: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free (if using gluten‑free BBQ sauce), Low‑Carb
Allergens: Soy (in BBQ sauce), Dairy (yogurt)
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Young Green Canned Jackfruit: Shredded jackfruit (fresh)
- Instead of Olive Oil: Avocado oil, Canola oil
- Instead of Apple Cider Vinegar: White wine vinegar, Lemon juice
- Instead of Fresh Lemon Juice: Lime juice
- Instead of Garlic Powder: Fresh minced garlic (1/2 tsp)
- Instead of Salt‑Free Multi‑Spice Blend: Paprika + cumin + onion powder
- Instead of Sea Salt: Kosher salt
- Instead of Maple Syrup: Agave nectar, Honey (if not vegan)
- Instead of Barbecue Sauce: Homemade BBQ sauce
- Instead of Collard Green Leaves: Kale leaves, Swiss chard leaves
- Instead of Green Cabbage: Red cabbage
- Instead of Carrot: Apple (julienned)
- Instead of Plain Raw Yogurt: Greek yogurt, Vegan coconut yogurt
- Instead of Apple Cider Vinegar (for coleslaw): White wine vinegar
- Instead of Sea Salt (for coleslaw): Kosher salt
- Instead of Black Pepper: White pepper
- Instead of Pickles: Capers
- Instead of Tomato: Red bell pepper strips
Equipment Needed
- Large Skillet
- Cutting Board
- Chef's Knife
- Colander or Fine Mesh Sieve
- Mixing Bowl
- Wooden Spoon or Spatula
- Kitchen Towel
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Squeezing out excess liquid from the canned jackfruit
- Cooking the jackfruit until nicely browned
- Softening collard leaves to prevent tearing
Chef Tips from the Video
- Add a pinch of smoked paprika to the jackfruit seasoning for extra depth.
- Use a high‑quality, low‑sugar BBQ sauce to keep the dish balanced.
- For extra crunch, toss a handful of toasted pumpkin seeds into the coleslaw.
Troubleshooting
Jackfruit is too watery and doesn’t brown.
Press the jackfruit longer to remove excess moisture, then increase skillet heat slightly and avoid crowding the pan.
Collard leaves tear when rolling.
Trim the thick stem, give the leaves a quick 15‑second microwave blast, or briefly blanch them in boiling water for 30 seconds.
Coleslaw becomes soggy.
After shredding cabbage and carrot, sprinkle a little salt and let sit for 5 minutes, then pat dry before mixing with yogurt.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store leftover jackfruit and coleslaw in airtight containers for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Not recommended for collard wraps; jackfruit can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Room temperature: Consume assembled wraps within 2 hours of preparation.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Prepare the yogurt coleslaw up to 24 hours ahead; keep refrigerated.
- Cook the seasoned jackfruit a day before and reheat gently before assembling.
- Collard leaves can be washed, trimmed, and stored in a damp paper towel in the fridge.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of jackfruit BBQ collard wraps in Southern American cuisine?
Jackfruit has become a popular plant‑based substitute for pulled pork in Southern‑style BBQ, especially among vegans and health‑conscious eaters. Collard greens are a staple side in Southern cooking, and using them as wraps adds a low‑carb, nutrient‑dense twist to the traditional sandwich.
What are the traditional regional variations of pulled‑jackfruit BBQ dishes in the United States?
In the Southeast, pulled jackfruit is often paired with sweet‑tangy Carolina‑style BBQ sauce, while in Texas‑inspired versions the sauce is spicier and smoky. Some cooks serve it on biscuits, whereas Tabitha Brown’s version uses collard wraps for a low‑carb alternative.
How is the authentic traditional way to serve pulled jackfruit BBQ in Southern cuisine?
Traditionally, pulled pork (or its jackfruit counterpart) is served on a soft bun with a side of coleslaw and pickles. Tabitha Brown’s adaptation replaces the bun with collard greens, offering a gluten‑free, nutrient‑rich presentation while keeping the classic flavor profile.
What occasions or celebrations is jackfruit BBQ collard wraps traditionally associated with in Southern culture?
Barbecue gatherings, family picnics, and holiday cook‑outs are common occasions for pulled‑meat dishes. The jackfruit version fits perfectly into vegan or health‑focused celebrations while still honoring the communal spirit of Southern BBQ.
What makes jackfruit BBQ collard wraps special or unique in American Southern cuisine?
The combination of plant‑based jackfruit that mimics the texture of pulled pork, tangy BBQ sauce, and nutrient‑dense collard greens creates a low‑carb, gluten‑free sandwich that still delivers the smoky, sweet flavors beloved in Southern cooking.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making jackfruit BBQ collard wraps?
Common errors include not draining the jackfruit enough, overcrowding the pan which prevents browning, and using stiff collard leaves that tear. Follow the critical steps: squeeze the jackfruit, cook until golden, and soften the leaves before rolling.
Why does this recipe use raw yogurt for the coleslaw instead of mayonnaise?
Tabitha Brown prefers raw yogurt to keep the coleslaw lighter, tangier, and probiotic‑rich. Yogurt also adds creaminess without the extra saturated fat found in traditional mayo.
Can I make the jackfruit BBQ collard wraps ahead of time and how should I store them?
Yes. Cook the jackfruit and prepare the coleslaw up to 24 hours in advance, storing each in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator. Assemble the wraps just before serving to keep the collard leaves crisp.
What texture and appearance should I look for when the jackfruit is done cooking?
The jackfruit should be golden‑brown on the edges, slightly crispy, and coated in a thick, glossy BBQ glaze. It should resemble shredded pork with a bit of caramelization.
What does the YouTube channel Tabitha Brown specialize in?
The YouTube channel Tabitha Brown focuses on wholesome, plant‑based comfort food, vegan comfort meals, and uplifting lifestyle content, often featuring simple, heart‑warming recipes that are accessible to home cooks of all skill levels.
How does the YouTube channel Tabitha Brown's approach to vegan Southern cooking differ from other vegan cooking channels?
Tabitha Brown blends Southern soul‑food flavors with vegan ingredients, emphasizing positivity, easy‑to‑follow steps, and ingredient accessibility. Unlike some channels that prioritize gourmet techniques, she keeps recipes home‑style, budget‑friendly, and infused with her signature warm personality.
Last updated: August 29, 2026








