Episode 3: Bbq JackFruit Tacos("Pulled Pork")
Episode 3: BBQ JackFruit Tacos("Pulled Pork") is a easy American (Vegan) recipe that serves 4. 350 calories per serving. Recipe by That Chocolate Vegan on YouTube.
Prep: 20 min | Cook: 20 min | Total: 50 min
Cost: $22.62 total, $5.66 per serving
Ingredients
- 2 cans (20 oz each) Young Green Jackfruit in Water (drained, core removed, shredded with forks)
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil (for sautéing aromatics)
- 3 cloves Garlic (minced)
- 2 Yellow Onion (diced)
- 1 teaspoon Ground Cumin
- 1 teaspoon Black Pepper (freshly ground)
- 1 teaspoon Chili Powder
- 1 teaspoon Sea Salt
- 1/2 cup Vegan BBQ Sauce (choose a smoky variety)
- 3 tablespoons Vegan Mayonnaise (store‑bought or homemade)
- 1/2 cup Cilantro (chopped)
- 2 cups Carrots (shredded)
- 1 cup Green Onions (thinly sliced)
- 1 cup Purple Cabbage (shredded, optional for color)
- 1 tablespoon Celery Seed
- 1 Lemon (juiced)
- 4 Vegan Sandwich Buns (soft, toasted if desired)
Instructions
Drain and Prepare Jackfruit
Open the canned jackfruit, drain the liquid into the sink, remove the tough core, and shred the flesh with two forks until it resembles pulled pork.
Time: PT5M
Prep Aromatics
Peel and mince the garlic cloves and dice the onions into small pieces.
Time: PT5M
Sauté Garlic and Onion
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and diced onion, cooking until translucent and fragrant, about 3–4 minutes.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: Medium heat
Season the Jackfruit
Add the shredded jackfruit to the skillet. Sprinkle with cumin, black pepper, chili powder, and sea salt. Stir well to coat evenly.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: Medium heat
Add BBQ Sauce and Simmer
Pour the vegan BBQ sauce over the seasoned jackfruit, reduce heat to low, and let it simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Time: PT10M
Temperature: Low heat
Make Vegan Coleslaw
In a mixing bowl, combine shredded carrots, green onions, cilantro, purple cabbage, vegan mayo, celery seed, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. Mix until everything is evenly coated. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let flavors meld.
Time: PT5M
Toast Buns (Optional)
Slice the vegan buns and toast them lightly in a toaster or on a grill pan until golden.
Time: PT2M
Assemble Sandwiches
Place a generous mound of the warm jackfruit on the bottom half of each bun, top with a spoonful of coleslaw, and close with the top bun.
Time: PT3M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 350
- Protein
- 5g
- Carbohydrates
- 45g
- Fat
- 12g
- Fiber
- 8g
Dietary info: Vegan, Dairy‑Free, Nut‑Free
Allergens: Soy (may be in vegan mayo), Gluten (if using regular buns)
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Young Green Jackfruit in Water: Shredded jackfruit (fresh)
- Instead of Olive Oil: Canola oil, Avocado oil
- Instead of Garlic: Garlic powder (1 tsp)
- Instead of Yellow Onion: White onion
- Instead of Ground Cumin: Coriander powder
- Instead of Black Pepper: White pepper
- Instead of Chili Powder: Paprika + cayenne mix
- Instead of Sea Salt: Kosher salt
- Instead of Vegan BBQ Sauce: Homemade BBQ sauce
- Instead of Vegan Mayonnaise: Aquafaba mayo
- Instead of Cilantro: Parsley
- Instead of Carrots: Jicama
- Instead of Green Onions: Chives
- Instead of Purple Cabbage: Green cabbage
- Instead of Celery Seed: Dill seed
- Instead of Lemon: Lime juice
- Instead of Vegan Sandwich Buns: Gluten‑free buns
Equipment Needed
- Large Skillet
- Cutting Board
- Chef's Knife
- Colander
- Mixing Bowl
- Measuring Spoons
- Measuring Cups
- Fork
- Spatula
- Toaster or Grill Pan (optional)
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Draining and shredding the jackfruit correctly to achieve a meat‑like texture.
- Simmering the jackfruit with BBQ sauce long enough for flavors to meld.
- Allowing the coleslaw to marinate for at least 30 minutes.
Chef Tips from the Video
- Add a pinch of smoked paprika to the jackfruit for extra smoky depth.
- Use a hand‑held mixer to quickly shred the jackfruit if you have one.
Troubleshooting
Jackfruit stays too firm and does not shred.
Simmer an additional 5‑10 minutes with a splash of water; the fibers will soften and pull apart.
Coleslaw is watery.
After mixing, let the slaw sit for 10 minutes, then drain excess liquid before refrigerating.
Sandwich becomes soggy.
Toast the buns and add the coleslaw just before serving to keep the bread crisp.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store leftover jackfruit and coleslaw in airtight containers for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Jackfruit mixture can be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Room temperature: Assembled sandwiches are best eaten within 2 hours at room temperature.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Prepare the coleslaw a day ahead; it improves in flavor.
- Shredded jackfruit can be cooked up to 2 days in advance and reheated gently.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of jackfruit pulled pork sandwiches in vegan American cuisine?
Jackfruit has become a staple in vegan cooking because its fibrous texture mimics shredded meat. Using it in a pulled‑pork style sandwich reflects the growing plant‑based adaptation of classic American comfort foods.
What are the traditional regional variations of jackfruit pulled pork in the United States?
In the Southern U.S., vegan cooks often season jackfruit with smoky BBQ sauces and serve it on soft buns, while West Coast versions may add avocado or spicy sriracha mayo for a fresh twist.
How is jackfruit traditionally served in vegan celebrations or gatherings?
Jackfruit pulled pork is popular at potlucks and BBQ‑themed parties because it can be made in large batches, stays tender when reheated, and satisfies both vegans and omnivores looking for a hearty sandwich.
What authentic ingredients are essential for a vegan jackfruit pulled pork sandwich versus acceptable substitutes?
The key is young green jackfruit in water, a smoky vegan BBQ sauce, and a tangy coleslaw. If you cannot find jackfruit, shredded oyster mushrooms work as a substitute, and regular mayo can be swapped with a soy‑based vegan mayo.
What other vegan dishes pair well with jackfruit pulled pork sandwiches?
Serve them alongside sweet potato fries, a simple green salad, or a side of baked beans for a complete vegan BBQ plate.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making jackfruit pulled pork sandwiches?
Common errors include not draining the jackfruit fully, overcooking the aromatics which can burn the garlic, and skipping the 10‑minute simmer that allows the BBQ sauce to penetrate the jackfruit.
Why does this recipe use a low simmer for the jackfruit instead of high‑heat frying?
Low simmering gently softens the jackfruit fibers and lets the BBQ sauce meld without drying out, resulting in a moist, meat‑like texture that high heat would destroy.
Can I make the jackfruit pulled pork ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes, cook the jackfruit up to 2 days in advance, let it cool, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of water or extra BBQ sauce.
What does the YouTube channel That Chocolate Vegan specialize in?
The YouTube channel That Chocolate Vegan focuses on delicious, accessible vegan desserts and comfort foods, often highlighting plant‑based twists on classic recipes with clear step‑by‑step tutorials.
How does the YouTube channel That Chocolate Vegan's approach to vegan comfort food differ from other vegan cooking channels?
That Chocolate Vegan emphasizes simple pantry staples, minimal equipment, and a playful, approachable style, making recipes like jackfruit pulled pork sandwiches feel doable for beginners compared to more technique‑heavy vegan channels.
Last updated: September 1, 2026
