Pulled Jackfruit Recipe - 6 Ingredient BBQ Jackfruit Sandwich

Pulled Jackfruit Recipe - 6 Ingredient BBQ Jackfruit Sandwich is a easy American (Barbecue) recipe that serves 4. 180 calories per serving. Recipe by It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken on YouTube.

Prep: 15 min | Cook: 40 min | Total: 1 hr 10 min

Cost: $11.94 total, $2.99 per serving

Ingredients

  • 2 cups Young Green Jackfruit (canned in brine) (drained, rinsed, core removed and shredded)
  • 1 tablespoon Olive Oil (extra‑virgin preferred)
  • 1 medium Onion (sliced thin)
  • 2 cloves Garlic (minced)
  • 0.25 cup Vegetable Broth (can substitute water if needed)
  • 0.5 cup Barbecue Sauce (store‑bought or homemade; choose a honey‑free, gluten‑free version for strict vegans)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Jackfruit

    Open the canned young green jackfruit, drain and rinse under cold water. Slice off the tough core and shred the fibrous top pieces into bite‑size strands.

    Time: PT10M

  2. Sauté Aromatics

    Heat 1 Tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium‑high heat. Add the sliced onion and minced garlic; sauté until the onion becomes translucent and the garlic is fragrant, about 4‑5 minutes.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: Medium‑high

  3. Simmer the Jackfruit

    Add the shredded jackfruit to the skillet, pour in ¼ cup vegetable broth (or water), stir, then cover the pan. Reduce heat slightly and let it cook for 8‑10 minutes until the jackfruit is tender.

    Time: PT10M

    Temperature: Medium

  4. Mash the Jackfruit

    Remove the lid and use a potato masher to lightly mash the jackfruit, breaking it into pull‑apart strands. Do not over‑mash; you want a shredded texture.

    Time: PT2M

  5. Bake with Barbecue Sauce

    Preheat the oven to 400°F. Transfer the mashed jackfruit onto a large baking sheet, drizzle with ½ cup barbecue sauce and toss to coat evenly. Spread in a single layer and bake for 20 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the edges are slightly caramelized.

    Time: PT20M

    Temperature: 400°F

  6. Finish and Serve

    Remove the baked jackfruit from the oven, drizzle with an additional tablespoon of barbecue sauce, stir to re‑moisten, and serve hot in sandwiches, tacos, burritos or on top of coleslaw.

    Time: PT3M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
180
Protein
3 g
Carbohydrates
30 g
Fat
4 g
Fiber
5 g

Dietary info: Vegan, Vegetarian, Dairy‑Free, Gluten‑Free (if using gluten‑free BBQ sauce)

Allergens: Soy (in some BBQ sauces), Honey (if BBQ sauce contains it)

Last updated: April 17, 2026

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Pulled Jackfruit Recipe - 6 Ingredient BBQ Jackfruit Sandwich

Recipe by It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken

A simple, six‑ingredient vegan pulled "pork" made from young green jackfruit. The jackfruit is sautéed with onion and garlic, simmered in broth, mashed to create shreds, then baked with barbecue sauce for a smoky, sticky finish. Perfect for sandwiches, tacos, burritos or as a hearty main.

EasyAmerican (Barbecue)Serves 4

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
12m
Prep
38m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
1h
Total

Cost Breakdown

$11.94
Total cost
$2.99
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Use only young green jackfruit (not ripe)
  • Ensure jackfruit is fully tender before mashing
  • Bake long enough to caramelize the BBQ sauce without burning

Safety Warnings

  • Hot oil can splatter – use a splatter guard if needed
  • The oven will be hot – use oven mitts when handling the baking sheet
  • Canned brine may be salty; rinse the jackfruit well before cooking

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of pulled jackfruit in American barbecue cuisine?

A

Pulled jackfruit is a modern plant‑based twist on traditional Southern pulled pork, created by vegans and vegetarians seeking a meat‑like texture without animal products. It has become popular in the U.S. as a sustainable, low‑fat alternative that mimics the smoky, shredded texture of classic barbecue pork.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of jackfruit‑based dishes in Asian cuisine?

A

In South and Southeast Asia, young green jackfruit is used in curries, stews, and stir‑fries, often flavored with turmeric, coconut milk, and spices. The fruit’s texture makes it a common meat substitute in vegetarian dishes across India, Thailand, and the Philippines.

cultural
Q

How is pulled jackfruit traditionally served in vegan barbecue gatherings?

A

It is typically served on soft buns or rolls with coleslaw, pickles, and extra barbecue sauce, mirroring the classic pulled‑pork sandwich. It also appears in tacos, burritos, and as a topping for loaded nachos at vegan cookouts.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is pulled jackfruit commonly associated with in vegan communities?

A

Pulled jackfruit is a staple at vegan barbecues, potlucks, and holiday gatherings such as Thanksgiving or Fourth of July cookouts, where it offers a familiar comfort‑food experience without meat.

cultural
Q

What makes pulled jackfruit special or unique in American barbecue cuisine?

A

Its natural fibrous strands mimic shredded pork, allowing it to absorb smoky barbecue flavors while remaining low in fat and cholesterol. This makes it a unique, health‑conscious alternative that still delivers the classic BBQ mouthfeel.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making pulled jackfruit?

A

Using ripe, sweet jackfruit instead of young green; not cooking the jackfruit long enough before mashing; and skipping the oven bake, which leaves the sauce soggy and the texture less caramelized.

technical
Q

Why does this recipe use a brief oven bake instead of just stovetop cooking?

A

Baking dries out excess moisture, caramelizes the barbecue sauce, and creates a slightly crispy edge that gives the jackfruit a meat‑like bite, something a stovetop alone cannot achieve as effectively.

technical
Q

Can I make the pulled jackfruit ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes. Prepare up to step 4, let it cool, then refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat, add fresh BBQ sauce, and finish the bake before serving.

technical
Q

What texture and appearance should I look for when the pulled jackfruit is done?

A

The jackfruit should be tender enough to mash easily, with visible shreds that resemble pulled pork. After baking, the edges should be slightly caramelized and the sauce glossy, not watery.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken focuses on fun, fuss‑free vegan recipes that mimic classic meat dishes, often using creative plant‑based ingredients and minimal ingredient lists.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken's approach to vegan cooking differ from other vegan channels?

A

It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken emphasizes playful, surprise‑factor dishes that convince even meat‑eaters, using simple six‑ingredient recipes and a humorous, personable style, whereas many other vegan channels focus on health‑centric or gourmet techniques.

channel

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