Vegan Bbq Pulled Jackfruit Sandwich
Vegan BBQ Pulled Jackfruit Sandwich! is a easy American (Vegan) recipe that serves 6. 350 calories per serving. Recipe by Tasty Thrifty Timely on YouTube.
Prep: 25 min | Cook: 48 min | Total: 1 hr 28 min
Cost: $18.17 total, $3.03 per serving
Ingredients
- 2 cans Young Green Jackfruit in Brine (drained and shredded with fingers)
- 0.5 onion Medium Onion (diced)
- 2 cloves Garlic (minced)
- 2 tsp Smoked Paprika
- 1.25 tsp Salt (divided between sauce and jackfruit)
- 3 tsp Liquid Smoke
- 2 cup Crushed Tomatoes (canned)
- 0.25 cup Tomato Paste
- 0.3125 cup Apple Cider Vinegar (1/4 cup for sauce + 1 tbsp for coleslaw)
- 2 tbsp Vegan Worcestershire Sauce
- 0.5 tsp Cumin
- 2 tbsp Molasses
- 2 peppers Chipotle Peppers in Adobo Sauce (finely chopped with some adobo sauce)
- 1 cup Water or Vegetable Broth (use homemade broth for extra flavor)
- 0.5 cup Oil‑Free Vegan Mayo (store‑bought or homemade)
- 1 tsp Maple Syrup
- 0.25 tsp Celery Salt
- 0.25 tsp Black Pepper (freshly ground)
- 3.5 cup Shredded Green Cabbage
- 3.5 cup Shredded Purple Cabbage
- 1 cup Shredded Carrots
- 6 pieces Sandwich Buns (soft hamburger buns or brioche rolls)
Instructions
Make Chipotle Barbecue Sauce
Combine crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, apple cider vinegar, vegan Worcestershire sauce, cumin, molasses, smoked paprika, liquid smoke, chipotle peppers with adobo, and 1 tsp salt in a saucepan.
Time: PT5M
Simmer Sauce
Bring the mixture to a light bubble, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 10 minutes.
Time: PT10M
Temperature: medium heat
Blend Sauce Smooth
Remove from heat and blend with an immersion blender until smooth (about 2 minutes).
Time: PT2M
Sauté Onion and Garlic
In a skillet over medium heat, sauté the diced onion and minced garlic for about 5 minutes until the onion is lightly caramelized.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: medium heat
Add Jackfruit and Season
Add the shredded jackfruit to the skillet, sprinkle with smoked paprika, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1 tsp liquid smoke. Stir for 1 minute.
Time: PT1M
Temperature: medium heat
Simmer Jackfruit in Sauce
Pour in 1 cup water or vegetable broth and ½ cup of the prepared barbecue sauce. Cover and simmer on low for 25‑30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Time: PT30M
Temperature: low heat
Prepare Coleslaw Dressing
In a mixing bowl, whisk together oil‑free mayo, 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, celery salt, and black pepper.
Time: PT5M
Combine Slaw
Add shredded green cabbage, purple cabbage, and carrots to the dressing. Toss until evenly coated.
Time: PT5M
Slice Buns
Slice the sandwich buns in half and lightly toast if desired.
Time: PT2M
Finish Jackfruit
Stir the remaining ½ cup barbecue sauce into the cooked jackfruit just before serving.
Time: PT2M
Assemble Sandwiches
Spread a thin layer of extra mayo or sauce on the bun bottoms, pile on the saucy pulled jackfruit, top with a generous heap of coleslaw, and close with the bun tops.
Time: PT5M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 350
- Protein
- 5g
- Carbohydrates
- 45g
- Fat
- 12g
- Fiber
- 5g
Dietary info: Vegan, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free
Allergens: Soy, Mustard
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Young Green Jackfruit in Brine: Young green jackfruit in water, Fresh unripe jackfruit (hard to find)
- Instead of Medium Onion: Shallot
- Instead of Garlic: Garlic powder (1/4 tsp)
- Instead of Smoked Paprika: Regular paprika + liquid smoke
- Instead of Salt: Sea salt
- Instead of Liquid Smoke: Additional smoked paprika
- Instead of Crushed Tomatoes: Diced tomatoes
- Instead of Tomato Paste: Tomato sauce reduced
- Instead of Apple Cider Vinegar: White wine vinegar
- Instead of Vegan Worcestershire Sauce: Soy sauce + a dash of tamarind
- Instead of Cumin: Ground coriander
- Instead of Molasses: Dark brown sugar dissolved in water
- Instead of Chipotle Peppers in Adobo Sauce: Chipotle powder (1 tsp)
- Instead of Water or Vegetable Broth: Plain water
- Instead of Oil‑Free Vegan Mayo: Regular vegan mayo (contains oil), Regular mayo (not vegan)
- Instead of Maple Syrup: Agave nectar
- Instead of Celery Salt: Ground celery seed + salt
- Instead of Black Pepper: White pepper
- Instead of Shredded Green Cabbage: Savoy cabbage
- Instead of Shredded Purple Cabbage: Red cabbage
- Instead of Shredded Carrots: Julienned carrots
- Instead of Sandwich Buns: Gluten‑free buns
Equipment Needed
- Large Saucepan or Pot
- Skillet or Sauté Pan
- Mixing Bowls
- Immersion Blender or Countertop Blender
- Cutting Board
- Chef’s Knife
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Spatula or Wooden Spoon
- Tongs (optional)
- Serving Plates (optional)
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Use young green (unripe) jackfruit, not ripe canned jackfruit.
- Simmer the chipotle barbecue sauce for at least 10 minutes to develop flavor.
- Blend the sauce smooth before adding to the jackfruit.
- Simmer the jackfruit with broth and sauce for 25‑30 minutes until tender.
- Toss the finished jackfruit with extra barbecue sauce just before serving.
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use a fork to pull apart the jackfruit; it mimics the texture of shredded pork.
- Add a splash of smoked liquid smoke for extra depth if you love smoky flavor.
- For a crunchier bun, toast it on a hot skillet with a tiny dab of oil.
Troubleshooting
Sauce is too thick.
Add a little more water or broth, stirring until the desired consistency is reached.
Jackfruit remains firm and does not shred.
Simmer an additional 10‑15 minutes with a lid on; the brine and broth will continue to soften the fruit.
Coleslaw becomes watery.
Drain excess liquid before serving or toss the slaw with a small amount of extra mayo to bind the vegetables.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store leftover pulled jackfruit and sauce in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Keep coleslaw separate; it stays fresh for 3 days.
Freezer: Portion the cooked jackfruit mixture (without coleslaw) into freezer‑safe bags; freeze up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge and reheat gently.
Room temperature: Do not leave assembled sandwiches at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Make-Ahead Tips
- The chipotle barbecue sauce keeps in the fridge for up to a month; make it ahead and label the jar.
- Coleslaw can be prepared a day in advance; store the dressing separate and toss just before serving.
- Cooked jackfruit reheats well in a skillet with a splash of broth.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of jackfruit in vegan American cuisine?
Jackfruit has become a popular plant‑based meat substitute in modern American vegan cooking because its fibrous texture mimics shredded pork or chicken. While traditionally a tropical fruit in South and Southeast Asian cuisines, its adoption in the U.S. reflects the growing demand for sustainable, cruelty‑free alternatives.
What are the traditional regional variations of pulled jackfruit dishes in Asian cuisine?
In South‑East Asian countries like the Philippines and Indonesia, young green jackfruit is often stewed in coconut milk with spices (known as 'ginataang langka'). In Indian cuisine, jackfruit is cooked in spicy curries. The pulled‑jackfruit sandwich adapts these textures to a Western BBQ style.
How is jackfruit traditionally served in its native regions?
In its native tropical regions, jackfruit is usually served either ripe as a sweet fruit dessert or unripe in savory stews, curries, and salads. It is rarely served as a sandwich filling, which is a modern, Western adaptation.
What occasions or celebrations is jackfruit commonly associated with in Southeast Asian cultures?
Jackfruit is often enjoyed during harvest festivals and family gatherings in countries like India, Bangladesh, and the Philippines. Its large size makes it a centerpiece fruit for communal meals and festive desserts.
What authentic ingredients are essential for a traditional jackfruit dish versus acceptable substitutes?
Authentic dishes use young green jackfruit harvested fresh or canned in brine, coconut milk, and regional spices like turmeric, galangal, and kaffir lime. In this sandwich, we substitute coconut milk with vegetable broth and add chipotle peppers for a smoky American twist.
What other vegan American dishes pair well with this spicy chipotle barbecue pulled jackfruit sandwich?
Serve the sandwich alongside sweet potato fries, corn on the cob, or a simple mixed greens salad. A cold craft beer or a sparkling ginger lemonade complements the smoky heat nicely.
What makes this Spicy Chipotle Barbecue Pulled Jackfruit Sandwich special in vegan cuisine?
The sandwich combines the natural sweetness of jackfruit with a bold chipotle‑smoked barbecue sauce, creating a flavor profile that rivals traditional pulled pork. The creamy, tangy coleslaw adds texture contrast, making it a complete, satisfying plant‑based meal.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Spicy Chipotle Barbecue Pulled Jackfruit Sandwiches?
Common errors include using ripe canned jackfruit (which is too sweet and soft), not simmering the sauce long enough for flavor development, and overcooking the jackfruit so it becomes mushy. Follow the critical steps for best results.
Why does this recipe use chipotle peppers in adobo sauce instead of regular smoked paprika alone?
Chipotle peppers provide a deep, smoky heat that smoked paprika alone cannot achieve. The adobo sauce adds acidity and moisture, balancing the natural sweetness of jackfruit and creating a more authentic BBQ flavor.
Can I make the Spicy Chipotle Barbecue Pulled Jackfruit Sandwich ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes. Prepare the barbecue sauce and coleslaw a day ahead; store each in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator. Cooked jackfruit can be refrigerated for up to four days or frozen for two months. Reheat gently before assembling the sandwiches.
What does the YouTube channel Tasty Thrifty Timely specialize in?
The YouTube channel Tasty Thrifty Timely focuses on budget‑friendly, quick, and delicious home‑cooking recipes that emphasize pantry staples, smart grocery shopping, and thrifty meal planning for everyday cooks.
How does the YouTube channel Tasty Thrifty Timely's approach to vegan American cooking differ from other cooking channels?
Tasty Thrifty Timely blends cost‑saving strategies with flavorful vegan twists on classic American dishes, often using inexpensive canned items like jackfruit. Their videos prioritize clear, step‑by‑step instructions and highlight how to stock a versatile pantry, unlike many channels that focus on specialty or high‑budget ingredients.
Last updated: August 30, 2026
