What is Jackfruit? How to make Jackfruit into Vegan Pulled Pork
What is Jackfruit? How to make Jackfruit into Vegan Pulled Pork is a medium American recipe that serves 4. 350 calories per serving. Recipe by Sauce Stache on YouTube.
Prep: 25 min | Cook: 2 hrs 30 min | Total: 3 hrs 10 min
Cost: $14.64 total, $3.66 per serving
Ingredients
- 1 whole Jackfruit (fresh, about 15 lb, peeled, seeded and shredded (≈6 cups))
- 1 tablespoon Olive Oil (extra‑virgin)
- 0.5 medium Onion (diced)
- 2 cloves Garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon Cumin (ground)
- 1 teaspoon Paprika (regular or smoked)
- 1 teaspoon Chipotle Powder (adds smoky heat)
- 1 teaspoon Chili Powder (mild heat)
- 0.5 teaspoon Black Pepper (freshly ground)
- 0.5 teaspoon Salt (preferably kosher or sea salt)
- 1 teaspoon Vegan Worcestershire Sauce (adds umami)
- 1 teaspoon Mustard (Dijon or yellow)
- 1.5 cups Vegetable Broth (low‑sodium)
- 1 cup Barbecue Sauce (vegan, your favorite brand)
- 4 pieces Burger Buns (soft, toasted before serving)
Instructions
Prepare the Jackfruit
Lightly spray the knife with non‑stick cooking spray, cut the jackfruit lengthwise, remove the large seeds, discard the fibrous outer rind, and pull apart the yellow pods into bite‑size pieces or shred with your hands.
Time: PT10M
Chop Aromatics
Dice ½ medium onion and mince 2 garlic cloves.
Time: PT5M
Sauté Onion and Garlic
Heat 1 Tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until translucent, about 3 minutes, then add the garlic and cook another 2 minutes.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: medium
Add Jackfruit and Seasonings
Stir the shredded jackfruit into the skillet. Sprinkle cumin, paprika, chipotle powder, chili powder, black pepper, salt, vegan Worcestershire sauce, and mustard. Mix well and let it simmer for 5 minutes to toast the spices.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: medium
Simmer with Broth
Pour in 1½ cups vegetable broth, stir, cover the skillet, and let it simmer on low heat for 45 minutes, stirring once halfway through.
Time: PT45M
Temperature: low
Bake for Smoky Flavor
Pre‑heat the oven to 350°F. Transfer the jackfruit mixture onto a foil‑lined baking sheet, spreading it in an even layer. Bake uncovered for 1 hour 30 minutes, stirring once halfway, until the edges are caramelized.
Time: PT1H30M
Temperature: 350°F
Shred and Sauce
Remove the tray from the oven. Using two forks, pull the jackfruit apart until it resembles shredded pork. Toss with additional BBQ sauce to taste (about ¼ cup).
Time: PT5M
Assemble the Sandwich
Toast the burger buns lightly, then spoon generous portions of the BBQ jackfruit onto the bottom bun, top with the other half, and serve immediately.
Time: PT5M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 350
- Protein
- 8 g
- Carbohydrates
- 45 g
- Fat
- 10 g
- Fiber
- 5 g
Dietary info: Vegan, Vegetarian, Dairy‑Free, Gluten‑Containing
Allergens: Soy (in BBQ sauce), Mustard, Wheat (in buns)
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Jackfruit: Young green canned jackfruit (drained and rinsed)
- Instead of Olive Oil: Vegetable oil, Coconut oil
- Instead of Onion: Shallot, Leek
- Instead of Garlic: Garlic powder (1 tsp)
- Instead of Cumin: Ground coriander (1 tsp)
- Instead of Paprika: Smoked paprika (1 tsp)
- Instead of Chipotle Powder: Chipotle in adobo (½ tsp, minced)
- Instead of Chili Powder: Cayenne pepper (¼ tsp)
- Instead of Black Pepper: White pepper (0.5 tsp)
- Instead of Salt: Low‑sodium soy sauce (¼ tsp)
- Instead of Vegan Worcestershire Sauce: Soy sauce (½ tsp)
- Instead of Mustard: Whole grain mustard (1 tsp)
- Instead of Vegetable Broth: Water with a pinch of salt
- Instead of Barbecue Sauce: Homemade BBQ sauce
- Instead of Burger Buns: Gluten‑free buns, English muffins
Equipment Needed
- Cutting Board
- Chef's Knife
- Large Skillet
- Measuring Spoons
- Mixing Bowls
- Foil‑Lined Baking Sheet
- Oven
- Tongs or Spatula
- Aluminum Foil
- Wooden Spoon
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Properly cutting and removing the fibrous rind and seeds from the jackfruit
- Simmering the seasoned jackfruit in broth until tender
- Baking the mixture at 350°F to develop caramelized, smoky flavor
- Shredding the cooked jackfruit to achieve a pulled‑pork texture
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use smoked paprika for an extra layer of smokiness
- Toast the buns with a thin brush of olive oil for added crunch
- A drizzle of lime juice over the finished sandwich brightens the flavors
Troubleshooting
Jackfruit turned out dry or crumbly
Add an extra ¼ cup vegetable broth during the simmer step and cover tightly.
Jackfruit didn’t shred easily
Make sure it has simmered for the full 45 minutes and bake for the full 1½ hours; the fibers will separate more readily when fully tender.
Sauce is too sweet
Add a splash of apple cider vinegar or extra chipotle powder to balance sweetness.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store the cooked jackfruit in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Portion into freezer‑safe bags; freeze for up to 2 months.
Room temperature: Do not leave at room temperature longer than 2 hours.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Cook the jackfruit through step 6 and refrigerate; reheat and toss with fresh BBQ sauce before serving
- BBQ sauce can be prepared ahead and stored in the fridge for up to a week
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of jackfruit in South Asian cuisine?
Jackfruit is native to southern India and has been cultivated for over two millennia. It is the national fruit of Bangladesh and is traditionally used in both sweet and savory dishes across India, Thailand, and the Philippines.
What are traditional regional variations of jackfruit dishes in Indian and Southeast Asian cuisine?
In India, ripe jackfruit is used in desserts and curries, while young green jackfruit is cooked in spicy stews like "kathal ki sabzi." In Southeast Asia, it appears in salads, curries, and as a meat substitute in dishes such as Indonesian "gudeg" and Thai "kaeng som".
How is jackfruit traditionally served in Bangladesh celebrations?
Bangladesh often serves ripe jackfruit as a sweet snack during festivals, while the young green fruit is prepared in savory curries and stir‑fries for family gatherings and religious holidays.
What makes the vegan pulled pork BBQ jackfruit sandwich from Sauce Stache special in American barbecue cuisine?
The recipe mimics the texture of pulled pork using young green jackfruit, then layers classic American BBQ rubs and a slow‑bake step to develop smoky caramelization, creating a plant‑based sandwich that tastes remarkably like traditional pork BBQ.
What are the authentic traditional ingredients for jackfruit dishes versus acceptable substitutes in this recipe?
Authentic preparations use fresh young green jackfruit, native spices like cumin and mustard seeds, and sometimes coconut milk. In this recipe, canned jackfruit can substitute fresh fruit, and vegetable broth can be replaced with water plus a pinch of salt.
What common mistakes should I avoid when making the vegan pulled pork BBQ jackfruit sandwich from Sauce Stache?
Avoid cutting the jackfruit with a dull knife – it will tear and become mushy. Also, don’t skip the 45‑minute simmer; insufficient moisture leaves the fruit dry and hard to shred. Finally, bake at the full 350°F to achieve the caramelized crust.
Why does this Sauce Stache recipe simmer the jackfruit in broth before baking instead of baking raw?
Simmering infuses the jackfruit with the spice blend and keeps it moist, while the subsequent bake creates the smoky, caramelized exterior that mimics slow‑cooked pulled pork. Skipping the simmer often results in a dry, uneven texture.
Can I make the vegan pulled pork BBQ jackfruit ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes. Prepare the jackfruit through the baking step, let it cool, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth and toss with fresh BBQ sauce before assembling the sandwiches.
What texture and appearance should I look for when the jackfruit is done cooking in this Sauce Stache recipe?
The jackfruit should be tender enough to pull apart easily with two forks, with slightly caramelized, darkened edges from the bake. It should look moist, glossy from the sauce, and have a shredded, pork‑like consistency.
How do I know when the vegan pulled pork BBQ jackfruit is fully done in the oven?
When the edges are browned and slightly crisp and a fork can easily shred the pieces, the jackfruit is done. If it still feels firm, bake an additional 10‑15 minutes.
What does the YouTube channel Sauce Stache specialize in?
The YouTube channel Sauce Stache, hosted by Mark, specializes in bold, sauce‑centric recipes that often re‑imagine classic comfort foods with plant‑based twists and inventive flavor combinations.
How does the YouTube channel Sauce Stache's approach to vegan comfort food differ from other vegan cooking channels?
Sauce Stache focuses on intense, layered sauces and authentic technique, often using whole‑food plant ingredients to replicate meat textures, whereas many other vegan channels emphasize quick, minimal‑ingredient meals.
Last updated: August 29, 2026
