Vegan Pulled Pork using Jackfruit

Vegan Pulled Pork using Jackfruit is a medium American recipe that serves 4. 250 calories per serving. Recipe by Schueys BBQ on YouTube.

Prep: 35 min | Cook: 1 hr 35 min | Total: 2 hrs 30 min

Cost: $73.01 total, $18.25 per serving

Ingredients

  • 4 cans Young Green Jackfruit in Brine (drained, shredded, seeds removed)
  • 4 tsp Smoked Paprika
  • 3 tsp Brown Sugar
  • 1.5 tsp Salt Flakes
  • 1 tsp Black Pepper, Finely Ground
  • 0.5 tsp Ground Cumin
  • 0.5 tsp Mustard Powder
  • 0.5 tsp Garlic Powder
  • 0.5 tsp Onion Powder
  • 0.25 tsp Cayenne Pepper
  • 1 cup Ketchup
  • 1 cup Apple Juice
  • 0.25 cup Apple Cider Vinegar
  • 0.5 cup Brown Sugar (for sauce)
  • 4 tbsp Worcestershire Sauce (vegan)
  • 2 tsp Garlic Powder (for sauce)
  • 3 tsp Onion Powder (for sauce)
  • 1 tsp Kosher Salt
  • 0.5 tsp Black Pepper, Finely Ground (for sauce)
  • 0.25 tsp Cayenne Pepper (for sauce)
  • 4 pieces Apple Wood Chunks (for smoking)
  • 50 pieces Charcoal Briquettes (for snake method)

Instructions

  1. Drain and Shred Jackfruit

    Open each can, pour the jackfruit into a large strainer and let the brine drain completely. Transfer to a foil container and, wearing gloves, pull apart the pieces, removing any large seeds, until you have shredded strands resembling pulled pork.

    Time: PT10M

  2. Prepare the Rub

    In a mixing bowl combine smoked paprika, brown sugar, salt flakes, black pepper, cumin, mustard powder, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper. Stir until evenly mixed.

    Time: PT5M

  3. Season the Jackfruit

    Sprinkle the spice rub over the shredded jackfruit and toss with your hands or tongs until every strand is coated.

    Time: PT5M

  4. Build the Snake Fire

    Arrange charcoal briquettes in a long, winding “snake” along the edge of the grill charcoal grate, leaving a small gap between each piece. Light 12 briquettes in the chimney starter, let them ash over, then place them at one end of the snake to act as a fuse. Add the apple wood chunks spaced about 5 cm apart along the snake.

    Time: PT10M

  5. Preheat Grill to 120°C

    Close the lid, open all vents wide, and place the ambient temperature probe on the grill grate opposite the snake. Wait until the internal temperature reaches approximately 120°C (250°F).

    Time: PT10M

    Temperature: 120°C

  6. Smoke the Jackfruit – First 30 Minutes

    Place the seasoned jackfruit on a tray on the opposite side of the fire (indirect zone). Close the lid and let it smoke for 30 minutes, keeping the lid vent positioned over the food to draw smoke through.

    Time: PT30M

    Temperature: 120°C

  7. Prepare Vegan Barbecue Sauce

    While the jackfruit smokes, combine ketchup, apple juice, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, kosher salt, black pepper, and cayenne in a saucepan. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium‑low heat and stir constantly for about 15 minutes until thickened.

    Time: PT15M

    Temperature: medium-low

  8. Flip Jackfruit and Smoke Another 30 Minutes

    After the first 30 minutes, open the grill, toss the jackfruit to ensure even smoke exposure, then close the lid and continue smoking for another 30 minutes.

    Time: PT30M

    Temperature: 120°C

  9. Sauce the Jackfruit and Final Smoke

    Remove the tray, drizzle about 1 cup of the prepared barbecue sauce over the four cans of jackfruit (roughly ¼ cup per can), toss to coat, then return the tray to the grill. Smoke for an additional 20 minutes so the sauce caramelizes and the jackfruit absorbs the flavor.

    Time: PT20M

    Temperature: 120°C

  10. Rest and Serve

    Take the jackfruit off the grill, let it rest for 5 minutes, then pile onto burger buns with your favorite toppings. Enjoy!

    Time: PT5M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
250
Protein
6 g
Carbohydrates
35 g
Fat
6 g
Fiber
5 g

Dietary info: Vegan, Dairy‑Free, Nut‑Free

Allergens: Soy (in Worcestershire sauce), Mustard

Last updated: April 16, 2026

Amazon Associates

Amazon Associates PartnerTrusted

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases made through links on this page. This helps support our site at no extra cost to you. Clicking on ingredient or equipment links will take you to amazon.com where you can purchase these items.

Vegan Pulled Pork using Jackfruit

Recipe by Schueys BBQ

A smoky, tender vegan pulled pork made from young green jackfruit, seasoned with a flavorful rub and finished with a sweet‑spicy barbecue sauce. Served on buns, it tricks even the most devoted meat‑eaters.

MediumAmericanServes 4

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

Source Video
50m
Prep
1h 30m
Cook
17m
Cleanup
2h 37m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$73.01
Total cost
$18.25
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Shredding the jackfruit and removing seeds for proper texture
  • Building a neat snake fire to maintain a steady 120°C
  • Maintaining grill temperature and not opening the lid frequently
  • Preparing a thickened barbecue sauce before adding it to the jackfruit
  • Final 20‑minute smoke to caramelize the sauce

Safety Warnings

  • Handle hot grill and charcoal with heat‑resistant gloves to avoid burns.
  • Use long‑handled tongs when moving the tray inside the grill.
  • Never leave the lit snake unattended; it can flare if vents are closed too tightly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

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

A

Vegan pulled pork reflects the growing plant‑based movement within traditional American BBQ, offering a cruelty‑free alternative that mimics the texture and smoky flavor of classic pork shoulder pulled pork, a staple at Southern cookouts and festivals.

cultural
Q

How does vegan pulled pork fit into the broader American BBQ tradition?

A

It adapts the low‑and‑slow smoking technique and classic rubs used for pork, showing that the essence of BBQ—smoke, spice, and caramelization—can be achieved with vegetables like jackfruit, expanding the inclusive nature of the cuisine.

cultural
Q

What are traditional regional variations of pulled pork in the United States, and can they be replicated with jackfruit?

A

Southern pulled pork often uses a sweet‑savory rub with brown sugar and paprika, while Carolina styles add vinegar‑based sauces. Both profiles translate well to jackfruit by adjusting the rub and sauce ingredients as shown in this recipe.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is vegan pulled pork traditionally associated with in American culture?

A

Pulled pork is a centerpiece at Fourth of July picnics, backyard barbecues, and family reunions; the vegan version allows those gatherings to be inclusive for guests who avoid meat.

cultural
Q

What authentic ingredients are used in traditional pulled pork versus the vegan version?

A

Traditional pulled pork uses pork shoulder, pork fat, and sometimes liquid smoke. The vegan version replaces the meat with young green jackfruit, which provides a similar shredded texture, and uses plant‑based seasonings and a vegan Worcestershire sauce.

cultural
Q

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

A

Common errors include over‑cooking the jackfruit so it becomes mushy, not building a proper snake fire which leads to temperature spikes, and adding sauce too early before the jackfruit has absorbed smoke flavor.

technical
Q

Why does this recipe use the snake method instead of direct grilling for the jackfruit?

A

The snake method provides a low, steady 120 °C heat ideal for slow smoking, allowing the jackfruit to absorb smoke without drying out, whereas direct heat would cook it too quickly and lose the pulled‑pork texture.

technical
Q

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

A

Yes, you can smoke the jackfruit, cool it, and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat gently with a splash of sauce to restore moisture before serving.

technical
Q

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

A

The jackfruit should be tender, easily pull apart with a fork, and have a deep reddish‑brown color from the rub and smoke. It should not be mushy or retain any hard seed pieces.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Schueys BBQ specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Schueys BBQ specializes in backyard grilling techniques, especially low‑and‑slow smoking methods, and frequently showcases plant‑based adaptations of classic barbecue dishes.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Schueys BBQ's approach to vegan barbecue differ from other BBQ channels?

A

Schueys BBQ emphasizes the snake fire setup for precise temperature control and often integrates vegan ingredients like jackfruit, providing detailed step‑by‑step guidance that many traditional BBQ channels, which focus on meat, overlook.

channel
Q

What other American BBQ recipes is the YouTube channel Schueys BBQ known for?

A

Schueys BBQ is known for recipes such as smoked brisket, Texas‑style beef ribs, charcoal‑grilled corn on the cob, and plant‑based smoked mushroom burgers, all presented with a focus on flavor and technique.

channel

You Might Also Like

Similar recipes converted from YouTube cooking videos

A great vegan pulled pork BBQ substitute is jackfruit!
2

A great vegan pulled pork BBQ substitute is jackfruit!

A plant‑based twist on the classic pulled pork BBQ sandwich using canned young green jackfruit, tangy BBQ sauce, creamy yogurt coleslaw, and sturdy collard green leaves as low‑carb wraps. Inspired by Tabitha Brown’s vibrant kitchen style, this recipe is quick, comforting, and perfect for a wholesome lunch or dinner.

45 minServes 2$31
American
GAME-CHANGING BBQ Jackfruit Recipe
4

GAME-CHANGING BBQ Jackfruit Recipe

A plant‑based take on classic pulled pork sliders. Tender jackfruit simmered, seasoned, and baked with smoky barbecue flavors, served on toasted pretzel buns with a tangy homemade vegan coleslaw. Perfect for cookouts, potlucks, or a satisfying weeknight dinner.

1 hr 40 minServes 4$17
American
What is Jackfruit? How to make Jackfruit into Vegan Pulled Pork
10

What is Jackfruit? How to make Jackfruit into Vegan Pulled Pork

A plant‑based take on classic pulled pork using young green jackfruit simmered in a smoky barbecue rub, then baked until tender and shredded. Served on toasted buns, this sandwich delivers the sweet‑savory flavor and texture of traditional BBQ pork while staying completely vegan.

3 hrs 10 minServes 4$15
American
Me and jackfruit go together reallll bad now 😝
2

Me and jackfruit go together reallll bad now 😝

A savory, brine‑free jackfruit dish that mimics pulled meat. The jackfruit is rinsed, seeded, simmered with vegetable broth, onions, and garlic, then finished in the oven and seasoned to perfection. Great as a main course, taco filling, or side for enchiladas.

1 hr 15 minServes 4$16
American (Vegan Fusion)
What is Jackfruit? How to Make Jackfruit Vegan Pulled Pork
2

What is Jackfruit? How to Make Jackfruit Vegan Pulled Pork

A plant‑based take on the classic pulled pork sandwich using young green jackfruit that mimics the texture of shredded pork, tossed in smoky vegan barbecue sauce and served on whole‑wheat buns with a crunchy vegan coleslaw.

3 hrs 10 minServes 4$17
American (Vegan)
Easy InstantPot BBQ Jackfruit (Vegan, Oil Free)
11

Easy InstantPot BBQ Jackfruit (Vegan, Oil Free)

A quick, easy, and affordable plant‑based alternative to pulled pork. Canned jackfruit is shredded in a food processor, seasoned with a simple dry spice mix, simmered in smoky barbecue sauce in the Instant Pot, and served on buns or as a topping for burgers, tacos, and salads.

30 minServes 4$3
American
BEST JERK JACKFRUIT
2

BEST JERK JACKFRUIT

Crispy double‑battered jackfruit tossed in a sweet‑spicy jerk BBQ sauce. A vegan twist on classic jerk chicken that’s perfect for a main course or hearty snack.

45 minServes 4$4
Jamaican
Vegan BBQ Pulled Jackfruit Sandwich!
1

Vegan BBQ Pulled Jackfruit Sandwich!

A vegan twist on the classic pulled pork sandwich using young green canned jackfruit, a smoky chipotle barbecue sauce, and a tangy cabbage‑carrot slaw. Ready in about 40 minutes, budget‑friendly (under $3 per sandwich), and perfect for a messy, flavor‑packed lunch or dinner.

1 hr 28 minServes 6$18
American (Vegan)