Vegan Pulled Pork Sandwiches
Vegan Pulled Pork Sandwiches is a easy American recipe that serves 4. 350 calories per serving. Recipe by Tasty on YouTube.
Prep: 15 min | Cook: 23 min | Total: 50 min
Cost: $15.73 total, $3.93 per serving
Ingredients
- 2 cans (20 oz each) Young Green Jackfruit in Brine (Drain, rinse, and shred with forks; remove core and seeds)
- 1 cup BBQ Sauce (Vegan store‑bought or homemade)
- 2 tbsp Olive Oil (Extra‑virgin recommended)
- 1 tsp Smoked Paprika (Adds smoky flavor)
- 1 tsp Garlic Powder
- 1 tsp Onion Powder
- 1 tbsp Apple Cider Vinegar
- 1/2 tsp Salt
- 1/4 tsp Black Pepper
- 4 pieces Soft Sandwich Buns (Check label for vegan certification)
- 2 cups Coleslaw Mix (Shredded cabbage and carrots)
- 3 tbsp Vegan Mayonnaise
- 1 tsp Lemon Juice
Instructions
Shred the Jackfruit
Open the cans, drain and rinse the jackfruit. Use two forks to pull apart the pieces, removing any tough core and seeds, until you have shredded strands that resemble pulled pork.
Time: PT5M
Sauté Aromatics
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper, stirring for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Time: PT3M
Temperature: Medium
Cook the Jackfruit
Add the shredded jackfruit to the skillet, stirring to coat with the spices. Cook for 5 minutes, allowing the jackfruit to brown slightly.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: Medium
Simmer in BBQ Sauce
Pour in the BBQ sauce and apple cider vinegar. Reduce heat to low and let the mixture simmer, uncovered, for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and clings to the jackfruit.
Time: PT15M
Temperature: Low simmer
Prepare the Vegan Coleslaw
In a mixing bowl, combine coleslaw mix, vegan mayonnaise, lemon juice, a pinch of salt, and a pinch of black pepper. Toss until evenly coated.
Time: PT5M
Toast the Buns (Optional)
Slice the buns and lightly toast them in a toaster, grill pan, or under a broiler for 2 minutes until golden.
Time: PT2M
Temperature: Medium‑high
Assemble the Sandwiches
Place a generous mound of the BBQ jackfruit on the bottom half of each bun, top with a spoonful of coleslaw, and finish with the top bun.
Time: PT2M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 350
- Protein
- 8 g
- Carbohydrates
- 45 g
- Fat
- 12 g
- Fiber
- 5 g
Dietary info: Vegan, Dairy‑Free
Allergens: Wheat, Soy
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Young Green Jackfruit in Brine: Shredded mushrooms, Soy curls
- Instead of BBQ Sauce: Homemade BBQ sauce
- Instead of Olive Oil: Vegetable oil
- Instead of Smoked Paprika: Regular paprika + a dash of liquid smoke
- Instead of Garlic Powder: Fresh minced garlic (1 clove)
- Instead of Onion Powder: Finely minced onion (1 tbsp)
- Instead of Apple Cider Vinegar: White wine vinegar
- Instead of Salt: Sea salt
- Instead of Black Pepper: White pepper
- Instead of Soft Sandwich Buns: Gluten‑free buns
- Instead of Coleslaw Mix: Freshly shredded cabbage and carrot
- Instead of Vegan Mayonnaise: Aquafaba mayo
- Instead of Lemon Juice: Apple cider vinegar (1 tsp)
Equipment Needed
- Large Skillet
- Wooden Spoon
- Colander
- Mixing Bowl
- Forks (for shredding jackfruit)
- Knife
- Cutting Board
- Tongs (optional)
- Plate (for serving) (optional)
- Toaster or Grill Pan (optional for buns) (optional)
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Shredding the jackfruit to achieve a pulled‑pork texture
- Simmering the jackfruit in BBQ sauce until thick and flavorful
- Assembling the sandwich to maintain texture balance
Chef Tips from the Video
- Add a dash of liquid smoke for an extra smoky depth.
- Use smoked paprika and a touch of maple syrup in the BBQ sauce for sweet‑smoky balance.
- Toast the buns on a buttered (vegan butter) side for richer flavor.
Troubleshooting
Jackfruit is too watery after cooking.
Drain the canned jackfruit thoroughly and pat dry before shredding; simmer longer to evaporate excess liquid.
BBQ sauce becomes overly thick.
Add a tablespoon of water or vegetable broth while simmering and stir until desired consistency.
Coleslaw turns soggy.
After mixing, let the coleslaw sit for a few minutes, then drain any excess liquid before serving.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store cooked jackfruit and coleslaw separately in airtight containers for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Freeze cooked jackfruit in a freezer‑safe bag for up to 2 months; thaw before reheating.
Room temperature: Buns can be kept at room temperature for 1 day; assemble only when ready to eat.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Cook the jackfruit a day ahead and store in the fridge; reheat gently before serving.
- Prepare the coleslaw up to 24 hours in advance; keep refrigerated.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of pulled pork in American cuisine?
Pulled pork originated in the Southern United States, where slow‑cooked pork shoulder was shredded and served with barbecue sauce at gatherings, picnics, and festivals. It represents comfort food and communal dining in Southern culture.
How did the vegan pulled pork sandwich become popular in modern American plant‑based cooking?
As plant‑based diets grew, chefs sought to recreate beloved comfort foods using vegetables and legumes. Young green jackfruit’s fibrous texture mimics shredded pork, making it a go‑to substitute for vegan pulled pork in American BBQ dishes.
What are traditional regional variations of pulled pork in the United States?
In the Carolinas, pulled pork is often served with a vinegar‑based sauce; in Kansas City, a sweet tomato‑based sauce dominates; Texas favors a smoky, mesquite‑infused flavor. The vegan version can be adapted with these regional sauces.
On what occasions is a pulled pork sandwich traditionally served in Southern American culture?
Pulled pork sandwiches are staples at backyard barbecues, family reunions, Fourth of July picnics, and casual gatherings where a hearty, shareable dish is desired.
What other American dishes pair well with a vegan pulled pork sandwich?
Serve it alongside classic sides such as baked beans, corn on the cob, coleslaw, or a crisp potato salad for a complete Southern‑style meal.
What makes the vegan pulled pork sandwich unique within American BBQ cuisine?
It delivers the smoky, sweet, and tangy flavor profile of traditional pulled pork while using entirely plant‑based ingredients, offering a lower‑fat, cholesterol‑free alternative that still satisfies cravings for comfort BBQ.
How has the vegan pulled pork sandwich evolved over time in the United States?
Early vegan versions used soy or seitan; the rise of canned young green jackfruit in the 2010s provided a texture closer to shredded pork, leading to more authentic‑tasting vegan pulled pork dishes featured on mainstream platforms like Tasty.
What common misconceptions exist about vegan pulled pork sandwiches?
Many think vegan pulled pork lacks flavor or texture, but with proper seasoning, smoky sauces, and the right jackfruit preparation, it can be just as satisfying as the meat version.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making the vegan pulled pork sandwich?
Common errors include not draining the jackfruit enough, overcooking the sauce so it burns, and assembling the sandwich with soggy buns. Follow the critical steps for shredding, simmering, and toasting the buns to avoid these pitfalls.
How do I know when the vegan pulled pork is done cooking?
The jackfruit should be fully coated in a thick, glossy BBQ sauce and have a slightly caramelized edge. Taste for flavor balance; the texture should be tender yet slightly chewy, resembling pulled pork.
What does the YouTube channel Tasty specialize in?
The YouTube channel Tasty specializes in fast‑paced, visually engaging recipe videos that cover a wide range of cuisines, focusing on approachable home‑cooking techniques and trending food trends, including many plant‑based dishes.
How does the YouTube channel Tasty's approach to vegan American comfort food differ from other cooking channels?
Tasty often uses quick‑cut editing, upbeat music, and clear visual steps to make vegan comfort foods like this pulled pork sandwich look easy and fun, whereas many other channels may provide longer, talk‑through tutorials.
Last updated: August 30, 2026
