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- 2 cans young green jackfruit in water or brine, drained and rinsed - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 medium onion, finely chopped - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1 teaspoon cumin - 1 teaspoon chili powder - 1 cup barbecue sauce (your favorite brand or homemade) - Salt and pepper to taste - 8 burger buns - Optional toppings: coleslaw, pickles, sliced jalapeños For these smoky BBQ pulled pork sandwiches, young green jackfruit serves as the star. This fruit has a great texture that mimics pulled pork. It absorbs flavors well, making it perfect for BBQ. You’ll also need olive oil, onion, garlic, and spices to create a rich taste. You can choose between store-bought or homemade BBQ sauce. Store-bought sauces save time and often come in many flavors. Look for a sauce that is sweet and tangy. If you want to make your own, combine ketchup, vinegar, and brown sugar. Add spices like smoked paprika and chili powder for depth. Pair the sauce with jackfruit for a balanced flavor that shines through. To scale for ten servings, simply adjust your ingredients. Use three cans of jackfruit instead of two. Increase the BBQ sauce to 1.5 cups. Keep the spices the same for a consistent taste. When cooking for more, it’s key to stir well to mix flavors evenly. This ensures every bite is just as enjoyable as the last. To start, you need to shred the jackfruit. You can use your hands or two forks. Just pull the pieces apart until they look like pulled pork. Discard any tough core parts. Next, heat olive oil in a large skillet on medium heat. Add finely chopped onion and cook it for about five minutes. The onion should become soft and clear. Then, stir in minced garlic and cook for one more minute. This will make your kitchen smell amazing! Add the shredded jackfruit to the skillet. Sprinkle in smoked paprika, cumin, and chili powder. Season with salt and pepper. Stir everything together and cook for ten minutes. This step helps the jackfruit pick up all those tasty flavors. Now it's time to add the BBQ sauce. Pour it over the jackfruit mixture, then stir well. Lower the heat and let it simmer for 20 to 25 minutes. This simmering helps the jackfruit soak up the yummy BBQ flavor. Stir occasionally to make sure it heats evenly. While that simmers, you can toast the burger buns. Use a skillet or grill to get them golden brown. This adds a nice crunch to your sandwich. Now, to put it all together, take the bottom half of each bun. Spoon a generous amount of the smoky BBQ jackfruit onto it. If you like, add coleslaw, pickles, or sliced jalapeños for extra flavor. Finally, place the top half of the bun on your creation. For a beautiful presentation, serve these sandwiches with sweet potato fries or a fresh garden salad. A sprinkle of fresh parsley on top makes it even more appealing. Enjoy every bite of your Smoky BBQ Pulled Jackfruit Sandwiches! You can find the Full Recipe above. For the best texture, I recommend the stovetop method. It gives you more control. Start by shredding the jackfruit well. This helps it absorb flavors. Cook it for about 10 minutes before adding sauce. This step ensures the jackfruit gets tender and flavorful. Always stir occasionally to prevent sticking. To boost the taste, use spices like smoked paprika and cumin. They add depth to the dish. You can also try liquid smoke for a stronger smoky flavor. If you want a kick, add chili powder or hot sauce. These options let you customize the flavor for your taste. Serve your pulled jackfruit on soft burger buns. They make it easy to hold and eat. Pair your sandwiches with sweet potato fries for a great combo. A fresh garden salad also works well. If you like heat, add sliced jalapeños to your sandwich. Adjust the spice level to match your taste. This way, everyone can enjoy their meal just how they like it. For more details, check the Full Recipe. {{image_2}} You can swap jackfruit for other plant-based options or meats. Pulled mushroom or pulled chicken work well. For a unique twist, try pulled lentils or tofu. Different regions have their own styles of pulled pork sandwiches. In the South, people often use a vinegar-based sauce. In Kansas City, the sauce is thick and sweet. Each style adds its own flair to this dish. BBQ sauce is key to flavor. You can choose from spicy, sweet, or tangy sauces. Try a spicy chipotle BBQ for a kick or a sweet honey BBQ for a milder taste. You can also add toppings for fun. Try sliced pineapple for sweetness or jalapeños for heat. Different types of slaw can change the texture. Creamy coleslaw adds richness, while vinegar-based slaw gives a bright contrast. If you need gluten-free options, look for alternative buns. Lettuce wraps or gluten-free burger buns work great. You should always check for cross-contamination. Make sure to use clean tools and surfaces if you have allergies. Staying safe in the kitchen is very important. This way, everyone can enjoy a delicious sandwich! For the full recipe, check out the Smoky BBQ Pulled Jackfruit Sandwiches . To keep pulled jackfruit fresh, store it and the buns separately. This prevents the buns from getting soggy. Place the jackfruit in an airtight container. Use a container that seals well to keep the flavors locked in. For the buns, wrap them in plastic wrap or foil. This helps them stay soft and tasty. You can freeze pulled jackfruit for up to three months. To do this, let it cool completely. Then, transfer it to a freezer-safe bag. Try to remove as much air as possible. When you want to eat it, thaw the jackfruit overnight in the fridge. This makes reheating much quicker and easier. To keep the texture of the jackfruit, heat it on the stovetop. This method helps it stay juicy. Avoid using a microwave if possible, as it can make the jackfruit rubbery. For the buns, lightly toast them again in a skillet. This will help avoid sogginess and give them a nice crunch. Enjoy your leftovers just as much as the first meal! You can use several options if you don't have jackfruit. Here are some substitutes: - Lentils: Cooked lentils can mimic the texture. - Mushrooms: Shredded mushrooms add a meaty feel. - Cauliflower: Finely chopped cauliflower can work well, too. When using these substitutes, adapt the recipe to match flavors. Adjust spices and seasonings based on your choice. Each option brings a unique taste, so feel free to experiment. The spice level of BBQ sauce varies. Most sauces are sweet with a hint of heat. If you want more spice, consider these tips: - Add cayenne pepper for a kick. - Use a spicy BBQ sauce if you love heat. - Mix in hot sauce for extra flavor. Taste your BBQ sauce before adding it to the jackfruit. Adjust spiciness to fit your needs. You can always add more heat, but it’s hard to take it out! Yes, you can prepare this recipe ahead of time. Here are some helpful tips: - Cook the jackfruit mixture a day before serving. Let it cool, then store it in the fridge. - When ready to serve, reheat it in a pot over low heat. This keeps the flavors intact. For best results, do not toast the buns ahead. Toast them just before serving. They will stay crispy and delicious this way. Smoky BBQ pulled pork sandwiches offer a great way to enjoy plant-based eating. We covered key ingredients, the steps to prep jackfruit, and how to make the perfect BBQ mix. Plus, we explored variations for different tastes and options for serving. By trying this recipe, you can create a meal that is both tasty and fun. Don't be afraid to experiment with flavors and find what you love most. Enjoy every bite!

10. Smoky BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwiches

Savor the deliciousness of Smoky BBQ Pulled Jackfruit Sandwiches that are perfect for your next meal! This easy recipe turns young green jackfruit into a tasty, meatless delight packed with smoky flavor. In just 50 minutes, you’ll create a satisfying dish that’s ideal for barbecues or casual dinners. Upgrade your sandwich game and delight your taste buds—click through to explore the recipe and impress your friends!
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Ingredients
  

2 cans young green jackfruit in water or brine, drained and rinsed

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 medium onion, finely chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1 teaspoon cumin

1 teaspoon chili powder

1 cup barbecue sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)

Salt and pepper to taste

8 burger buns

Optional toppings: coleslaw, pickles, sliced jalapeños

Instructions
 

Begin by shredding the jackfruit: use your hands or two forks to pull apart the jackfruit pieces, discarding any tough core parts if necessary.

    Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.

      Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.

        Add the shredded jackfruit to the skillet, followed by the smoked paprika, cumin, and chili powder. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

          Cook the mixture for around 10 minutes, stirring occasionally until the jackfruit starts to brown slightly.

            Pour the barbecue sauce over the jackfruit mixture, combining well. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally until the jackfruit has absorbed the flavors and is well heated through.

              In the meantime, lightly toast the burger buns on a skillet or grill until golden brown.

                To assemble, spoon a generous portion of the smoky BBQ jackfruit onto the bottom half of each bun. Top with optional coleslaw, pickles, or jalapeños, then place the top half of the bun.

                  Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 50 minutes | Servings: 8

                    - Presentation Tips: Serve the sandwiches with a side of sweet potato fries or a fresh garden salad for a colorful, delicious meal. Add a sprinkle of fresh parsley on top for an appealing touch!