Smoky BBQ Jackfruit Sandwiches

$- 2 cans young green jackfruit in brine or water - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 medium onion, finely chopped - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1 teaspoon ground cumin - 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper - 1 cup BBQ sauce - 4 whole grain sandwich buns - Coleslaw (optional) - Pickles (optional) The primary ingredients for BBQ jackfruit sandwiches are simple and easy to find. Young green jackfruit gives the dish its unique texture. This fruit acts like pulled meat when cooked. You will need two cans of jackfruit. Make sure they are in brine or water, not syrup. Next, you will need some olive oil for sautéing. The onion and garlic add great flavor. You can chop the onion finely and mince the garlic. For a smoky taste, use smoked paprika. Ground cumin adds warmth, and cayenne pepper gives a nice kick. Feel free to adjust the cayenne to make it milder or hotter. Don't forget the BBQ sauce! You can use your favorite brand or make your own. Whole grain sandwich buns are perfect for holding all the goodness. You can also add coleslaw and pickles on top. These give extra crunch and flavor. - Different types of BBQ sauces - Various coleslaw recipes (e.g., creamy, vinegar-based) - Additional seasonings (e.g., chili flakes, brown sugar) To make your jackfruit sandwiches even better, consider using different BBQ sauces. Each sauce has its own flavor. You can try sweet, spicy, or tangy sauces. Also, coleslaw can change the taste. Creamy coleslaw adds richness, while vinegar-based coleslaw offers a bright contrast. You can experiment with seasonings too. Adding chili flakes brings heat, while brown sugar adds sweetness. Mixing these options makes the dish your own. {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, take two cans of young green jackfruit. Drain the brine or water and rinse them well. Cut the jackfruit into smaller pieces. Make sure to remove any hard cores or seeds. Use your fingers or forks to shred the pieces until they look like pulled meat. This will help the jackfruit soak up the flavors. Next, heat one tablespoon of olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add one finely chopped medium onion. Sauté the onion until it becomes translucent, which takes about 5 minutes. After that, stir in three minced garlic cloves. Cook the garlic for about one minute to release its flavor. Now it's time to cook the jackfruit. Add the shredded jackfruit to the pan with the onions and garlic. Sprinkle in one teaspoon of smoked paprika, one teaspoon of ground cumin, and half a teaspoon of cayenne pepper. Stir everything together to coat the jackfruit well. Cook this mixture for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. The jackfruit should become tender and start to caramelize. Next, pour in one cup of your favorite BBQ sauce. Stir to mix the sauce with the jackfruit. Bring everything to a simmer. Lower the heat, cover the pan, and let it cook for another 15 to 20 minutes. Stir occasionally and add salt and pepper to taste. If it seems too thick, add a splash of water to loosen it up. While the jackfruit cooks, you can toast the whole grain sandwich buns for extra texture. Once the jackfruit is ready, it's time to assemble your sandwich. Spoon a generous amount of the BBQ jackfruit onto the bottom half of each bun. If you like, add coleslaw and pickles on top. Finally, place the top bun over the filling, and your BBQ jackfruit sandwich is ready to enjoy! To make your BBQ jackfruit sandwiches shine, start with the BBQ sauce. Choose a sauce you love. Sweet, smoky, or spicy—pick what excites your taste buds. You can also adjust spice levels. If you like heat, add more cayenne pepper. For a milder flavor, use less. Experiment until it’s just right for you. Shredding jackfruit can be fun! Use your hands or forks to pull it apart. Make sure all pieces are even. This helps the jackfruit cook well and soak up flavors. If you want a more meat-like texture, aim for smaller shreds. Pair your sandwiches with tasty sides. Crispy fries or a fresh salad work great. For a colorful plate, add some pickles and coleslaw on top. This adds crunch and flavor. To make your sandwiches look even better, stack them high. Use a toothpick to hold everything together. Pro Tips Choose the Right Jackfruit: Make sure to use young green jackfruit in brine or water, as this will give the best texture for pulling and absorbing flavors. Customize Your BBQ Sauce: Feel free to experiment with different BBQ sauces, or add spices to your favorite one to enhance the flavor profile of the dish. Texture Matters: For a more meaty texture, try using a food processor to shred the jackfruit, but be careful not to over-process it into a paste. Serving Suggestions: Serve the sandwiches with a side of sweet potato fries or a fresh salad to create a well-rounded meal. {{image_2}} You can switch jackfruit with other plant-based proteins. Tofu is a great choice. It absorbs flavors well. Tempeh is another option packed with protein. For non-vegan choices, use pulled pork or chicken. These meats work well with BBQ sauce. Adding spices can change the taste of your dish. Try chipotle powder for some heat. You can also use smoked paprika for a richer flavor. Experiment with BBQ sauces too. Some are sweet, while others are tangy. Find what you like best! Buns aren’t your only option. Use gluten-free buns for a safe choice. If you want low carbs, try lettuce wraps. They are fresh and crunchy. Both options make the sandwich lighter. Feel free to get creative with your base! To store leftover jackfruit, place it in an airtight container. Keep it in the fridge. It will stay fresh for about three days. You can also freeze jackfruit for longer storage. Put it in a freezer-safe bag. Remove as much air as possible before sealing. Frozen jackfruit can last up to three months. To reheat, use a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of water to keep it moist. Stir occasionally until hot. You can also use the microwave, but it may not keep the same texture. Heat in 30-second bursts and stir in between. Try to eat reheated jackfruit within three days for the best taste. Jackfruit has a mild, sweet flavor. Its texture is similar to pulled pork. When cooked, it absorbs flavors well. This makes it great for BBQ dishes. You can enjoy its meaty feel along with spices. It’s a fun meat substitute for plant-based meals. Yes, jackfruit is healthy. It is low in calories and high in fiber. One cup has about 150 calories and 3 grams of protein. It also provides vitamins A and C. Plus, it has potassium and magnesium. This makes it great for heart health and digestion. You should avoid canned jackfruit in syrup. It is sweet and not ideal for savory dishes. Instead, use jackfruit in brine or water. This option is neutral and works better for BBQ sandwiches. Rinsing the jackfruit before cooking helps remove excess salt. Cooking jackfruit takes about 25 to 30 minutes. Start by sautéing aromatics for about 5 minutes. Then, cook the jackfruit for around 10 minutes. After adding BBQ sauce, let it simmer for 15 to 20 minutes. This ensures it becomes tender and flavorful. In this post, we explored how to make delicious jackfruit sandwiches. We covered key ingredients, from jackfruit to spices, and shared step-by-step instructions. You learned tips for enhancing flavor and ideas for serving. We also looked at variations for protein and bread alternatives, plus storage methods for leftovers. Enjoy experimenting with this fun dish. It’s a great way to eat plant-based meals. Try different flavors and get creative. You might find a new favorite!$

Smoky BBQ Jackfruit Sandwiches

Delicious and smoky pulled jackfruit sandwiches perfect for a plant-based meal.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 30

Total Time 45

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients

2 cans young green jackfruit in brine or water, drained and rinsed
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
1 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
to taste salt and pepper
4 whole grain sandwich buns
to taste coleslaw (for topping, optional)
to taste pickles (for garnish, optional)

Instructions

Prepare the Jackfruit: Cut the jackfruit into smaller pieces, making sure to remove the hard core and any seeds. Shred the pieces with your fingers or forks to resemble pulled meat.
Sauté Aromatics: In a large pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
Cook the Jackfruit: Add the shredded jackfruit to the pan. Sprinkle with smoked paprika, cumin, and cayenne pepper, stirring to coat well. Cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the jackfruit is tender and starts to caramelize.
Add BBQ Sauce: Pour in the BBQ sauce, stir to combine, and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat to low, cover the pan, and let it cook for another 15-20 minutes. Stir occasionally and season with salt and pepper to taste. If the mixture seems too thick, add a splash of water.
Prepare the Sandwich: While the jackfruit is cooking, you can toast the whole grain buns if desired. Once the jackfruit is done, assemble the sandwich by spooning a generous amount of the BBQ jackfruit onto the bottom half of each bun.
Add Toppings: Top with coleslaw and pickles if using. Place the top bun over the fillings.

Notes

Adjust cayenne pepper to taste for desired spiciness.

Keyword BBQ, jackfruit, sandwich, vegan