Soft sliders filled with smoky, slow-cooked BBQ jackfruit, making for a satisfying and crowd-pleasing plant-based option.
The Ultimate 30-Minute Vegan Pulled Pork: BBQ Jackfruit Sliders
Are you looking for that perfect, crowd-pleasing dish for your next barbecue, potluck, or quick weeknight dinner? Something that’s hearty, savory, and satisfyingly messy, but completely plant-based? Look no further.
Inspired by Chef Kimmy from “My Vegan Kitchen,” these BBQ Jackfruit Sliders are the ultimate vegan answer to pulled pork. They are incredibly delicious, shockingly easy to make, and come together in just about 30 minutes.
The Secret Ingredient- Green Jackfruit
The magic behind this dish is young, green jackfruit. Unlike the sweet, ripe fruit, young jackfruit has a neutral flavor and a fibrous texture that, when shredded and cooked, mimics pulled pork or shredded chicken with uncanny accuracy. It’s a whole-food, plant-based chameleon that soaks up whatever flavors you throw at it.
For this recipe, you’ll need canned green jackfruit in brine (or water), not syrup. You can find it at stores like Trader Joe’s, Asian markets, or in the international aisle of many grocery stores.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy: From prep to plate in 30 minutes. It’s perfect for last-minute gatherings or meal prep.
- Foolproof: The steps are simple. If you can sauté onions and open a bottle of BBQ sauce, you can make this.
- Crowd-Pleaser: The texture and flavor are so convincing that even your non-vegan friends and family will be asking for seconds. It’s a fantastic “meat-eater approved” dish.
- Versatile: Serve it on slider buns for a party, larger rolls for a main meal, or even over rice or in tacos.
How to Make BBQ Jackfruit Sliders
Here is a step-by-step guide to creating this mouth-watering dish.
Ingredients:
For the Jackfruit
- 2 cans (20 oz each) Green Jackfruit in brine, drained and rinsed thoroughly
- 1 tbsp Olive oil (or vegetable oil)
- 1/2 large Yellow onion, chopped
- 1 tsp Salt (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp Black pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1 bottle (approx. 18 oz) of your favorite Vegan BBQ Sauce (a spicy or pineapple-based one works great!)
For Assembly
- Vegan Slider Buns
- Toppings: Pickled cabbage or coleslaw is highly recommended for a crunchy, tangy contrast.
Instructions
- Prep the Jackfruit
- Start by draining the canned jackfruit and rinsing it well under cold water to remove the brine flavor.
- Take the chunks of jackfruit and shred them with your clean hands or two forks. You want to break apart the fibrous pieces until they look like shredded meat. If there are any tough, core-like bits, you can trim them off, but they usually cook down fine.
- Saute for Flavor and Texture
- Heat the oil in a large skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat.
- Add the chopped onions and sauté for a couple of minutes until they start to soften.
- Add the shredded jackfruit to the pan. Season with salt and pepper.
- Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. You want to cook out some of the moisture and get a nice golden-brown sear on some of the jackfruit pieces. This step is crucial for developing a “meaty” texture.
- Bake and Caramelize:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Transfer the sautéed jackfruit and onion mixture into a baking dish.
- Pour your BBQ sauce over the mixture. Be generous! Stir well to ensure every piece is evenly coated.
- Place the dish in the oven uncovered and bake for about 15 minutes. This step allows the sauce to caramelize, thicken, and soak deep into the jackfruit, while also toughening up the texture slightly to make it even more realistic.
- Assemble and Serve
- While the jackfruit is baking, prepare your buns. Toast them lightly if you like.
- Once the jackfruit is done, it’s time to build your sliders! Pile a generous amount of the BBQ jackfruit onto a bun.
- Top with a crunchy, acidic slaw (like Chef Kimmy’s spicy pickled cabbage) to balance the sweet and savory richness of the BBQ sauce.
Serve immediately and watch them disappear!
This BBQ Jackfruit Slider recipe is a game-changer for anyone looking for a delicious, plant-based comfort food. It’s proof that you don’t need meat to create a hearty, satisfying BBQ sandwich. So grab a couple of cans of jackfruit and get ready to impress your taste buds and your guests!
