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BBQ Jackfruit Recipe

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BBQ jackfruit

When I first became vegan, I was not fond of jackfruit at all. Similar to tofu, at the time, it seemed slimy and disgusting. Of course, it had nothing to do with the jackfruit or the tofu; it was me. Obviously, I didn't know how to cook jackfruit or tofu, for that matter. But, as time progressed and I learned, I am now obsessed with both. And with all obsessions comes insanely good food like this BBQ jackfruit recipe.  

WHAT IS JACKFRUIT EXACTLY? 

Jackfruit, though commonly found in a can, is a high protein, high antioxidant fruit. Its bland flavor is the perfect texture and blank slate to absorb any marinade or spices. As a result, the jackfruit's neutral flavor allows me to transform it into shredded meat with various flavors. 

Actually, jackfruit has the texture of chicken! I didn't say it tastes like chicken because obviously, I don't like chicken.  But I love barbeque! 

Making pulled BBQ jackfruit, however, and satisfies my love for barbequed foods!  If you meal prep, take BBQ jackfruit to work for the week as a sandwich, in a bowl, wrap, or on top of a salad. Any way you like it; BBQ jackfruit is the bomb!  

TRANSFORMING JACKFRUIT INTO PULLED BBQ JACKFRUIT

Jackfruit, when drained and removed from a can, looks like triangles of chicken. If you taste it, as it comes from the can, it is tasteless. In fact, jackfruit's bland flavor makes it the perfect sponge for absorbing flavors. 

For me, the fun is transforming a can of jackfruit into incredible BBQ jackfruit that would fool any meat-eater. First, it is important to buy the jackfruit in water or brine. 

One of the biggest mistakes people make, however, is buying jackfruit in syrup. Unfortunately, I have made this mistake, and I ended up throwing my whole meal away. And I hate wasting food. So, avoid that pitfall and buy jackfruit in water or brine. 

Then, you rinse the jackfruit, put it in your food processor, and pulse until shredded. 

Jackfruit vegan enchiladas

shredded jackfruit vegan enchiladas

Although many recipes suggest using the jackfruit as is, I beg to differ. Instead, I like to cook it first. Like my Vegan Buffalo Chicken Dip, cooking the jackfruit first gives it a different texture and flavor. 

For the jackfruit to get the right flavor and texture, my goal is for the jackfruit to absorb the onions and BBQ sauce's flavors. 

BBQ JACKFRUIT RECIPE IS QUICK AND EASY TO MAKE!

Believe it or not, bbq jackfruit has very few ingredients, and it is simple to make. All you need is: 

  • 2 20 ounce cans of jackfruit in water or brine (not syrup)
  • 1 large white onion
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • BBQ sauce (I made my own; recipe below, or you can use any bottled brand you like)
  • Buns (your favorite)

That's it! So, in a matter of 15 minutes, you can be eating delicious BBQ jackfruit sandwiches! 

HOW DO I MAKE HOMEMADE BBQ SAUCE? 

HEALTHY BBQ SAUCE

Because I prefer to make my own condiments, when possible, I made my own BBQ sauce. Why should you make your own? The only way you can really know what is in the food you eat is to make it yourself, so I like to make it myself. 

Of course, you can use your favorite BBQ sauce instead of making your own. But, if you are interested in making your own, this is what you need for healthier BBQ sauce:

HEALTHY BBQ SAUCE RECIPE

  • White Onion, diced
  • Garlic
  • Organic Tomato Paste
  • Tomato Sauce
  • Pure Maple Syrup
  • Apple Cider Vinegar
  • Vegan Worcestershire Sauce (I used Annie's)
  • Molasses
  • Dijon Mustard
  • Paprika
  • Pepper
  • Cayenne Pepper

If you are looking for a store-bought oil-free BBQ sauce, I sometimes use Simple GIrl Organic BBQ Sauce. Also, there is a sugar-free one I like as well, but it is a Carolina BBQ sauce flavor, called Simple Girl Carolina Style BBQ Sauce. 

Again, if you are looking for a shortcut to making your own BBQ sauce, you need to make sure you read the label to avoid oil and sugar following a low-fat or no sugar lifestyle. 

COOKING BBQ JACKFRUIT WITH ONIONS AND GARLIC

To get the right texture and dry out the jackfruit, you need to cook it in stages and wait to add the BBQ sauce. 

Once the jackfruit is shredded, start by sauteeing the onions and garlic in a large non-stick skillet. I use vegetable broth while cooking the onions and garlic, not only to avoid sticking, but as they cook, they carmelize. 

Then, add the shredded jackfruit, and cook on medium-low, adding a little vegetable broth as it cooks, until the jackfruit is dried out. Although this may sound incorrect, you are adding vegetable broth, and as it cooks, the jackfruit dries out. 

ADD BBQ LASTjpg

The final step, of course, is to add the BBQ sauce. However, the amount of BBQ sauce you add has to do with how much you want to add. In fact, we like it saucy, so I added more right before serving. 

BBQ Jackfruit Recipe

Another bonus to this easy BBQ jackfruit recipe is you can eat it immediately or make it ahead of time and reheat it when you want to eat. Since I meal prep, I cooked it beforehand, which in my opinion, lets the flavors go deeper into the jackfruit. 

WHAT ARE SUGGESTED SIDES TO SERVE WITH JACKFRUIT?

BBQ jackfruit Sandwich

Because I wanted a little salad with my BBQ sandwich, I topped my sandwich Coleslaw with Apples. The maple, dijon, and apple flavors in the slaw accompany the BBQ flavors. Since I made macaroni salad earlier in the day, I chose to serve it as a side dish. 

Coleslaw with Apples Ingredients:

  • Napa cabbage or white cabbage
  • Purple cabbage
  • Honeycrisp (or any sweet apples) + lemon juice
  • Kale
  • Green onions

Maple/Dijon Dressing:

  • Raw cashew
  • Maple Syrup
  • Apple Cider Vinegar
  • Dijon Mustard
  • Liquid smoke (I used hickory flavor)
  • Water

Also, I suggest these side dishes as well: 

 

IF YOU LOVE THIS BBQ JACKFRUIT RECIPE? TRY THESE VEGAN RECIPES:

Now you know how to make BBQ Jackfruit, share this amazing BBQ Jackfruit Recipe with your family and friends. 

BBQ jackfruit
Yield: 6 servings

BBQ Jackfruit Recipe

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

Craving BBQ? BBQ Jackfruit combines the sweet and spicy of BBQ with sauteed onions and garlic for a scrumptious sandwich, salad topping, or as an entree right out of a bowl. Top with coleslaw with apples in a maple dijon dressing, and you'll fall in love.

Ingredients

Pulled BBQ Jackfruit

  • 2 20 ounce cans jackfruit in water or brine, drained and rinsed
  • 1 large white onion
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Vegetable broth to use to avoid sticking

Healthy BBQ Sauce (or BBQ sauce of choice)

Coleslaw with Apples

Instructions

BBQ JACKFRUIT

  1. Slice onions into thin slivers
  2. Saute sliced onions and garlic ina non-stick skillet
  3. Use vegetable broth to avoid sticking.
  4. Drain and rinse canned jackfruit
  5. Put all the jackfruit into a food processor with a large blade and pulse until shredded.
  6. When onions and garlic are browned, add shredded jackfruit to the skillet.
  7. Cook on medium, stirring until jackfruit is completely dried out.
  8. Add vegetable broth while cooking to avoid sticking.
  9. All fluid should be dissipated before adding BBQ sauce.
  10. Then add as much BBQ sauce as you like until jackfruit is coated.
  11. You may serve now on buns, in a wrap, or even as a salad topping, or you can store and reheat when ready to use.

HEALTHY HOMEMADE BBQ SAUCE

  1. Follow the directions for Healthy BBQ Sauce (linked above)

Coleslaw with Apples

  1. Follow the directions for Coleslaw with Apples (link above)

Notes

Time-saving ideas:

  • Buy bottled BBQ Sauce
  • Purchase jackfruit already shredded in pre-packaged bags

Recommended Products

As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Nutrition Information

Yield

6 servings

Serving Size

1
Amount Per Serving Calories 286Total Fat 2gSaturated Fat 0gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 1gCholesterol 0mgSodium 539mgCarbohydrates 70gFiber 5gSugar 56gProtein 5g

Nutrition facts may not be 100% accurate.

Did you make this recipe?

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© Kathy Carmichael
Cuisine: American / Category: Sandwiches

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