Smoky BBQ Jackfruit Sandwich

Say goodbye to pulled pork without missing a beat of flavor. Young green jackfruit has a naturally stringy, fibrous texture that shreds just like slow-cooked meat, making it the perfect vegan stand-in for classic BBQ sandwiches. Here it's simmered low and slow in a smoky, tangy-sweet barbecue sauce until it's deeply tender and infused with flavor, then piled high on a toasted bun. To finish, a bright, crunchy apple cider slaw is layered on top for textural contrast and a tangy counterpoint to the rich, smoky jackfruit. The result is a sandwich that's messy in the best way — satisfying, saucy, and completely plant-based, with no animal products required to get that deep savory barbecue experience. This recipe comes together in under 40 minutes, making it an easy weekday lunch that still feels like a weekend cookout. Serve with extra napkins and a side of crispy fries or baked sweet potato wedges for the full experience.

Ingredients

• 2 cans (20 oz each)Young green jackfruit in brine or water, drained, rinsed, and cores removed
• 1 tablespoonolive oil
• 0.5 cupyellow onion, finely chopped
• 2 clovesgarlic, minced
• 1 teaspoonsmoked paprika
• 1.5 cupsBBQ sauce, store-bought vegan, or homemade
• 0.5 cupvegetable broth
• 1 tablespoonapple cider vinegar
• 0.5 teaspoonLiquid smoke, optional, for extra smokiness
• 0.5 teaspoonsalt, to taste
• 0.25 teaspoonblack pepper
• 2 cupsgreen cabbage, thinly sliced
• 1 wholecarrot, grated
• 3 tablespoonsVegan mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoonApple cider vinegar (for slaw)
• 1 teaspoonsugar
• 4 wholeBurger buns, vegan, toasted

Method

No instructions listed.