Vegan BBQ Jackfruit Pulled Pork (6-Ingredients)

Jul 11, 2023 by Hannah Sunderani

Vegan BBQ Jackfruit Pulled Pork (6-Ingredients)

Introducing the best Jackfruit Pulled Pork you can make at home in just 45 minutes. A 6-ingredient meatless main dish made with tender young green jackfruit that’s stewed on the stove in a rich bbq sauce until so soft and supple it instantly pulls apart.

If you’re on the hunt for a vegan-friendly replacement for a pulled pork sandwich, this melt-in-your-mouth vegan pulled pork checks all the boxes. 

It’s savoury, loaded with BBQ flavour, and piled on warm hamburger buns with creamy and crunchy vegan coleslaw and fresh cilantro. (Are you drooling yet!?).

This plant-based bbq jackfruit pulled pork is so much like the real deal, it’s become extremely popular with my husband, who’s really missed the heartiness of meat dishes since we adopted a plant-based diet. This one is a winner!

Another great thing about this recipe is that you can meal-prep it in advance and reheat when ready to eat! Perfect for busy weeknights, prepping ahead for hosting, and enjoying the flavours of summer all on a toasty, grilled bun. 

Now without further ado, let me tell you exactly how to make these amazing vegan sandwiches!

What is Jackfruit?

If you’ve never heard of jackfruit, you’re in for a treat! Jackfruit is a large, spiky looking tropical fruit with origins in Southeast Asia. It’s from the same family as more common fruits such as figs and mulberries, but is significantly larger (sometimes upwards of 100 pounds in weight!). Shredded jackfruit has recently gained popularity in the plant-based food world due to it’s mild flavour and unique texture that replicates a meaty texture in vegetarian and vegan diets. 

The fruit is naturally rich in essential vitamins and minerals such as vitamin A, vitamin C, potassium, and anti-oxidants. It’s also an excellent source of dietary fiber! 

In the northern western hemisphere, it’s not impossible to find fresh jackfruit, but it’s far less common compared to canned jackfruit. For the purposes of this recipe, we’re using cans of young green jackfruit – check your local grocery stores or health food store. It’s typically stocked with the other canned fruits like pineapple and pears.

When shopping for jackfruit, note that there are two common types of canned jackfruit – young jackfruit and ripe jackfruit. Young jackfruit is the best jackfruit to use when emulating a meaty texture (like this pulled pork recipe!) and ripe jackfruit is best for sweet recipes like desserts! 

This Jackfruit Pulled Pork is….

• 100% Vegan
• Hearty
• Husband approved
• Melt-in-your-mouth delicious
• Meal prep friendly
• Gluten-free
• Freezer friendly
• Ready in 45 minutes

Ingredient Notes

Making delicious BBQ Jackfruit Pulled Pork from scratch requires just 6 simple ingredients, plus your favourite hamburger buns and toppings. Below I’ve listed a few key notes with possible substitutions, but scroll down to the recipe card for the full measurements and instructions. 

• Young green jackfruit: The star ingredient! This mild flavoured, unripened fruit is meaty in texture, neutral in flavour, and similar to tofu – will take on the flavour of whatever it’s marinated or simmered in. Again, when shopping make sure you are purchasing jackfruit packed in brine, not syrup. The two unfortunately cannot be used interchangeably.  
• Olive oil: 1 tablespoon of neutral cooking oil is used to sauté the onions. If you are oil-free, substitute a splash of water or vegetable broth. 
• Onion: Thinly sliced onion adds flavour, a bit of natural sweetness, and savouriness! 
• BBQ sauce: I highly recommend trying my 10-Minute Vegan BBQ sauce recipe, but if you’re short on ingredients or prep time, feel free to use your favourite store-bought BBQ sauce. (If you’re vegan, double check the ingredients). 
• Spices: A simple combination of dried oregano and cumin compliments the sweet, tanginess of the BBQ sauce and is the perfect finishing touch. 

How to Make BBQ Jackfruit Pulled Pork 

Cooking with young green jackfruit can be intimidating, but it’s easier than it seems. 

To start, thoroughly drain and rinse the jackfruit with cool water to remove the brine flavour. Set aside, then begin to cook the onions. 

Heat a medium skillet over medium heat. Once warm, add the olive oil and sliced onions and sauté until softened and slightly golden, about 4 minutes. 

Add in the rinsed and drained jackfruit, oregano and cumin. Stir to combine, then add in the BBQ sauce and water. Lower the heat to a low simmer, cover the pan, and leave to stew and soften, about 30 minutes. 

Once the pulled jackfruit is softened considerably, remove the lid and use two forks to shred the jackfruit directly in the pan. Increase the heat to medium high and cook for a couple of minutes as needed to thicken the BBQ sauce. 

Serve the BBQ “pulled pork” on toasted hamburger buns with 10-Minute Vegan Coleslaw and fresh coriander to taste. Enjoy! 

Make Ahead Instructions

Jackfruit pulled pork will keep in the fridge for up to 5 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months. Store leftover jackfruit in an airtight container, then reheat in the microwave or in a large skillet on the stovetop. 

Serving Suggestions 

BBQ Jackfruit sandwiches are the perfect easy weeknight dinner to enjoy year round, but especially during summer and grilling season. Pile it high on toasted hamburger buns with burger toppings like Creamy Coleslaw, pickled onion, and fresh coriander. It’s also the perfect pair for healthy vegan side dishes like:

• Vegan Potato Salad
• Vegan Pasta Salad
• Vegan Cornbread
• Vegan Baked Beans
• Baked Sweet Potato Fries
• Vegan Caesar Salad
• Vegan Cauliflower Mac and Cheese

Recipe FAQs

Does jackfruit taste like pulled pork?

I won’t say that jackfruit tastes EXACTLY like real pulled pork, but it’s certainly close enough to fool a few meat eaters who are accustomed to eating the real thing. The texture is very similar and it’s incredibly flavourful (which is usually what people love most about pulled pork anyway!). If you’re missing a meaty BBQ sandwich, this vegan pulled pork is the best healthy, whole food plant-based substitution. You won’t be disappointed – promise! 

Can you eat the stringy part of jackfruit?

Yes. If you’re purchasing canned jackfruit, all jackfruit pieces in the can are edible, including the pods. Some people choose to remove the pods, as they don’t break down in the same way as the softer sections, but they are still safe to eat and add additional texture. 

Should you boil canned jackfruit before cooking?

Boiling canned jackfruit before cooking is a common practice to help remove the brine flavour and soften the jackfruit. I don’t personally find this to be necessary as the long simmer removes the brine flavour without the added step. Try it and I think you’ll agree it’s delicious as is, especially with the Homemade BBQ Sauce!

Can I use ripe jackfruit?

When it comes to making jackfruit pulled pork, ripe jackfruit won’t work. Ripe jackfruit has a distinctly sweet flavour and store-bought varieties are almost always packed in syrup. Ripe jackfruit is best used in sweet smoothies, desserts, or eaten as a healthy snack. 

More Meatless Main Dish Recipes You Might Like:

• 30-Minute Cauliflower Steaks with Chickpeas
• Crispy Baked Cauliflower Buffalo Wings (Vegan)
• Fully Loaded Black Bean Nachos
• Vegan Crunchwrap Supreme
• Vegan Taco Recipe

I hope you love this Vegan Pulled Pork recipe as much as I do! If you do make this recipe, please let me know in the comments below what you think and check out The Two Spoons App for more vegan recipes and meal plans featuring recipes just like this! I truly love hearing from you, and I’m always here to answer any questions you might have. 

And of course, tag me on Instagram with your pictures using the hashtag #twospoons. Nothing makes me happier than to see your recreations. 

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• Summer
• 10 ingredients or less