BBQ Pulled Jackfruit Sliders

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 20 min
🍽 Serves: 8

These BBQ Pulled Jackfruit Sliders are a game-changer for plant-based eating. Perfect for any casual gathering, they bring all the smoky and tangy notes you love from traditional BBQ, but with a vegan twist. Easy to make and packed with flavor, they’re sure to be a hit at your next cookout.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Hearty texture and smoky flavor without any meat.
  • Simple ingredients and quick prep time.
  • Perfect for vegans and non-vegans alike — a true crowd-pleaser.
  • Customizable with your favorite BBQ sauce and slaw variations.

Ingredients

2 cans young green jackfruit in brine, drained and rinsed
1 cup BBQ sauce
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste
12 mini slider buns
2 cups coleslaw mix
1/4 cup vegan mayonnaise
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon maple syrup

Step-by-step Instructions

Start by thoroughly rinsing and draining your jackfruit. This step is key to reducing its natural briny flavor. Once cleaned, use your fingers to shred it into a pulled meat texture. It might feel a bit odd at first, but trust me, this is where the magic happens.

Next, heat some olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in the shredded jackfruit along with smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Sauté everything for about 5-7 minutes. You want the jackfruit to start browning and soaking up those spices.

Once it’s looking golden, stir in your favorite BBQ sauce. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure everything is well coated and the jackfruit becomes tender.

While that’s simmering, whip up your coleslaw. Simply combine coleslaw mix, vegan mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, and maple syrup in a bowl. Toss it all together until the slaw is evenly coated and creamy.

To assemble, spoon a generous amount of the BBQ jackfruit onto the bottom half of your slider buns. Top with a spoonful of coleslaw and cap it off with the top bun. Serve them right away for the best texture and flavor!

Tips & Tricks

  • Use young green jackfruit, not ripe jackfruit, for the best texture.
  • If the jackfruit seems too watery during cooking, increase the heat slightly to evaporate excess moisture.
  • For extra flavor, let the jackfruit marinate in the BBQ sauce overnight.
  • Toast the slider buns for a bit of added crunch and flavor.

Serving Suggestions

These sliders pair beautifully with classic BBQ sides like corn on the cob, baked beans, or a fresh garden salad. For a complete meal, serve them alongside sweet potato fries or seasoned potato wedges. A crisp, cold beverage like iced tea or lemonade complements the sliders perfectly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different sauce?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different sauces like teriyaki or a spicy sriracha blend.
Is there a substitute for jackfruit?
For a similar texture, you can use shredded king oyster mushrooms or even pulled oats.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftover jackfruit and coleslaw separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat the jackfruit gently on the stove before serving.

Ingredients Explained

Young green jackfruit is the star of this dish, offering a fibrous texture that mimics pulled pork. The BBQ sauce ties everything together with its sweet and tangy punch. Cooking begins with olive oil, which helps to sauté the jackfruit and enhances its flavor. The smoked paprika, onion powder, and garlic powder infuse the dish with a smoky, savory aroma. For the coleslaw, a mix of coleslaw mix, vegan mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, and maple syrup creates a creamy, tangy contrast that complements the BBQ jackfruit perfectly.

Simplified Instructions

1. Prepare the jackfruit by rinsing and draining thoroughly. Use your fingers to shred the jackfruit into a pulled meat texture.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add shredded jackfruit, smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until the jackfruit begins to brown.
3. Stir in the BBQ sauce, reduce heat to low, and let simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the jackfruit is tender and fully coated in the sauce.
4. In a bowl, combine coleslaw mix, vegan mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, and maple syrup. Toss until the coleslaw is evenly coated.
5. Assemble the sliders by spooning the BBQ jackfruit onto the bottom half of each bun, topping with coleslaw, and finishing with the top half of the bun.
6. Serve immediately and enjoy your plant-based BBQ delight!

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