There’s something downright magical about the first bite of a BBQ jackfruit slider—it’s like a backyard summer party wrapped in a bun. The tender jackfruit, with its uncanny resemblance to pulled pork, dances with tangy barbecue sauce, while the creamy coleslaw sings harmony. Whether you’re a die-hard carnivore or a plant-based newbie, these sliders might just convince you that plants have a little rock ‘n’ roll in them too.
Steps
- Prepare the BBQ sauce by blending chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, garlic, mustard, smoked paprika, cumin, and black pepper in a food processor until smooth. Set the sauce aside for later use.
- Drain the canned jackfruit and shred it by hand, discarding any tough core pieces. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, add sliced onion and salt, and cook until the onions are soft, about 8 to 10 minutes.
- Incorporate the shredded jackfruit into the skillet and cook for an additional 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of water if needed to prevent sticking.
- Mix in ½ cup of water and half of the prepared BBQ sauce, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet and let it simmer for 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- After simmering, uncover the skillet and stir in half of the remaining BBQ sauce, keeping the rest for serving.
- For the slaw, combine shredded cabbage, chopped cilantro, lime juice, olive oil, and a pinch of salt and pepper in a bowl and mix well.
- Assemble the sandwiches by placing the BBQ jackfruit on buns, topping with slaw, and adding any desired fixings like pickles or mustard. Serve with extra BBQ sauce on the side.
Ingredients
- 2 chipotle peppers from a can of chipotles in adobo sauce
- 2 tablespoons adobo sauce
- ½ cup ketchup
- ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 garlic cloves
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- Freshly ground black pepper
- 1 (20-ounce) can of green (un-ripe) jackfruit, drained
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 small yellow onion, thinly sliced
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt
- ½ cup water
- 2 cups shredded cabbage
- ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
- ½ tablespoon fresh lime juice
- ½ teaspoon extra-virgin olive oil
- Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 8 slider buns or 6 hamburger buns
- Desired fixings such as pickles, mustard, serrano peppers, etc.
FAQ
- What is jackfruit and where can it be found?
- Jackfruit is a unique fruit native to regions in Africa, Asia, and South America. While ripe jackfruit is known for its sweet flavor, similar to tropical fruits like pineapple, the unripe version is often used in savory dishes. It is increasingly available in the canned section of grocery stores, such as Trader Joe’s, where it can be found unripe and suitable for creating a meat-like texture in vegan recipes.
- What makes jackfruit a suitable meat substitute in BBQ sandwiches?
- Canned unripe jackfruit has a texture that closely resembles shredded meat, making it an excellent vegan substitute for pulled pork in BBQ dishes. Although it has a mild flavor on its own, it readily absorbs the flavors of the sauce and seasonings used in the recipe, providing a smoky and spicy taste when cooked.
- Can the BBQ jackfruit be prepared in advance?
- Yes, the BBQ jackfruit can be cooked ahead of time and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. It reheats well, making it a convenient option for entertaining or meal prep.
- What are some recommended sides to serve with BBQ jackfruit sandwiches?
- BBQ jackfruit sandwiches can be complemented with a variety of sides such as sweet potato fries, air fryer French fries with chipotle sauce, or a fresh salad. Some salad options include broccoli salad, cucumber salad, creamy coleslaw, or a watermelon salad with feta. Adding extra BBQ sauce on the side is also suggested for an even juicier experience.
- What are other jackfruit recipes to try?
- If you enjoy BBQ jackfruit sandwiches, you might also want to explore other jackfruit recipes like Jamaican Jerk Vegan Tacos or Baked Green Chile Taquitos. These dishes provide different flavors and styles, showcasing the versatility of jackfruit as a vegan ingredient.
Tips
- Choose the Right Jackfruit: Opt for canned, green (unripe) jackfruit, which has a texture similar to shredded meat and works perfectly as a meat substitute in the sandwich.
- Enhance the Flavor with Caramelized Onions: Sauté the jackfruit with almost-caramelized onions to add a deeper, richer flavor before simmering it in the BBQ sauce.
- Prepare in Advance: This recipe can be made ahead of time since the jackfruit mixture keeps well in the fridge for up to three days. This makes it an excellent option for entertaining, as you can simply reheat and assemble the sandwiches when needed.
- Balance the Meal: Serve the BBQ jackfruit on buns with a crisp cabbage slaw and your choice of pickles or other toppings. Consider pairing the sandwiches with sweet potato fries or a fresh salad to create a complete and satisfying meal.
Equipment
- Food Processor – For blending the BBQ sauce ingredients until smooth.
- Large Skillet – To sauté the jackfruit and onion.
- Airtight Containers – For storing the prepared jackfruit if making ahead of time.