Smoky BBQ Jackfruit 'Pulled Pork' Sandwiches

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A plant-based twist on classic pulled pork, using young jackfruit simmered in smoky barbecue sauce for tender, savory sandwiches with a hint of tang. This american-inspired vegan (vegan) ready in about 35 minutes pairs Barbecue sauce, Apple cider vinegar, Smoked paprika for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 3.9 (13 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 American cuisine 380 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Shred jackfruit with your fingers or two forks until it resembles pulled pork. Heat a skillet over medium heat, then add jackfruit, barbecue sauce, cider vinegar, and smoked paprika. Cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until sauce thickens and coats the jackfruit.
  2. Step 2: Add onion and garlic to the skillet and cook for 3 minutes until softened and fragrant. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes more.
  3. Step 3: Warm brioche buns in a toaster oven. Divide jackfruit mixture between buns, top with melted cheddar cheese, and add a spoonful of pickled red onions. Serve immediately.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Smoky BBQ Jackfruit 'Pulled Pork' Sandwiches take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (15 min prep + 20 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Smoky BBQ Jackfruit 'Pulled Pork' Sandwiches?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep barbecue sauce from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Smoky BBQ Jackfruit 'Pulled Pork' Sandwiches?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Smoky BBQ Jackfruit 'Pulled Pork' Sandwiches for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Smoky BBQ Jackfruit 'Pulled Pork' Sandwiches vegan?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegan based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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