The Best Vegan Jackfruit Pulled 'Pork' Sandwiches

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A plant-powered twist on pulled pork with smoky jackfruit, tangy barbecue, and a refreshing coleslaw topping. This Southern-inspired vegan recipe, ready in about 55 minutes, pairs jackfruit, barbecue sauce, apple cider vinegar for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 8, 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 45 min Serves 8 Southern cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium saucepan, combine 2 (20 oz) cans drained and shredded jackfruit, 1/2 cup barbecue sauce, 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar, 1 tbsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp onion powder, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, and 1/4 cup vegetable broth. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat.
  2. Step 2: Cover and cook for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until jackfruit is tender and the sauce has thickened to a pull-apart consistency. Uncover and simmer for 10 more minutes to deepen flavors.
  3. Step 3: Remove from heat and let cool slightly. Shred the jackfruit further with two forks to create a pulled texture. Serve on 8 hamburger buns topped with 1 cup coleslaw for a refreshing crunch that balances the smoky richness.

Frequently asked questions

How long does The Best Vegan Jackfruit Pulled 'Pork' Sandwiches take to make?

Total time is about 55 minutes (10 min prep + 45 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 The Best Vegan 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 jackfruit from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in The Best Vegan 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 The Best Vegan Jackfruit Pulled 'Pork' Sandwiches for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 8 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 8). 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.

What goes well with The Best Vegan Jackfruit Pulled 'Pork' Sandwiches?

Southern vegan like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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