Vegan Jackfruit 'Pulled Pork' Sandwiches
Shredded jackfruit simmered in smoky barbecue sauce, piled onto toasted brioche buns for a plant-based twist on classic pulled pork. This american-inspired vegan (vegan) ready in about 35 minutes pairs (20 oz total) young jackfruit in brine, smoked paprika, barbecue sauce for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 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.
Ingredients
- 2 cans (20 oz total) young jackfruit in brine
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 4 brioche buns
- 1/2 avocado
- 1/4 cup red onion
Instructions
- Step 1: Drain and rinse 2 cans (20 oz total) young jackfruit thoroughly, then shred with your fingers or a fork into fine strands, removing any tough cores.
- Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add shredded jackfruit and 1 tsp smoked paprika, cooking for 3 minutes until slightly golden.
- Step 3: Stir in 1/2 cup barbecue sauce and 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar, reducing heat to low. Simmer uncovered for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until sauce thickens and coats the jackfruit (it should pull apart easily).
- Step 4: Slice 1/2 avocado and thinly slice 1/4 cup red onion. Toast 4 brioche buns until golden, then layer with jackfruit mixture, avocado, and red onion slices.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Vegan 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 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 smoked paprika from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in 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 Vegan 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 Vegan 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★☆
Tasty recipe. I'd add a bit more seasoning next time.
- ★★★★☆
My family liked it. I personally would prefer more depth of flavor.
- ★★☆☆☆
The proportions seem off. Way too much of some ingredients.