Vegan Jackfruit 'Pulled Pork' Sandwiches

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

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 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 American cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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).
  4. 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.

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.

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