| Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 30 mins | Difficulty: Easy | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 335 | 6.5g | 1.5g | 61g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 18g | 6g | 6.5g | 1g |
Imagine pulling a hearty sandwich packed with sweet and smokey flavors off the barbecue. 
That’s exactly what you get with these BBQ Jackfruit Pull Apart Sandwiches, one of my all-time favorite recipes that masterfully merges my Pacific Northwest origins with my Japanese roots. Don’t let the exotic name fool you; this recipe is as straightforward as it is enjoyable, perfect for a weekend cookout or a simple midweek supper.
Unraveling the Jackfruit
You may be wondering about the star ingredient, jackfruit, a revelation I discovered during my travels to Japan. Trust me when I say this fruit is a game-changer. Not only does it lend a unique flavor, but its texture pulls apart to perfectly mimic that of pulled pork — a key element in traditional BBQ sandwiches. Moreover, jackfruit is actually rich in antioxidants, fiber, and vitamin C, adding a healthy twist to this indulgent dish.
The Fusion Magic
Coming from a Japanese background, I’ve grown to understand the balance of flavors, which is quintessential in creating delicious food. The BBQ Jackfruit Pull Apart Sandwiches are no exception. The BBQ sauce, enveloping the jackfruit, hits your palate with a subtly sweet, smoky, and tangy profile. Additionally, the recipe calls for spices like smoked paprika, chili powder, and cumin, offering a hint of heat and complexity that keeps you coming back for another bite. It’s also straightforward to adjust the flavors based on your taste preferences, making it a versatile recipe you’d enjoy experimenting with.
How I Serve it
The brilliance of this recipe doesn’t stop at the jackfruit. Buy some of your favorite burger buns, then layer this BBQ Jackfruit on with a heap of coleslaw. The crunchy, slightly acidic slaw contrasts beautifully with the tender, flavorful jackfruit, creating an array of textures and tastes that’s an adventure in every bite.
If you’re keen on the flavors but not in the mood for a sandwich, this works equally well over rice or even in soft-shell tacos. Pair it with a creamy coleslaw and a side of pickles, and you’ve just transported your dining table to a sunny afternoon barbecue!
In conclusion, these BBQ Jackfruit Pull Apart Sandwiches are a delightful evolution of my culinary journey – a hearty, health-filled, and deliciously accessible way to introduce unexpected flavors to your table. I hope you adore them as much as I do. Happy cooking!
What You’ll Need
- 2 cans (20 ounces each) young green jackfruit in water
- 1.5 cups BBQ sauce
- 1 large onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 6 burger buns
- 1 cup coleslaw
- Pickles for topping
Method
Step One
Drain the two cans of young green jackfruit and then rinse under cold water. Ensure all seeds and cores are removed. Dry and slice into thin pieces.
Step Two
Heat one tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the diced onion. Cook until the onion is tender and translucent, which should take around five minutes.
Step Three
Add the minced garlic to the pan and stir it in, cooking for an additional minute.
Step Four
Add the sliced jackfruit to the pan and stir everything together. Cook this for about five minutes more.
Step Five
Sprinkle the jackfruit and onion mixture with a 1/4 teaspoon each of smoked paprika, chili powder, and cumin. Stir well to evenly distribute the spices.
Step Six
Pour in 1.5 cups of BBQ sauce, and stir to cover the jackfruit evenly. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Step Seven
While the jackfruit is simmering, taste for seasoning and add salt and pepper as desired.
Step Eight
After simmering, use two forks to shred the jackfruit in the pan, so it looks similar to pulled pork. Let it continue to simmer for another 10 minutes until it is hot and richly flavored.
Step Nine
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees and lightly toast the six burger buns.
Step Ten
Once your buns are toasted and your jackfruit mixture is ready, evenly divide the BBQ jackfruit onto the burger buns.
Step Eleven
Top each sandwich with a generous helping of coleslaw and a few pickles. Serve while still hot and enjoy your BBQ Jackfruit Pull Apart Sandwiches!
