Sweet and Spicy BBQ Pulled Jackfruit Sandwiches

In the world of plant-based cooking, jackfruit has emerged as a game-changer, celebrated for its versatility and ability to mimic the texture of meat. This tropical fruit, native to South Asia, has made its way into a variety of dishes, from curries to tacos, and now, it's taking center stage in the realm of sandwiches. Among the most popular preparations is the Sweet and Spicy BBQ Pulled Jackfruit Sandwich, a dish that tantalizes the taste buds of both vegans and non-vegans alike.

Sweet and Spicy BBQ Pulled Jackfruit Sandwiches

Explore the delicious world of plant-based cooking with Sweet and Spicy BBQ Pulled Jackfruit Sandwiches! This easy-to-make recipe features young green jackfruit that mimics the texture of pulled pork, smothered in a savory barbecue sauce with a sweet and spicy kick. Perfect for barbecues or weeknight meals, these sandwiches boast a satisfying blend of flavors that will please both vegans and meat lovers alike. Follow our step-by-step guide to create this mouthwatering dish that’s nutritious, flavorful, and sure to become a family favorite. Dive into this culinary adventure and impress your guests with this delightful twist on classic BBQ!

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Ingredients

2 (20 oz) cans young green jackfruit in brine or water (ensure it's not in syrup)

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 small onion, finely chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1 teaspoon ground cumin

1 teaspoon chili powder

1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust according to your spice preference)

1 cup barbecue sauce (store-bought or homemade)

1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

Salt and pepper to taste

4-6 burger buns (choose vegan if preferred)

Optional toppings: coleslaw, pickles, sliced jalapeños, fresh cilantro

Instructions

Prepare the Jackfruit:

- Open the cans of jackfruit and drain the liquid. Rinse the jackfruit pieces thoroughly under cold running water to remove any residual brine.

- Remove the tough core sections from each jackfruit piece and discard. Tear the remaining jackfruit into shreds using your hands or two forks. Set the shredded jackfruit aside.

Sauté the Aromatics:

- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.

- Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until it becomes translucent.

- Stir in the minced garlic along with smoked paprika, cumin, chili powder, and cayenne pepper. Continue to sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes until the spices become fragrant.

Cook the Jackfruit:

- Add the prepared shredded jackfruit to the skillet, stirring it well to combine with the onions and spices.

- Pour in the barbecue sauce and apple cider vinegar, mixing everything thoroughly to ensure the jackfruit is well-coated.

- Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Simmer the Mixture:

- Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and allow the mixture to simmer for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. This will enable the jackfruit to absorb all the flavor and become tender.

Shred and Thicken:

- After simmering, uncover the skillet. Use two forks to further shred the jackfruit into smaller pieces. Let it cook uncovered for an additional 5-10 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken to your desired consistency.

Assemble the Sandwiches:

- If desired, toast the burger buns for added crunch.

- Spoon a generous amount of the pulled jackfruit mixture onto the bottom half of each bun.

- Add your choice of toppings: coleslaw, pickles, sliced jalapeños, and fresh cilantro.

- Place the top half of the bun over the filling and press down gently to secure.

Serve:

- Serve the sandwiches warm, with extra barbecue sauce on the side for dipping if desired. Enjoy your flavorful feast!

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 minutes | 40 minutes | 4-6 servings