Simple BBQ Jackfruit: A Vegan Crowd-Pleaser

Written by Sarah Gardner

If you’ve never cooked with jackfruit before, this recipe will make you fall in love with its meaty, tender texture and mild flavor that soaks up sauces like a dream. BBQ jackfruit is smoky, tangy, and just the right balance of sweet and savory. It's perfect for sandwiches, tacos, or even as a topping for loaded baked potatoes. Whether you’re a seasoned jackfruit enthusiast or a newbie looking for a simple, foolproof way to impress at your next gathering, this recipe will deliver in spades.

Simple BBQ Jackfruit

Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4

Equipment

  • Large skillet or sauté pan
  • Forks for shredding the jackfruit
  • Wooden Spoon or Spatula
  • Measuring Spoons
  • Knife and Cutting Board

Ingredients
  

  • 2 20-ounce cans young green jackfruit in water or brine (not syrup), drained and rinsed
  • 1 medium onion finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/4 cup vegetable broth or water
  • 1 1/2 cups BBQ sauce your favorite brand or homemade
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions
 

Prep the jackfruit

  1. After draining and rinsing the jackfruit, cut off any tough core pieces and shred the flesh using your fingers or a fork. Don't worry if some pieces remain chunky—they’ll soften as they cook.

Sauté the aromatics

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, cooking until softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.

Add spices

  1. Stir in the smoked paprika, chili powder, and cumin, letting the spices toast for 1 minute to release their flavor.

Cook the jackfruit

  1. Add the shredded jackfruit to the skillet, tossing to coat it in the spices and aromatics. Pour in the vegetable broth and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the jackfruit starts to soften and break down.

Add the BBQ sauce

  1. Pour the BBQ sauce over the jackfruit, stirring to combine. Lower the heat and let it simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and the jackfruit is tender. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.

Serve it up

  1. Pile the BBQ jackfruit onto sandwich buns, stuff it into tacos, or serve it as a side with coleslaw and cornbread.

Pairings

This BBQ jackfruit shines when paired with classic barbecue sides like creamy coleslaw, baked beans, or roasted sweet potatoes. For a light and zesty complement, try serving it with a crisp cucumber salad or a tangy pickle on the side. If you’re going the sandwich route, a drizzle of vegan ranch or a scoop of guacamole takes it to the next level.

FAQs

1. What type of jackfruit should I use?

Stick with young green jackfruit in water or brine—it has the perfect neutral flavor and shreddable texture. Avoid jackfruit in syrup, as it's sweet and not suitable for savory dishes.

2. Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely! BBQ jackfruit reheats beautifully. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days, or freeze it for up to 3 months.

3. Is fresh jackfruit better than canned?

Canned jackfruit is the most convenient option, as fresh jackfruit requires peeling and deseeding, which can be time-consuming. However, fresh jackfruit works if you’re up for the challenge.

4. What kind of BBQ sauce should I use?

Go with a sauce that matches your flavor preference—sweet, smoky, spicy, or tangy. You can even mix two sauces for a custom blend!

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