Tender, smoky, and incredibly satisfying, these BBQ Jackfruit Sandwiches with Avocado Slaw are my favorite way to showcase just how delicious plant-based comfort food can be. Shredded jackfruit soaks up all that signature barbecue flavor, while the slaw adds a creamy, zesty crunch—every bite is pure magic!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Total Crowd-Pleaser: Whether you’re serving longtime vegans or BBQ skeptics, everyone will be raving about these satisfying sandwiches.
- Fast & Fuss-Free: With simple pantry staples and minimal prep, you’ll have a hearty meal on the table in just 30 minutes.
- Incredible Texture: Jackfruit mimics pulled pork beautifully—especially after a quick skillet sear—so every bite is deliciously tender, saucy, and meaty.
- Irresistibly Fresh: The avocado slaw isn’t just a topping; it brings creamy tanginess and vibrant crunch for that perfect sandwich balance.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every element in these BBQ Jackfruit Sandwiches with Avocado Slaw serves a real purpose—creating deep flavor, mouthwatering texture, and bursts of color. You only need a handful of basic ingredients to bring this summer-ready classic into your own kitchen!
- Young green jackfruit (in water): This is the secret star—when cooked, it shreds into tender, “pulled” strands just like barbecue meat.
- BBQ seasoning: A vibrant blend of brown sugar, paprika, garlic, and spice that flavors the jackfruit all the way through.
- BBQ sauce: Use your favorite vegan brand! This brings all that bold, smoky-sweet flavor you crave in a classic BBQ sandwich.
- Avocado: Makes the slaw ultra-creamy (and adds gorgeous color and good fats too).
- Maple syrup: A touch of sweetness ties the slaw together naturally.
- Lemon or lime juice: Adds essential brightness and helps balance the richness of the BBQ jackfruit.
- Shredded cabbage & carrots: The crunchy backbone to your slaw, adding freshness and color to every bite.
- Whole grain vegan buns: Sturdy, wholesome buns that hold up to all the saucy fillings—try gluten-free if you need it.
- Roasted salted cashews: For a surprise salty crunch on top—homemade or store-bought work wonderfully!
Variations
Don’t be afraid to get creative with your BBQ Jackfruit Sandwiches with Avocado Slaw! This recipe is super flexible and can be easily tweaked based on what you love or what’s in your fridge right now.
- Make it Spicy: Add diced jalapeños into your slaw or a extra pinch of cayenne to your BBQ seasoning for a fiery kick.
- Try a Tangy Slaw: Swap lime with apple cider vinegar for a bright, classically tangy coleslaw flavor profile.
- Switch Up the Buns: Serve the jackfruit and slaw on toasted sourdough slices, classic white rolls, or fluffy gluten-free buns as you please!
- Add Pickles: Layer on some bread-and-butter pickles or spicy dills for extra crunch and tang.
- Nut-Free: Omit the cashews and try pumpkin or sunflower seeds—or simply enjoy as-is if nuts are off the table.
How to Make BBQ Jackfruit Sandwiches with Avocado Slaw
Step 1: Prep and Season the Jackfruit
Start by draining and rinsing your jackfruit thoroughly. Pat it very dry with a clean towel. Trim away any tough center “core” pieces (they don’t soften as nicely), then break the fruit into bite-sized, chicken-like chunks. Toss your jackfruit with the BBQ seasoning—this is what sets the flavor foundation for your BBQ Jackfruit Sandwiches with Avocado Slaw.
Step 2: Sauté for Flavor and Texture
Heat a large skillet over medium and add a little oil. Add the seasoned jackfruit, stir to coat, and let it sizzle for a few minutes. This step helps develop that irresistible “seared” flavor and preps the jackfruit for all the sauciness to come.
Step 3: Simmer in BBQ Sauce
Pour in your favorite BBQ sauce, thinning it with a splash of water to create a glossy, rich sauce. Cover the skillet and let it simmer gently—stirring now and then. As it cooks, use two forks to gently shred and break apart the jackfruit for that perfect “pulled” texture. Leave the lid off at the end and bump up the heat, so the jackfruit caramelizes and gets delightfully sticky!
Step 4: Whip Up the Avocado Slaw
While the jackfruit simmers, mash avocado in a bowl with a splash of lemon or lime juice, maple syrup, salt, and pepper. Add a drizzle of water, whisk until silky, then toss with your cabbage and carrot mix until every strand is coated with that creamy-goodness—pop it in the fridge to chill while you finish the jackfruit.
Step 5: Toast, Assemble, and Serve
Toast your buns lightly for an extra sturdy, tasty base. Generously pile on the avocado slaw, load up with steaming BBQ jackfruit, and finish with a big handful of roasted cashews. I always serve with more BBQ sauce for drizzling—because saucy is better, every time!
Pro Tips for Making BBQ Jackfruit Sandwiches with Avocado Slaw
- Choose Young Jackfruit: Always grab jackfruit packed in water—brine is okay if rinsed very well, but avoid syrup for proper BBQ texture and flavor.
- Shred as You Simmer: Use forks to pull apart the jackfruit in the pan while it’s simmering; the longer it cooks, the “meatier” and more flavorful it gets.
- Toast Those Cashews: If you’re roasting yourself, don’t skip tossing them in a bit of oil and salt—a quick oven toast makes all the difference in flavor.
- Slaw Freshness: Add the avocado slaw just before serving for maximum crispness and vibrant color—it’s best when freshly tossed!
How to Serve BBQ Jackfruit Sandwiches with Avocado Slaw
Garnishes
Sprinkle each BBQ Jackfruit Sandwich with Avocado Slaw with a handful of fresh cilantro or thinly sliced green onion for a pop of green and a burst of herby goodness. I also love an extra squeeze of lime for brightness, or an extra drizzle of BBQ sauce if you’re feeling bold.
Side Dishes
These sandwiches are practically begging for classic BBQ sides—think tangy vinegar coleslaw, sweet potato fries, baked beans, or even a big green salad. For picnic vibes, add kettle chips and crisp dill pickles on the side for the ultimate, crunchy contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your BBQ Jackfruit Sandwiches with Avocado Slaw as sliders for a party platter, or stuff the filling into lettuce wraps for a light, fresh twist. I’ve even layered leftovers into tacos and grain bowls—no matter how you serve it, it’s always a showstopper!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover BBQ jackfruit and avocado slaw separately in airtight containers in the fridge. The jackfruit keeps beautifully for 2-3 days and the slaw is best within a day, but both are delicious when made just ahead of time for easy lunches!
Freezing
The BBQ jackfruit can be frozen for meal prep! Let it cool completely, then spoon it into freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 2 months. For best results, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Skip freezing the avocado slaw, though—it’s best made fresh.
Reheating
Reheat the jackfruit gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or extra BBQ sauce to keep things juicy. You can microwave in short bursts, too, but a quick stovetop simmer really brings back that fresh-cooked flavor and texture!
FAQs
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Can I use jackfruit in brine if I can’t find it in water?
Yes! If jackfruit in water isn’t available, jackfruit in brine is your next best choice—just be sure to rinse it thoroughly and drain well to avoid any salty or off flavors sneaking into your BBQ Jackfruit Sandwiches with Avocado Slaw.
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Is this recipe gluten-free?
It absolutely can be! Simply use your favorite gluten-free buns and double-check that your BBQ sauce doesn’t contain any wheat or malt ingredients for perfect gluten-free BBQ Jackfruit Sandwiches with Avocado Slaw.
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How do I make the jackfruit really “meaty” and flavorful?
Let the jackfruit simmer in BBQ sauce until it absorbs all the flavor and use two forks to “pull” and shred it as it cooks. Searing the shredded jackfruit in the skillet at the end helps caramelize it further and gives the BBQ Jackfruit Sandwiches with Avocado Slaw their signature texture.
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Can I make the avocado slaw ahead of time?
You can prep the dressing and veggies a few hours in advance, but for best color and freshness, toss them together just before serving. This keeps the slaw vibrant and prevents it from getting soggy or the avocado from browning.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready to wow your tastebuds (and any dinner guests!) with a meal that’s as fun to eat as it is to make, give these BBQ Jackfruit Sandwiches with Avocado Slaw a try. Every bite is proof that plant-based can still mean big flavors and happy comfort. Enjoy, and don’t forget the extra napkins!
Print
BBQ Jackfruit Sandwiches with Avocado Slaw Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 5 sandwiches 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Description
These BBQ Jackfruit Sandwiches with Avocado Slaw are a delicious and satisfying vegan alternative to pulled pork. The tender jackfruit is seasoned and simmered in BBQ sauce, then piled onto whole grain buns with a creamy avocado slaw and crunchy cashews for added texture.
Ingredients
BBQ JACKFRUIT
- 2 20–ounce cans young green jackfruit in water (NOT in syrup or brine*)
- 1/4 cup BBQ seasoning (For 1/4 cup or ~45 g BBQ seasoning, use 2 Tbsp brown sugar + 1 tsp paprika + 1 tsp garlic powder + 1/2 tsp salt + 1/2 tsp pepper + 1/2 tsp chili powder)
- 3/4 cup BBQ sauce (ensure it’s vegan // plus more for topping)
AVOCADO SLAW (optional)
- 1/2 ripe avocado
- 1 Tbsp maple syrup (or sweetener of choice)
- 1 lemon or lime (juiced)
- Salt + pepper (to taste)
- Water (to thin)
- 2 cups shredded cabbage + carrots (Trader Joe’s has a great cruciferous veg mix)
FOR SERVING
- 4–6 whole grain vegan buns (GF for gluten-free eaters)
- 1/2 cup roasted salted cashews (or roast on your own*)
Instructions
- Rinse, drain, and thoroughly dry jackfruit. Chop off the center ‘core’ portion of the fruit and discard. Place in a mixing bowl and set aside.
- Mix together BBQ seasoning and add to jackfruit. Toss to coat.
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add 1-2 Tbsp oil of choice and seasoned jackfruit. Toss to coat and cook for 2-3 minutes to achieve some color.
- Add BBQ sauce and thin with enough water to make a sauce. Stir and reduce heat to low-medium and cook covered for about 20 minutes (up to 35 minutes on low for a deeper flavor).
- Remove lid and stir occasionally. For finer texture, use two forks to shred the jackfruit as it cooks down.
- Make slaw by adding all ingredients except vegetables to a small mixing bowl. Whisk to combine. Thin with water until a thick sauce is made, then add veggies and toss to coat. Set in the refrigerator until serving.
- Once the jackfruit has been properly simmered, turn up heat to medium-high and cook for 2-3 more minutes. Then remove from heat.
- Place generous portions of slaw on the bottom buns, top with BBQ jackfruit, and cashews. Serve with extra BBQ sauce!
- Leftover jackfruit keeps for up to a couple days in the fridge.
Notes
- If you cannot find young jackfruit in water, we would recommend using young jackfruit in brine and rinsing thoroughly.
- To roast your own cashews: Toss 1/2 cup cashews in a bit of oil and sea salt and spread on a baking sheet. Bake in a 350 degree F oven for 10-12 minutes, or until roasty, fragrant, and slightly golden brown.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 51g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
