I love trying new things. Isn’t it crazy that you can use a fruit to make vegan pulled pork?! Jackfruit is the largest tree-borne fruit in the world and it’s commonly found in South and South East Asia. It’s actually the national fruit of Bangladesh and it can reach up to 80 lb in weight. I only had pulled pork once at Thanksgiving in Canada and I can’t really remember exactly how it tastes like, but Flo said these jackfruit pulled pork sandwiches with avocado and vegan ranch sauce we had the other day were really close to the original.
I don’t know who first had the idea to use jackfruit to make vegan pulled pork, but to whoever did: “Thanks so much!”. This was such an awesome idea! It’s not only super delicious but also really easy to make: First you remove the core and put the jackfruit pieces in a mixing bowl. Then you need to stir in the spices (paprika powder, cumin, salt, and red pepper flakes) until the jackfruit pieces are nicely covered. I also used liquid smoke, which I think is great for hearty dishes like this one. You might find it in large supermarkets or you can just order it online.
Besides, I added a pretty good amount of BBQ sauce (make sure the brand you use is vegan). While the jackfruit is cooking (this will take about 20 minutes), you’ve got enough time to prepare the vegan ranch sauce, the lettuce, the tomatoes, and the avocado. All in all, the pulled jackfruit sandwiches won’t take much longer than 30 minutes.
Make sure to use young jackfruit in brine or water, not in syrup. It’s available in Asian supermarkets or on Amazon.
I hope you like these jackfruit pulled pork sandwiches. If you give them a try, I’d be happy to know how they turned out.
Also check out these 10 amazing jackfruit recipes!
Jackfruit Pulled Pork Sandwiches
Ingredients
For the pulled jackfruit:
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 20 oz cans young green jackfruit in brine or water
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon liquid smoke
- 2 teaspoon paprika powder
- 2 teaspoon brown sugar
- 1 pinch red pepper flakes
- 3/4 cup BBQ-sauce
- 1/4 cup vegetable broth
- salt, to taste
- black pepper, to taste
For the vegan ranch sauce:
- 1/2 cup vegan mayonnaise
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon parsley, finely chopped
- salt, to taste
- black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon soy milk
For the sandwiches
- 2 buns
- 1 tomato
- 1 avocado
- lettuce
Instructions
- Drain and rinse the jackfruit. Remove the core and put in a mixing bowl. Stir in the spices (paprika, cumin, brown sugar) so the pieces are nicely covered.
- In a medium pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the onion for about 3 minutes or until it becomes translucent. Then add the garlic and cook for another minute.
- Add the jackfruit and cook for about 3 minutes. Then add the BBQ sauce, the liquid smoke (if using), and the vegetable broth and cook for another 15- 20 minutes. Use a fork to shred the jackfruit.
- In then meantime make the vegan ranch sauce: Combine all ingredients in a small bowl.
- Serve the pulled jackfruit on a bun together with tomatoes, lettuce, avocado, and ranch sauce.
Stacey @ Stacey Homemaker
I can’t believe how much it looks like pulled pork! Where can I find jack fruit? I’ve never seen it before, and I need to get it!
Sina
Hi Stacey, almost every Asian market has jackfruit and it’s not very expensive. Maybe also look in bigger grocery stores that have an Asian section. Hope you find it! :-)
Kelly - Life Made Sweeter
These sandwiches look incredible! I’ve tried jackfruit when I was younger and can just imagine how tender and flavorful it is with the pulled pork!
Sina
Thanks, Kelly! :-) Glad you like it!
Prateek
Great Recipe, I personally love jackfruit but a bit confused as to why it is titled “pulled pork”. Jackfruit is great by itself and everyone can enjoy it in a sandwich! The combination with avocado is great !
Sina
Thanks, Prateek! :-) Glad you like the recipe. I titled it jackfruit pulled pork, because it tastes and looks a lot like a vegan version of pulled pork and it’s kind of a big thing among vegans these days. ;-) I absolutely agree with you, jackfruit is so good! I can’t wait to try it in desserts! :-)
Evi
Wow! This looks just like a pulled pork sandwich! I’ve never heard of jack fruit before, but now I’m intrigued.
Sina
Thanks, Evi! So glad you like it! :-)
Katie
These look so delicious! I’ve never cooked with jackfruit before!
Sina
Thanks, Katie! It was my first time cooking with it too! :-)
Annmarie
This looks phenomenal! I am not supposed to eat pork anymore but have been craving it, really need to try this recipe! Thanks for sharing!
Sina
Thanks, Annmarie! :-) Yeah, my boyfriend loved pulled pork before he turned vegetarian and he said it’s really close to the real thing. ;-)
Andi
What a really amazing meat substitute! I have only had jack fruit as a dessert and I think this is fantastic! I am totally trying this!
Sina
Thanks, Andi! :-) I haven’t had it for dessert yet, but I can’t wait to try it!
Manali @ CookWithManali
Jackfruit is quite popular in India…my mom makes the best jackfruit kebabs mixed with lentils. I think I need to make them soon now! love these sandwiches!
Sina
Oh, this sounds so yummy, Manali! :-) I’ve heard so much about jackfruit and I’m so glad I finally gave it a try!
Amanda
What a completely original idea! I’m amazed at how much it looks like pulled pork! I’m definitely saving this one to try. Yum!
Sina
Thanks, Amanda! :-) So great to hear that you like it!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
It’s been on my list forever!!!!! I am so making bbq jackfruit soon you can count on it! YUM!
Sina
Haha! Same here, I’m so glad I finally gave it a try! :-) I’ve heard so much about it!
Gayle @ Pumpkin 'N Spice
What a gorgeous sandwich! Pulled pork is one of my favorites, so I can only imagine how good this must taste. Yum!
Sina
Thanks, Gayle! So glad you like it. :-)
Natalie | Feasting on Fruit
I never even liked pulled pork before I went vegan, but I have been wanting to try jackfruit pulled pork so bad! I thinks it’s just such a crazy awesome concept, I want to try it for myself :) Your beautiful pics are really making me hungry! I’ve been looking for the jackfruit in stores, but haven’t found it. Good to know Amazon.com has it…I should’ve guessed, they have everything :) haha
Sina
Haha! Yeah, Amazon got everything! :D Thanks, Natalie! So great to hear that you like it. :-) I just tried pulled pork once and I can’t really remember how it tastes like, but my boyfriend liked it a lot before he turned vegetarian and he said it was pretty close.
Sarah
What a great idea! Sounds really delicious as well! :)
Sina
Thanks, Sarah! So glad you like it! :-)
Brooke @ Silver Lining
I have to admit I’ve never even heard of Jackfruit, but it sounds awesome! These pictures have me drooling. Yum!
Sina
Thanks, Brooke! :-) It really is amazing!
Harriet Emily
These look incredible Sina! I definitely need to try Jackfruit, it sounds amazing!!!! :)
Sina
Thanks, Harriet! :-) I heard so much about it, but I didn’t expect it to be this great!