Vegan BBQ Jackfruit Sliders

💬 Introduction

If you’ve been on the hunt for a plant-based alternative to pulled pork that’s just as smoky, tender, and satisfying, then look no further — Vegan BBQ Jackfruit Sliders are about to become your new favorite. This recipe turns young green jackfruit into a meaty, juicy, and flavorful BBQ filling that pairs perfectly with crunchy coleslaw and soft slider buns.

Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue, planning a game-day menu, or simply want to try something deliciously different, these sliders are proof that vegan food can be hearty, bold, and indulgent. Even meat lovers won’t miss a thing!

🥩 Why Use Jackfruit?

Jackfruit is a tropical fruit native to South and Southeast Asia. When it’s ripe, it’s sweet — but when it’s young (green), its texture is incredibly similar to pulled pork or shredded chicken. This makes it perfect for savory dishes like tacos, nachos, and especially sliders.

🟢 Health Benefits of Jackfruit:

• High in dietary fiber
• Naturally low in fat
• Contains vitamin C, potassium, and antioxidants
• Free from cholesterol and saturated fats

🍴 Ingredients

🔸 For the Jackfruit BBQ Filling:

• 2 cans young green jackfruit (in water or brine)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon ground cumin
• ¼ teaspoon chili powder (optional, for heat)
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• ¾ cup vegan BBQ sauce (use your favorite brand)

🔸 For the Vegan Coleslaw:

• 2 cups shredded green cabbage
• ½ cup shredded carrots
• ¼ cup vegan mayo
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon maple syrup
• Salt and black pepper to taste

🔸 For Assembling:

• 6–8 slider buns (gluten-free or whole wheat if desired)
• Pickles (optional)
• Fresh herbs (optional, for garnish)

👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

🔹 1. Prep the Jackfruit

• Drain and rinse the jackfruit.
• Pat dry with a towel.
• Remove any hard core pieces or seeds and shred the jackfruit with your hands or forks.

🔹 2. Cook the Jackfruit

• Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
• Add onion and sauté until translucent (about 4–5 minutes).
• Stir in garlic and tomato paste. Cook for another minute.
• Add jackfruit, smoked paprika, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
• Sauté for 10–12 minutes, breaking the jackfruit into shreds.
• Pour in the BBQ sauce, lower the heat, and simmer uncovered for another 10–15 minutes until thickened.

🔹 3. Prepare the Coleslaw

• In a bowl, combine shredded cabbage and carrots.
• In a separate small bowl, whisk together vegan mayo, vinegar, maple syrup, salt, and pepper.
• Pour dressing over the cabbage and mix until well combined.
• Chill until ready to use.

🔹 4. Toast the Buns (Optional but Recommended)

• Lightly butter (vegan butter) the inside of the buns.
• Toast on a skillet or in the oven until golden brown.

🔹 5. Assemble the Sliders

• Add a generous scoop of BBQ jackfruit on the bottom half of each bun.
• Top with a spoonful of vegan coleslaw.
• Add pickles or herbs if desired.
• Place the top bun and serve immediately.

🍔 Slider Bun Options

Want to make it more customized? Try:

• Mini brioche buns (vegan versions available)
• Whole wheat buns
• Gluten-free buns
• Lettuce wraps for a low-carb option

🔁 Variations

• Spicy Buffalo Jackfruit Sliders: Swap BBQ sauce with buffalo sauce and top with vegan ranch.
• Asian-Inspired: Use hoisin sauce instead of BBQ and add sesame slaw.
• Tex-Mex Style: Add black beans and jalapeños for a spicy taco-flavored twist.

🔄 Make It High Protein

Jackfruit isn’t naturally high in protein, so pair your sliders with:

• A side of quinoa or lentil salad
• Chickpea-based coleslaw
• Add grilled tofu or seitan slices inside the slider

🥗 What to Serve With Vegan Sliders

• Sweet potato fries
• Roasted corn on the cob
• Vegan potato salad
• Dill pickles
• Iced tea or lemonade
• Vegan mac & cheese
• Grilled vegetables

🧊 Storage & Reheating

• Store cooked BBQ jackfruit in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or microwave until warm.
• Coleslaw is best fresh, but can be stored separately for 2–3 days.

❓ FAQs

Q: Can I use fresh jackfruit instead of canned?
A: You can, but it’s more labor-intensive. Canned young jackfruit is much easier and more consistent for cooking.

Q: Is jackfruit high in protein?
A: No, jackfruit is not a protein source. It’s mostly fiber and carbohydrates. Consider pairing it with protein-rich sides.

Q: Can I freeze BBQ jackfruit?
A: Yes! Let it cool and freeze in portions. Thaw and reheat in a skillet when ready to use.

Q: What BBQ sauce is best?
A: Use a vegan-friendly sauce with low sugar and high flavor — smoky, tangy, or spicy depending on your taste!

For Slaw:

• 2 cups cabbage, ½ cup carrots
• ¼ cup vegan mayo
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 tsp maple syrup
• Salt & pepper

👩‍🍳 Instructions:

1. Rinse and shred jackfruit.
2. Sauté onions & garlic, add jackfruit and spices.
3. Mix in BBQ sauce and simmer.
4. Mix slaw dressing and combine with veggies.
5. Toast buns, layer jackfruit and slaw, serve warm.

🌟 Final Thoughts

These Vegan BBQ Jackfruit Sliders are the ultimate comfort food that everyone can enjoy — whether you’re plant-based, flexitarian, or just jackfruit-curious. They’re easy to make, loaded with bold BBQ flavor, and endlessly customizable.

Add these to your weekly menu, serve them at your next party, or impress your friends who think vegan food can’t be satisfying. Trust us — they’ll ask for seconds!