BBQ Jackfruit Sandwiches

$- 2 cans young green jackfruit in water - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 small onion - 3 cloves garlic - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1 teaspoon ground cumin - 1 teaspoon brown sugar - 1 teaspoon chili powder - 1 cup BBQ sauce - Whole grain burger buns - Fresh cilantro or parsley Jackfruit is the star of this dish. It has a unique texture that mimics meat. Young green jackfruit works best for this recipe. You need to drain and rinse it first. Next, you'll want to gather your spices. Smoked paprika adds a nice depth. Ground cumin gives warmth. Brown sugar balances the flavors, and chili powder adds a little kick. Don't forget the BBQ sauce! You can use store-bought or homemade. Whole grain burger buns are great for holding all that goodness. Fresh cilantro or parsley adds a pop of color and freshness. These simple ingredients come together to create a flavorful meal. The best part? You can easily customize this recipe to match your taste! {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, you need to prepare the jackfruit. Take two cans of young green jackfruit and drain them well. Rinse them under cold water. Use your hands or two forks to shred the jackfruit into pulled-like strands. Be sure to discard any hard core pieces. This step helps create that meaty texture. Next, grab a large skillet and heat one tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add one small chopped onion and sauté it for about five minutes. You want it to be soft and clear. Then, add three minced garlic cloves to the skillet. Sauté for one more minute to bring out the garlic's flavor. After that, add the shredded jackfruit to the skillet. Sprinkle in one teaspoon each of smoked paprika, ground cumin, brown sugar, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Stir everything well so the jackfruit gets coated in those spices. Now, pour in one cup of BBQ sauce. Mix it all together until the jackfruit is fully covered. Lower the heat and let it simmer for 15 to 20 minutes. Stir occasionally. This allows the jackfruit to soak up all that delicious flavor. While the jackfruit simmers, toast four whole grain burger buns in a toaster or on a pan until they turn golden brown. Once the jackfruit is tender and well-coated, take it off the heat. To assemble your sandwiches, place a generous scoop of the BBQ jackfruit on the bottom half of each bun. If you like, add some pickles and fresh cilantro or parsley on top. Finally, put the other half of the bun on top. Your BBQ Jackfruit Sandwiches are now ready to enjoy! To make your BBQ Jackfruit Sandwiches shine, choose a BBQ sauce that you love. If you want a sweet kick, go for a honey BBQ sauce. For a tangy touch, try apple cider vinegar-based sauce. You can also mix sauces to find your favorite blend. Adjust the spice levels to fit your taste. If you like heat, add more chili powder or fresh jalapeños. For a smoky taste, use extra smoked paprika. This will give your jackfruit a deeper flavor. Shredding jackfruit can be a bit tricky. Use your hands or two forks to pull it apart. Focus on breaking the pieces into strands that mimic pulled pork. Discard any hard core pieces as you shred. When it comes to the bun, aim for a good ratio of jackfruit to bun. A generous scoop of jackfruit on the bottom half works best. You want the bun to hold the jackfruit without falling apart. This way, every bite is flavorful and satisfying. Serve your BBQ Jackfruit Sandwiches with colorful sides. Sweet potato fries or coleslaw add a nice contrast. The bright colors make your meal more inviting. For garnishing, sprinkle fresh cilantro or parsley on top. You can also add pickles for a tangy crunch. These simple touches elevate your dish and make it look great on the table. Pro Tips Choose the Right Jackfruit: Make sure to use young green jackfruit in water for the best texture; avoid ripe jackfruit as it is too sweet for savory dishes. Enhance the Flavor: For a deeper flavor, marinate the shredded jackfruit in the spices and BBQ sauce for at least 30 minutes before cooking. Texture Matters: Shredding the jackfruit well can mimic the texture of pulled pork, so take your time to ensure it's finely shredded. Perfect Pairings: Serve with coleslaw or pickles to add a crunchy contrast to the soft sandwich, enhancing the overall flavor experience. {{image_2}} You can switch up your BBQ sauce for a vegan brand. Many store-bought options fit this need. Look for sauces that use plant-based ingredients without added sugars. You can also make your own sauce for a fun twist. Besides pickles, try adding coleslaw or avocado slices. Sliced jalapeños add spice, while red onion gives a nice crunch. Fresh herbs like basil or cilantro can add a bright flavor too. Want some heat? Add jalapeños to the jackfruit while it cooks. You can also mix in hot sauce for an extra kick. Try spices like cayenne or crushed red pepper for more depth. Experiment with different spices to change the taste. Swap the chili powder for curry powder or add a dash of cinnamon. Each choice can create a new flavor profile for your sandwich. Sweet potato fries are a great side. Their sweetness pairs well with the savory jackfruit. Bake or fry them for a crispy texture. Coleslaw is another tasty option. It adds crunch and creaminess. You can also mix in fruits like apples or raisins for sweetness. Both sides make your meal colorful and fun! To store leftovers, place the jackfruit mixture in a container. Make sure it cools before sealing. Use airtight containers for the best results. This keeps the flavors fresh. Store it in the fridge for up to four days. Yes, you can freeze BBQ jackfruit. To do this, let it cool completely. Then, pack it in a freezer-safe container. It can last up to three months in the freezer. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Reheat the jackfruit in a skillet on low heat until warm. The shelf life of ingredients varies. Fresh jackfruit can last for about a week in the fridge. Cooked jackfruit can stay good for about four days. Signs of spoilage include a sour smell or discoloration. Always check before using to ensure freshness. Jackfruit is a large tropical fruit. It grows on trees and has a unique texture. Young green jackfruit is often used in cooking. It acts like pulled pork in many dishes. Nutritional benefits of jackfruit Jackfruit is low in calories and high in fiber. It also has vitamins A and C. This fruit is great for digestion and heart health. Plus, it is a good option for plant-based diets. Taste profile comparison to meat When cooked, jackfruit has a mild flavor. It absorbs spices well, making it very tasty. Many say it mimics the texture of shredded meat. This quality makes it a popular choice for BBQ dishes. Yes, you can prepare jackfruit ahead of time. This saves time on busy days. Just store the cooked jackfruit in the fridge. Tips for meal prep Shred the jackfruit and mix it with BBQ sauce. Place it in an airtight container. It can last in the fridge for up to three days. How long can it sit before serving You can keep the prepared jackfruit for a few hours. Just reheat it gently before serving. This keeps the flavor and texture fresh. Yes, you can use other fruits or veggies if you like. Some options include mushrooms or cauliflower. These can also create great textures in a sandwich. Exploring potential substitutes Mushrooms can be a good choice. They have a meaty texture and absorb flavors well. Cauliflower is also a great option. It adds a different taste and can be shredded like jackfruit. Adapting to dietary preferences Feel free to adjust based on your needs. If you want a gluten-free option, use gluten-free buns. You can also try different sauces to fit various diets. You learned about making tasty BBQ jackfruit sandwiches. We covered the main ingredients, instructions, and great tips. Remember, choosing the right BBQ sauce and spices can enhance flavor. Experiment with sides and toppings for a fun twist. Feel free to prep jackfruit in advance, making mealtime easier. Store leftovers correctly to enjoy later. This dish is not only delicious but also healthy. Embrace the joy of cooking with jackfruit and enjoy every bite!$

BBQ Jackfruit Sandwiches

Delicious and hearty BBQ jackfruit sandwiches that are perfect for a plant-based meal.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 20

Total Time 35

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients

2 cans young green jackfruit in water (drained and rinsed)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon brown sugar
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 cup BBQ sauce (homemade or store-bought)
to taste salt and pepper
4 whole grain burger buns
for garnish fresh cilantro or parsley
optional pickles (for topping)

Instructions

Begin by preparing the jackfruit. Using your hands or two forks, shred the jackfruit pieces into pulled-like strands, discarding any hard core pieces.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for an additional minute until fragrant.
Incorporate the shredded jackfruit to the skillet, followed by the smoked paprika, ground cumin, brown sugar, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well to coat the jackfruit with the spices.
Pour in the BBQ sauce and stir until all the ingredients are fully combined. Reduce the heat to low and allow to simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. This will allow the jackfruit to absorb the flavors.
While the jackfruit is simmering, lightly toast the whole grain buns in a toaster or on a pan until golden brown.
Once the jackfruit is tender and well-coated in BBQ sauce, remove from heat.
To assemble the sandwiches, place a generous scoop of the BBQ jackfruit mixture on the bottom half of each bun. Add optional pickles if desired, and garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley.
Top with the other half of the bun, press gently, and your BBQ Jackfruit Sandwiches are ready to serve!

Notes

Serve the sandwiches on a wooden board with extra pickles and a side of sweet potato fries or coleslaw for a colorful and inviting meal!

Keyword jackfruit, sandwich, vegan