BBQ Pulled Jackfruit Sandwich with Avocado Slaw

BBQ Pulled Jackfruit is a dream come true for vegans, vegetarians, and anyone else who loves BBQ but doesn’t want the health risks that come with it. Smoked meat is TERRIBLE for the body. It’s a carcinogen on par with smoking cigarettes, which kind of seems like karma to me. We kill the pigs, they kill us. But BBQ tastes amazing! Every vegan and vegetarian I know misses BBQ sandwiches.

Enter BBQ Pulled Jackfruit. It has a texture and flavor so realistic, it often fools meat eaters. Sweet, smoky BBQ with none of the cruelty, environmental damage, or health risks? Count me in!

Jackfruit is a seriously amazing meat substitute- probably my favorite alongside portobello mushrooms! (See them truly shine in my Crispy Portobello Baja Tacos!)

Fresh jackfruit is a large, spiny fruit native to Southeast Asia. I’ve never worked with fresh jackfruit before, I’ve heard it’s tricky! For this recipe, canned jackfruit does the trick. You can find it in Asian or Indian grocers, or at Trader Joe’s! Be sure it’s canned in brine or water- NOT juice.

Some of the ingredients are specialty items, but can be easily found on Amazon and shipped right to your door. Alternatively, most health food stores carry vegan worchestershire sauce and liquid smoke can usually be found at regular grocery stores near the hot sauce. I source the canned jackfruit from the local Indian market in LA. (Best discover EVER.) I attempted this BBQ Pulled Jackfruit recipe without the worchestershire and liquid smoke and it was nowhere near as delicious. A small jar of each will last a long time, consider it an investment in your taste buds!

I recommend doubling or even tripling this BBQ Pulled Jackfruit recipe. Trust me. It makes 4 large sandwiches, but you will want leftovers and the BBQ Pulled Jackfruit tastes incredible even when it’s served cold.

If you try this BBQ Pulled Jackfruit recipe, tell us all about it in the comments! And while you’re at it, post a photo of your deliciousness on Instagram with the tag #carrotsandflowers so we can admire your handiwork. It will make our day! 🙂