Smoky BBQ Pulled Jackfruit Recipe for Sandwiches

Name: Smoky BBQ Pulled Jackfruit Recipe for Sandwiches
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 4 sandwich fillings
Cuisine: American inspired
Ingredients: 2 whole 400 g cans young green jackfruit in water, drained; 1 whole small onion, finely chopped; 2 whole garlic cloves, minced; 1 tsp ground cumin; 0.5 tsp smoked paprika; 2 tbsp vegetable oil; 180 ml vegan barbecue sauce; 2 tbsp ketchup; 1 tbsp soy sauce; 1 tbsp maple syrup; 0.25 tsp black pepper

Young jackfruit in water shreds into tender strands that hold a smoky barbecue glaze.

By Hez ArslanUpdated October 2, 2026

Total 50 minMakes 4 sandwich fillings

Jump to Recipe

Young jackfruit in water shreds into tender strands that hold a smoky barbecue glaze. Drain it well, soften onion and garlic, then let the pieces cook down before adding sauce. A short roast gives some sticky browned edges. Check the bottled sauce label if you want the entire filling to remain vegan. Pile into buns with a crisp slaw. Drain and rinse young jackfruit, squeeze out excess water and pull larger pieces into strands. Heat oven to 200°C (390°F); cook onion in oil 5 minutes, add garlic and spices for 30 seconds. Add jackfruit, barbecue sauce, ketchup, soy, maple syrup and pepper; cook 10 minutes, stirring until coated and softer.

Smoky BBQ Pulled Jackfruit Recipe for Sandwiches

How to tell when it is ready

Return to bowl and serve warm in buns with salad if desired.

Tips

Drain and rinse young jackfruit, squeeze out excess water and pull larger pieces into strands.
Heat oven to 200°C (390°F).
Add jackfruit, barbecue sauce, ketchup, soy, maple syrup and pepper.
Spread mixture on a lined tray and bake 12 to 15 minutes until edges become sticky and lightly browned.

Troubleshooting

If jackfruit tastes briny, rinse and drain well.
If sauce is thin, simmer uncovered.

Substitutions

Use canned young green jackfruit instead of vacuum-packed.
Use apple cider vinegar in place of rice vinegar.

Variations

Add a little smoked paprika.
Add sliced jalapeño at serving.

Serving suggestions

Pile into soft buns.
Serve with slaw.
Add pickle slices.
Serve over baked potatoes.

Make ahead

Prepare the measured ingredients in advance. Refrigerate cooked filling up to 3 days or freeze portions; reheat until steaming.

Storage

Refrigerate cooked filling up to 3 days or freeze portions; reheat until steaming.

Food safety

Use commercially canned young green jackfruit and a vegan sauce if that claim matters; chill leftovers promptly.

Frequently asked questions

How do I know smoky bbq pulled jackfruit is ready?

Return to bowl and serve warm in buns with salad if desired.

How should I store smoky bbq pulled jackfruit?

Refrigerate cooked filling up to 3 days or freeze portions; reheat until steaming.

Pile into soft buns. Refrigerate cooked filling up to 3 days or freeze portions; reheat until steaming.

About the author

Hez Arslan

Hez Arslan owns feastdelights.com and also writes practical recipes for everyday home cooking, from familiar Ukrainian dishes to meals inspired by kitchens around the world. His clear, step-by-step guidance helps home cooks approach each recipe with confidence.

Smoky BBQ Pulled Jackfruit Recipe for Sandwiches