If you’re searching for a plant-based sandwich that brings big BBQ flavor, bold texture, and the perfect amount of crunch, these BBQ Jackfruit Sandwiches with Avocado Slaw will absolutely win you over. Succulent, saucy jackfruit paired with a tangy, creamy slaw on a fluffy bun—it’s seriously hard not to crave these anytime cookout season (or sandwich cravings!) roll around.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Maximum BBQ Satisfaction—No Meat Required: These BBQ Jackfruit Sandwiches with Avocado Slaw deliver that smoky, slow-cooked barbecue goodness with jackfruit’s magically “pulled pork” texture, all 100% plant-based.
- Avocado Slaw = Creamy, Fresh, and Zingy: The avocado slaw is refreshingly creamy and citrusy, adding color and balancing out the sweet heat from the BBQ jackfruit.
- Simple, Accessible Ingredients: With canned jackfruit, pantry spices, your favorite BBQ sauce, and everyday veggies, you’ll be surprised how easy these impressive sandwiches are to pull off.
- Meal Prep Friendly: The jackfruit filling and slaw can be prepped ahead of time, making these sandwiches perfect for quick lunches, parties, or lazy weeknights.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll be thrilled at how easy it is to whip up BBQ Jackfruit Sandwiches with Avocado Slaw—the ingredient list is short, but each one plays a key role in packing punchy flavor, color, and that signature BBQ texture we all crave. Here’s what you’ll need to build the best sandwich ever:
- Young Green Jackfruit (canned, in water): Jackfruit creates the “pulled” texture; be sure to use canned jackfruit in water for the best flavor (not syrup or brine, or rinse thoroughly if brine is your only option).
- BBQ Seasoning Blend: A simple homemade mix of brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and chili powder infuses smoky depth and subtle sweetness.
- BBQ Sauce (vegan): This brings moisture, tang, and that unmistakable sticky-sweet BBQ hug. Pick your favorite store-bought or homemade vegan BBQ sauce for best results.
- Oil of Choice: Just a splash is needed to sauté the jackfruit and help it caramelize.
- Avocado: The base of the slaw, providing creamy richness and healthy fats without dairy.
- Maple Syrup: Adds a hint of natural sweetness to balance the slaw; agave or any preferred sweetener works well too.
- Lemon or Lime Juice: Fresh citrus brightens up the slaw and keeps the avocado vibrant.
- Shredded Cabbage & Carrots: Crunchy, colorful, and a perfect carrier for the creamy avocado dressing. Pre-shredded mixes save time!
- Whole Grain Vegan Buns (GF if needed): The cozy home for your jackfruit filling—choose whole grain for heartiness or gluten-free for dietary needs.
- Roasted Salted Cashews: These add a salty crunch and a nutty bite that takes the sandwich to a new level.
- Salt & Pepper + Water: Season to taste and thin sauces as needed to desired consistency.
Variations
These BBQ Jackfruit Sandwiches with Avocado Slaw are endlessly flexible and ready for your own spin. Whether you’re cooking for dietary preferences or just craving a flavor twist, here are a few simple ways to make this recipe uniquely yours:
- Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne, chipotle powder, or smoky hot sauce to the BBQ jackfruit for an extra kick.
- Swap the Slaw: Try a classic vegan mayo-based slaw, or toss in shredded kale, fennel, or apple for a fresh twist on greens and crunch.
- Go Nut-Free: Skip the cashews and sprinkle toasted sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for crunch if you have allergies.
- Low-Carb Option: Serve the jackfruit and slaw in lettuce wraps or over a bed of greens for a lighter, fork-and-knife meal.
How to Make BBQ Jackfruit Sandwiches with Avocado Slaw
Step 1: Prep the Jackfruit
Start by rinsing and thoroughly drying your canned jackfruit. Slice off and discard the firm core pieces—a quick trim makes all the difference in creating that fabulous pulled texture. Place the jackfruit in a mixing bowl and set aside for seasoning.
Step 2: Season and Sauté
Mix together your BBQ seasoning (brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, salt, pepper, chili powder) and sprinkle over the jackfruit. Toss until every piece is coated. Warm a large skillet over medium heat, add a splash of oil, and cook the seasoned jackfruit for 2–3 minutes until it starts to get a bit golden and aromatic.
Step 3: Simmer in BBQ Sauce
Pour in your BBQ sauce and a splash of water—you want the jackfruit nice and saucy. Cover and simmer gently on low to medium-low for 20 to 35 minutes, letting the jackfruit soak up every bit of that sticky BBQ flavor. Stir occasionally, and use two forks to shred the jackfruit as it cooks down for that perfect “pulled” look.
Step 4: Make the Avocado Slaw
While the jackfruit simmers, mash half a ripe avocado with maple syrup, lemon or lime, salt, and pepper. Whisk in just enough water until you have a thick, creamy sauce. Add your shredded cabbage and carrots, toss well, and chill in the fridge until you’re ready to assemble.
Step 5: Finish with Caramelization
When the jackfruit has absorbed all that saucy flavor, uncover and turn up the heat to medium-high for a final 2–3 minutes. This step gives you those irresistible bits of crispy, caramelized BBQ edges that make each bite so satisfying.
Step 6: Assemble and Serve
Stack your buns with a generous heap of chilled avocado slaw, a hearty scoop of saucy jackfruit, and a sprinkle of roasted cashews for crunch. Drizzle with more BBQ sauce if you like it extra messy, then serve immediately while everything is fresh and vibrant!
Pro Tips for Making BBQ Jackfruit Sandwiches with Avocado Slaw
- Jackfruit Prep Makes All the Difference: Pat the jackfruit super dry and trim any tough core pieces—this helps achieve that luscious, meaty pulled texture that absorbs flavor so well.
- Layer Your BBQ Flavor: Sautéing the seasoned jackfruit before simmering helps “bloom” the spices and seals in a deeper, richer BBQ taste.
- Don’t Skip the Crunch: Roasted cashews aren’t just a garnish—they’re key for contrast! For best flavor, give your cashews a few minutes in the oven for fresh-roasted aroma.
- Customize the Slaw to Your Cravings: If you love extra brightness, add a handful of fresh cilantro or a dash of hot sauce to the avocado slaw before serving.
How to Serve BBQ Jackfruit Sandwiches with Avocado Slaw
Garnishes
The finishing touch is all about texture and freshness. Don’t be shy with extra roasted cashews, fresh cilantro leaves, sliced green onions, or a little squeeze of extra lime. If you love a kick, scatter a few thinly sliced jalapeños on top—the colors pop and the flavors sing!
Side Dishes
BBQ Jackfruit Sandwiches with Avocado Slaw are the star of any table, but simple sides make the meal! Crispy sweet potato fries, oven-roasted potato wedges, fresh corn on the cob, or a tangy pickled veggie assortment all pair beautifully. For a backyard feel, try baked beans or a leafy green salad with citrus vinaigrette.
Creative Ways to Present
For a crowd, set up a build-your-own sandwich bar with all the fixings and extra sauces. Try sliders on small dinner rolls for parties or picnics, or pile the BBQ jackfruit and slaw onto grilled flatbread for a fun, plant-based BBQ “taco” vibe. Even a bowl presentation works—layer the slaw and jackfruit on rice or quinoa for grain bowls bursting with color!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover BBQ jackfruit and slaw keep well in separate airtight containers in the fridge for up to 2–3 days. Everything tastes even richer the next day as the flavors deepen, perfect for quick weekday sandwiches or bowls.
Freezing
You can freeze the cooked BBQ jackfruit for up to 2 months. Let it cool, transfer to a freezer-safe container, and thaw in the fridge before reheating. For best texture, make the avocado slaw fresh just before serving, as avocado doesn’t freeze well.
Reheating
To reheat jackfruit, warm it gently in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or extra BBQ sauce until heated through. Microwaving works too—cover loosely so it stays moist. Serve hot piled high on buns with freshly made slaw and cashews!
FAQs
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What type of jackfruit should I use for BBQ Jackfruit Sandwiches with Avocado Slaw?
Always choose young green jackfruit canned in water (not syrup or brine for best results—if brine is your only option, rinse it very well). This young jackfruit shreds beautifully to mimic pulled pork and soaks up all those tangy BBQ flavors.
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Can I make BBQ Jackfruit Sandwiches with Avocado Slaw ahead of time?
Absolutely! The BBQ jackfruit can be made and stored for a couple of days in the fridge or even frozen for longer storage. For the best texture and flavor, prepare the avocado slaw just before serving as avocado oxidizes (turns brown) over time.
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What’s the best way to shred jackfruit for sandwiches?
After simmering the jackfruit in BBQ sauce, use two forks to pull apart the pieces right in the skillet—just like you would with pulled pork. The longer it simmers, the easier it shreds and the more flavor it absorbs!
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Can I make these sandwiches gluten-free?
Yes! Just swap in your favorite gluten-free buns or bread. The BBQ jackfruit filling and avocado slaw are already gluten-free, so the sandwiches are naturally allergy-friendly with this easy switch.
Final Thoughts
I can’t wait for you to try these BBQ Jackfruit Sandwiches with Avocado Slaw—they’re the ultimate combination of smoky-sweet, creamy, and bright flavors, all in one colorful, crave-worthy bite. Whether you’re serving a meat-loving crowd or just treating yourself, this plant-based BBQ delight is sure to convert everyone at the table. Enjoy every messy, flavor-packed mouthful!
Print
BBQ Jackfruit Sandwiches with Avocado Slaw Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 5 sandwiches 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Description
These BBQ Jackfruit Sandwiches with Avocado Slaw are a delicious and satisfying vegan alternative to traditional pulled pork sandwiches. Tender jackfruit is simmered in a flavorful BBQ sauce and paired with a creamy avocado slaw, all served on whole grain buns for a wholesome meal.
Ingredients
BBQ JACKFRUIT
- 2 20–ounce cans young green jackfruit in water (NOT in syrup or brine*)
- 1/4 cup BBQ seasoning (For 1/4 cup or ~45 g BBQ seasoning, use 2 Tbsp brown sugar + 1 tsp paprika + 1 tsp garlic powder + 1/2 tsp salt + 1/2 tsp pepper + 1/2 tsp chili powder)
- 3/4 cup BBQ sauce (ensure it’s vegan // plus more for topping)
AVOCADO SLAW (optional)
- 1/2 ripe avocado
- 1 Tbsp maple syrup (or sweetener of choice)
- 1 lemon or lime (juiced)
- Salt + pepper (to taste)
- Water (to thin)
- 2 cups shredded cabbage + carrots (Trader Joe’s has a great cruciferous veg mix)
FOR SERVING
- 4–6 whole grain vegan buns (GF for gluten-free eaters)
- 1/2 cup roasted salted cashews (or roast on your own*)
Instructions
- Rinse, drain, and thoroughly dry jackfruit. Chop off the center ‘core’ portion of the fruit and discard. Place in a mixing bowl and set aside.
- Mix together BBQ seasoning and add to jackfruit. Toss to coat.
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add 1-2 Tbsp oil of choice and seasoned jackfruit (use more oil, as needed, if increasing batch size). Toss to coat and cook for 2-3 minutes to achieve some color.
- Add BBQ sauce and thin with enough water to make a sauce. Stir and reduce heat to low- medium and cook covered for about 20 minutes (up to 35 minutes on low for a deeper flavor).
- Remove lid and stir occasionally. TIP: For finer texture, use two forks to shred the jackfruit as it cooks down.
- In the meantime, make slaw by adding all ingredients except vegetables (avocado through salt + pepper) to a small mixing bowl and whisk to combine. Thin with water until a thick sauce is made, then add veggies and toss to coat. Set in the refrigerator until serving.
- Once the jackfruit has been properly simmered, turn up heat to medium-high and cook for 2-3 more minutes to get a little extra color/texture. Then remove from heat.
- Place generous portions of slaw on the bottom buns, top with generous serving of BBQ jackfruit, and cashews. Serve with extra BBQ sauce!
- Leftover jackfruit keeps for up to a couple days in the fridge, though best when fresh.
Notes
- If you cannot find young jackfruit in water, we would recommend using young jackfruit in brine and rinsing thoroughly.
- To roast your own cashews: Toss 1/2 cup cashews in a bit of oil and sea salt and spread on a baking sheet. Bake in a 350 degree F oven for 10-12 minutes, or until roasty, fragrant and slightly golden brown.
- Nutrition information is a rough estimate calculated with avocado slaw and roasted cashews and without buns.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
