Add a twist to your BBQ with these vegan ‘pulled pork’ burgers with jackfruit – rich, smoky, dense yet light and nutritious. You’ve got all the chances of having even the biggest fans of pork coming back for seconds, so be prepared!
I feel like I’m rather behind with the whole ‘vegan pulled pork’ craze. Can you believe that I only discovered jackfruit a few months ago (must have been living under a rock!) Now I know just how much I’ve been missing out on the ‘magic’ of this ingredient.
WHAT IS JACKFRUIT?
So, what the heck is jackfruit? It is believed to have originated in Southern India thousands of years ago but is now widely cultivated in South East Asia, South America, Australia and the Caribbean. Jackfruit grows on trees (you guessed it, jack fruit trees!) with a single tree being able to produce 2 to 3 tonnes of fruit per year!
IS JACKFRUIT GOOD FOR YOU?
High in fibre and low in fat, jackfruit is a whole-food meat alternative, thanks to its ‘meaty’ texture. It also contains iron, potassium and calcium. So, my friends, if you are watching your diet and calorie intake, you really have to give jackfruit a try. It’s a great ingredient to stash in your cupboard if you’re on a plant-based or vegetarian diet too.
So, where the heck do you buy jackfruit? Unless you fancy booking a flight to South India (which is actually on my travel list), you can find tinned jackfruit in Asian or Indian supermarkets in the UK or Amazon. Just make sure you buy jackfruit in water, not syrup.
WHY YOU’LL LOVE THESE VEGAN PULLED PORK BURGERS WITH JACKFRUIT
- First of all, and most importantly, BBQ jackfruit texture tastes absolutele divine! It’ll remind you of the most tender shredded pork, just not as coarse.
- If you’re hosting a BBQ and looking for meat-free BBQ options, this recipe will be enjoyed by vegans, vegetarians and carnivores too.
- Like to plan ahead? You can make this recipe up to 2 days in advance.
- Finally, this recipe is really versatile – use it in sandwich fillings, burritos or in your favourite salad.
I chose to serve this shredded BBQ jackfruit in a gluten free burger bun with green lettuce, tomatoes, cucumber, radishes and salad cress. Feel free to pair it up with any veggies of your own choice of course.
CAN I MAKE THIS RECIPE AHEAD?
Absolutely! It’s a great make-ahead recipe that you can prepare a day before (or even 2 days before). Cook the jackfruit following the recipe instructions, cool down and store refrigerated in airtight containers. Re-heat the BBQ jackfruit a few minutes before you’re ready to assemble the buns.
LOOKING FOR MORE INSPIRATION FOR YOUR VEGAN BBQs AND PICNICS?
Try some of the readers’ favourite recipes below:
- THE BEST EVER VEGAN BLT SANDWICH WITH EGGPLANT BACON
- PICNIC PERFECT CRISPY TOFU SANDWICHES (VEGAN)
- THE ULTIMATE VEGAN ‘TUNA’ SANDWICH WITH CHICKPEAS
- VEGAN POTATO SALAD (NO MAYO)
- VEGAN ASPARAGUS TART
As always, if you make these vegan BBQ pulled pork burgers with jackfruit, I’d be delighted to read your comments and hear your feedback. Be sure to drop a comment here on the blog, tag me in your photos on Instagram @Fit Foodie Nutter, Facebook or Pinterest so I don’t miss them.
Bon appetite!
Healthfully yours,
Tania x
VEGAN BBQ ‘PULLED PORK’ BURGER
Ingredients
- 1 x 400g tin jackfruit in water
- 2 tsp olive oil
- 5 shallots , finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves , minced
- 1 tbsp coconut sugar
- 1 tbsp smoked paprika
- ¼ tsp ground ginger
- ¼ tsp chilli flakes (optional)
- ¼ cup BBQ sauce (make sure to use vegan-friendly option)
- Salt & pepper to taste
- 1.5 cup water
- 4 burger buns
- Sandwich fillings of choice (green lettuce, tomatoes, cucumber, radishes and salad cress)
Instructions
- Tip the jackfruit out of the tin into a big sieve. Rinse and drain. Gently pull the jackfruit apart with your fingers. Put aside.
- In a saute pan, heat up the olive oil and fry the shallots and garlic on medium heat for a couple of minutes until golden brown. Add the coconut sugar and saute for a further 2 minutes until the onion mixture is starting to caramelise.
- Stir the pulled jackfruit into pan, add the spices, BBQ sauce and water and bring the mixture to a gentle bubble. Cover with a lid, turn the heat to medium low and simmer for 20-25 minutes. You might want to add more water half way through cooking (use however much you need to achieve the desired consistency).
- Let the pulled jackfruit slightly cool down before you start to assemble the sandwiches.
Wow these are amazing! You would never even miss the pork! So tasty too!
Thank you Suzy. No missing out on the pork for sure!
These pulled pork buns sound absolutely divine and I love how versatile they are – my whole family love them!
Thank you so much Bintu! I’m so glad your family loves them as much as mine!
Such a healthy and gourmet looking sandwich but made with simple ingredients. LOVE THIS!
Thank you Nicole. We’re definitely all about simple ingredients that yield maximum flavour!
These buns look incredible with all those veggies! Such great flavors. I also love that they can be prepped a day or two ahead of time. Yum!
Thank you Tara! We love make-ahead recipes here too!
This was everything a gourmet sandwich should be and then some! Best vegan recipe I have ever tasted; delish!
Thank you so much for your kind words Sara! I’m glad you enjoyed it! x