BBQ jackfruit sliders with vegan coleslaw will surely be a hit, whether you're vegan or just looking to try something new. This recipe makes a great, easy party appetizer, casual lunch, or a light dinner. The rich and satisfying flavors make these sliders a fantastic vegan alternative to traditional BBQ pulled pork sliders.
These jackfruit sliders are the veggie world's answer to the beloved BBQ pork slider. Some years back, this was the first thing I ever made with jackfruit, although it was all about slapping some BBQ sauce on it, putting it in the skillet, and calling it a day.
While the recipe is still simple, I've added more spices and depth of flavor by baking the jackfruit. Baking the jackfruit gives it a crispy, caramelized exterior that enhances its texture and flavor.
Of course, in the spirit of true confession, let's not pretend I don't occasionally fall back into the comforting arms of the quick sauce-and-jackfruit-in-a-skillet combo when time is of the essence, but that's not the best this slider can be. This recipe, however, is a great BBQ slider you'll be proud to serve.
If you want more jackfruit recipes, try Vegan Jackfruit Nachos, Vegan Jackfruit Quesadillas, and the best Vegan Tunacado Sandwich for easy weeknight meals.
For more plant-based sandwiches, try Vegan Chickpea Salad, Vegan BLT Sandwich With Soycurls, Vegan Chili Dogs, or an Open-Faced Mushroom Sandwich.
Jump to:
- What is Jackfruit and What Does It Taste Like?
- Do BBQ Jackfruit Sliders Really Taste Like Pork Sliders?
- Quick Thoughts on BBQ Sauce
- Ingredients
- Ingredient Notes
- How To Make BBQ Jackfruit Sliders With Vegan Coleslaw
- Top Tips
- Serving Suggestions
- FAQS
- More Delicious Vegan Sandwiches and Wraps
- Recipe
- Craving More Nuts & Twigs?
- Comments
What is Jackfruit and What Does It Taste Like?
Jackfruit is a unique, tropical fruit grown in parts of Southeast Asia, Brazil, Africa, and the Caribbean.
When unripe, canned young green jackfruit has a mild, very subtle sweet taste, but its texture resembles shredded meat, making it great for sliders.
Jackfruit must be cooked and seasoned to mimic the taste of pulled pork, but together with its natural ability to shred and mimic meat, it makes jackfruit sliders a hit for those looking for a meatless option that delivers on taste and texture.
For more information on jackfruit, visit A Simple Guide to Jackfruit.
Do BBQ Jackfruit Sliders Really Taste Like Pork Sliders?
Short answer: Not exactly, but pretty darn close. Continue reading for details.
As a vegan food blogger, I like to set expectations for plant-based dishes that mimic those classic meaty favorites so you know what you're getting into. Here are my thoughts.
To me, jackfruit gets the award for "Best Fruit Mimicking Meaty Textures." Now, I won't tell you it's exactly like eating pork because, well, it's jackfruit and basically flavorless when unripe. But it transforms into something that will remind you of pulled pork or chicken, especially after it gets all dressed up in the spices and sauce. It's a flavor sponge, soaking up all that BBQ goodness and bringing you a step closer to the sliders you know and love.
While they might not be carbon copies of pork sliders, they come pretty darn close with their 'meaty' texture and ability to soak up flavors. Let me know what you think in the comments.
Quick Thoughts on BBQ Sauce
Have you ever followed a recipe to a T only to have the BBQ sauce stage a flavor takeover you didn't enjoy? The right (or wrong) BBQ sauce can absolutely make (or break) this recipe.
So, if you're navigating the flavorful waters of store-bought BBQ sauces, I thought I would share my take on a few of the many regional BBQ sauces to help you pick one you may like.
- The classic Kansas City-style sauce is thick, sweet, and tangy, often loaded with tomato and molasses. It sticks well to food, making it great for jackfruit sliders. If you love classic BBQ flavors, Kansas City-style might be your best bet. This is my family's go-to classic sauce for these jackfruit sliders.
- Memphis BBQ sauce is known for its sweet and tangy flavors. It has a thinner, more vinegar-enhanced tomato base than the thicker, sweeter Kansas City style. It's spiced up for a little heat and sweetened with molasses or brown sugar. This is also a good choice for these sliders.
- In Texas, barbecue is bolder and spicier. It typically has a tomato base but is less sweet. This will be your go-to if you want sliders with a bit of a kick and a deeper, smokier flavor profile.
- Eastern North Carolina is more of a vinegar-based sauce, tangy and spicy, while South Carolina is famous for its mustard-based sauce. This sauce might be particularly appealing if you're looking for something that's not just about the sweet and tangy. It's especially good if you put the slaw on top, as the mustard sauce complements the crunch and freshness of the slaw and pickles really well.
You'll be happy to know that many BBQ sauces are actually vegan-friendly, but always make it a point to look over the label before tossing it into your cart. Some of these sauces contain honey to sweeten things up or Worcestershire sauce, which, surprise surprise, has anchovies in it.
Ingredients
Here is a picture and notes of what you'll need for those who like to see their ingredients first. For quantities, see the recipe card.
Ingredients for the jackfruit mixture
Ingredients for the vegan coleslaw
Ingredient Notes
- Buy young green jackfruit in brine or water, not syrup. It's less sweet and more suitable for savory dishes. Cans are now found easily at Trader Joe's and Whole Foods. This is the jackfruit from Amazon that I usually purchase.
- You should rinse the jackfruit to remove the salty brine and start with a clean slate.
- Pick your favorite store-bought sauce. There are many vegan BBQ sauces to choose from. Just check the labels for honey and Worshestire sauce or make a delicious homemade vegan BBQ sauce with Homemade Cherry BBQ Sauce.
- Vegan mayo is remarkably indistinguishable from traditional mayo in taste and texture, making it a breeze to swap in any recipe. It's an effortless switch that delivers deliciously familiar results whenever you use it.
- I use a bag of mixed shredded cabbage and carrots to make this recipe simple. If you are shredding your own, use about 2 cups each of purple and green cabbage and about 1 large carrot.
- Check the mini slider bag labels to ensure they are vegan.
How To Make BBQ Jackfruit Sliders With Vegan Coleslaw
For those who like to see the process in pictures, this section is for you. See the recipe card for details.
For the Jackfruit Filling
Step 1: Rinse the jackfruit thoroughly, then shred it with your hands or a fork. Finely chop the hard cores and soft seeds. Set aside.
Step 2: Sauté onion and garlic in olive oil in a large pan until onions are translucent.
Step 3: Add smoked paprika, cumin, cayenne, salt, and black pepper, stirring to coat for one minute until well incorporated.
Step 4: Then, add jackfruit and veggie broth. Simmer for about 10 - 15 minutes.
Step 5: Transfer the jackfruit mixture to a baking sheet and bake for 25 minutes at 400°F (200°C) until the edges are crispy. Tossing it halfway through.
Step 6: Remove the mixture from the oven and add enough BBQ sauce to coat it thoroughly. Place the mixture back in the oven for another 12 minutes. Remove and let it cool before assembling your sliders.
For the Vegan Coleslaw
This vegan coleslaw adds a perfect contrast to these sliders. Feel free to adjust the quantities of the ingredients for your taste preferences. It's a traditional coleslaw recipe that is very forgiving and adjustable.
Step 7: Whisk together vegan mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, maple syrup, celery seed, salt, and cracked pepper to make the dressing.
Step 8: Add the bag of shredded cabbage, carrot, and red onions to the dressing.
Step 9: Toss until well mixed with the dressing. Refrigerate the coleslaw for at least 30 minutes to blend the flavors and soften the cabbage.
Step 10: Toast slider buns and top with pulled jackfruit, coleslaw, pickles, and a sliver of avocado.
Top Tips
- Don't skip the baking. It caramelizes the mixture, giving the jackfruit an even better texture and flavor.
- Make it easy - grab a pre-made coleslaw mix from the store.
- Mix the dressing with your coleslaw mix just before serving. This keeps the veggies crisp.
- Ahh - the 'great coleslaw debate' in my house! It's a mayo battleground – some of us love it creamy and rich, while others prefer it lighter and more tangy. You're the chef and the referee in your house, so adjust the mayo in the coleslaw recipe to your liking, whether it's a dollop or a deluge, your coleslaw, your rules! Comment and let me know which side of the mayo fence you land on. Are you 'Team More Mayo' or 'Team Less'?
Serving Suggestions
- You could go for classic slider buns, or if you're feeling adventurous, try something like vegan Hawaiian rolls for a sweet contrast to the savory jackfruit.
- For those who want to add more sauce to their sliders, have some extra BBQ sauce, vegan mayo, or even hot sauce on the side.
- Sweet potato fries, Delicious Air-Fryer Fries, chips, a simple green salad, or even some grilled corn on the cob round your meal nicely. You can swap out the cole slaw and serve it with Purple Cabbage Slaw with Creamy Tahini Dressing.
- For dessert, you can serve Vegan Lemon Poppy Seed Cupcakes or a fun dessert for everyone - Vegan Chocolate Peanut Butter Fondue.
FAQS
While jackfruit has a meat-like texture, it's not high in protein like meat. It's more about the texture and flavor experience.
I have often left it out entirely, and it works great with these jackfruit sliders.
You can but It's labor-intensive. You'll need to cut it and remove the seeds and fibrous parts.
Vegan coleslaw can last about 3 days in the fridge. However, it's best when fresh, as the veggies lose their crispness over time.
Yes. You can prepare the jackfruit mixture ahead of time and reheat it when you're ready to serve. It actually allows the flavors to meld together even more. However, I'd suggest preparing the coleslaw fresh to maintain its crunch.
More Delicious Vegan Sandwiches and Wraps
What did you think?
Got a minute? I'd love for you to dive into the comments and rate this BBQ Jackfruit Sliders With Vegan Coleslaw. Your feedback is invaluable—did you love it? Did you make any fun twists? Let me know how my directions worked for you so I can keep improving my recipes. Follow me on Pinterest, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube for inspiration.
Recipe
BBQ Jackfruit Sliders With Vegan Coleslaw
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 12 sliders 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
BBQ jackfruit sliders with vegan coleslaw will surely be a hit, whether you're vegan or just looking to try something new. Topped with pickles and avocado, this recipe makes a great, easy party appetizer or a casual dinner. The rich and satisfying flavors make these sliders a fantastic vegan alternative to traditional BBQ pulled pork sliders.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ yellow onion, sliced thinly into rings, then halved
- 3 cloves garlic, minced (~15 grams)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 2 14-ounce cans of young green jackfruit in brine (not syrup), drained, rinsed, and shredded
- ½ cup vegetable broth
- 1 cup vegan BBQ sauce
- mini burger buns or slider buns
- pickles and avocado slices for toppings
Coleslaw
- 4 cups of mixed shredded cabbage and carrot (or 4-ounce bag)
- ¼ red onion, sliced thinly into rings, then halved
- ¼ - ½ cup vegan mayonnaise (depending on your preference)
- ¼ cup relish
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup or agave nectar
- 1 teaspoon celery seed
- ½ teaspoon salt
- fresh cracked pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the jackfruit: Rinse the jackfruit, then shred it with your hands or a fork. Finely chop any hard-core pieces or seeds. Everything in the can is edible and will soften up during cooking.
- Preheat the oven: Set the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
- Cook the jackfruit: Heat olive oil over medium heat in a large pan. Add the chopped onion with a pinch of salt and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant. Add smoked paprika, cumin, cayenne, salt, and black pepper, stirring for about a minute to toast the spices. Add the jackfruit and vegetable broth, mixing well to coat everything. Simmer for 10-15 minutes until the broth evaporates.
- Bake the jackfruit: Spread the seasoned jackfruit in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 20-25 minutes, stirring halfway, until the edges are crispy and browned.
- Combine: Remove from the oven, pour BBQ sauce over the jackfruit, and bake for another 12 minutes until the edges are crispy.
- Prepare the coleslaw: While the jackfruit is baking, whisk together vegan mayo, relish, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, maple syrup, and celery seed, seasoning with salt and pepper. Add the shredded cabbage, carrots, and sliced red onion to the dressing. Refrigerate the coleslaw for 30 minutes to let the flavors meld, and the cabbage softens.
- Assemble the sliders: Lightly toast the slider buns. Spoon a generous amount of pulled jackfruit onto each bun’s bottom half. Top with coleslaw, pickles, avocado slices, and serve.
Notes
Depending on how much of the mixture you use, this recipe makes between 10-12 slider-sized sandwiches.
Don't skip rinsing the brine off of the jackfruit. It removes the excess salt.
I've seen videos showing people discarding the canned jackfruit seeds and harder parts. This is not necessary. Just chop those up, and they will incorporate and soften nicely into the dish. It's all edible and adds a nice texture to the sliders.
When making coleslaw, use about an eighth to a quarter of a red onion with rings sliced in half. Just a handful of slices should be perfect, adding a nice zing without overpowering the dish.
The provided nutritional information is an approximation and excludes additions like coleslaw, pickles, and avocado. For more accurate results based on your specific quantities and ingredients, consider using a tracking app like Cronometer.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Oven: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: main dish, appetizer
- Method: stove top
- Cuisine: Amerian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 sliders
- Calories: 178
- Sugar: 25.1 g
- Sodium: 665 mg
- Fat: 3.6 g
- Carbohydrates: 35.5 g
- Protein: 2.8 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
Mollie says
Just tried out these BBQ Jackfruit Sliders with Vegan Coleslaw, and wow, what a surprise! Honestly, I wasn't sure what to expect with jackfruit, but it’s seriously a game changer. The way it soaks up that BBQ sauce, and the coleslaw!! It's like they were meant to be together.
Super easy to whip up - definitely give this one a go.
Regi Pearce says
THANKS MOLLY! Yeah they are a family favorite. Thanks for commenting.