BBQ Jackfruit Sliders With Vegan Coleslaw

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 BBQ pork sliders. My first jackfruit attempt was just BBQ sauce in a skillet—quick and easy. While I still turn to that shortcut sometimes, this version adds more spices and depth by baking the jackfruit for a crispy, caramelized texture. It’s a 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.

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.
As a vegan food blogger, I like to set expectations for plant-based dishes that mimic meaty classics. Jackfruit earns top marks for texture—it won’t taste exactly like pork since it’s flavorless when unripe, but it’s a flavor sponge that soaks up BBQ sauce and spices, delivering a ‘meaty’ bite that comes pretty close. Let me know what you think in the comments!

Quick Thoughts on BBQ Sauce

Most BBQ sauces are vegan-friendly, but always check labels for honey or Worcestershire sauce (hello, anchovies!). The right BBQ sauce can make or break these jackfruit sliders, so here’s a quick guide to help you choose:

• Kansas City Style – Thick, sweet, and tangy with tomato and molasses—perfect for sticking to jackfruit and my go-to for these sliders.
• Memphis Style – Thinner and tangier with a touch of heat, sweetened with molasses or brown sugar—another great option.
• Texas Style – Bold, spicy, and smoky with less sweetness—ideal if you prefer a kick.
• Carolina Styles – Eastern is vinegar-based for tangy heat, while South Carolina’s mustard-based sauce pairs well with slaw and pickles.

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

• 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.
• Serve at a gathering or game-day spread with these other great recipes, 13+ Vegan Game-Day Recipes.

Jackfruit Slider FAQS

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