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To make BBQ pulled pork sandwiches, gather these ingredients: - 2 cans young green jackfruit in water or brine, drained and rinsed - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 onion, finely chopped - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1 teaspoon ground cumin - 1 teaspoon chili powder - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper - 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste) - 1 cup BBQ sauce (store-bought or homemade) - Salt to taste - 4 sturdy sandwich rolls - Coleslaw (for topping, optional) If you can't find jackfruit, you can use pulled pork or shredded chicken. For a vegan option, try tempeh or mushrooms. If you don't have smoked paprika, regular paprika works too. You can use any oil you have if olive oil is not on hand. For BBQ sauce, feel free to make your own with ketchup, vinegar, and spices, or use a store brand you like. Each sandwich has about 350 calories. It contains protein, fiber, and healthy fats. Jackfruit is high in vitamins and low in fat, making this dish healthy. If you add coleslaw, it adds crunch and extra nutrients. Always check the labels for exact numbers, as they can change based on brands or homemade choices. To start, you need two cans of young green jackfruit. Drain and rinse them well. Use your hands or two forks to shred the jackfruit. It should look like pulled pork. Set it aside for later. This is the base of our BBQ pulled pork sandwiches. In a large skillet, heat one tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. When the oil is hot, add one finely chopped onion. Sauté the onion until it becomes soft and clear, about five minutes. Next, stir in four cloves of minced garlic. You want this part to smell amazing! Now, add spices: one teaspoon of smoked paprika, one teaspoon of ground cumin, one teaspoon of chili powder, half a teaspoon of black pepper, and half a teaspoon of cayenne pepper. Cook this mixture for one minute to bring out the flavors. Add the shredded jackfruit to the skillet. Mix well to coat it in the spices. Cook for about five minutes. This helps the jackfruit soak up all the spicy goodness. Pour one cup of BBQ sauce over the jackfruit. Stir to blend everything together. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 20 to 25 minutes. Stir occasionally. If it seems too dry, add a splash of water. Season with salt to taste. While the jackfruit is cooking, toast four sturdy sandwich rolls. You can do this in the oven or on a skillet. A little crunch makes the sandwich even better! When the jackfruit is done, remove it from the heat. Now it’s time to build your sandwich! Spoon a generous amount of the BBQ jackfruit onto the bottom half of each toasted roll. If you like, add coleslaw on top for some extra crunch. Finish by placing the top half of the roll on your delicious creation. Enjoy every bite of your BBQ pulled pork sandwiches! For more details, check the Full Recipe. To make your BBQ pulled jackfruit shine, focus on the spices. Use smoked paprika for a deep flavor. Ground cumin adds warmth, while chili powder gives a nice kick. Adjust cayenne pepper to your heat level. Always taste and adjust as you cook. A dash of salt at the end can make all the difference. Shredding jackfruit is key to getting that pulled texture. Make sure to use young green jackfruit, not ripe. Drain and rinse it well. Use your hands or two forks to shred it into pieces. You want it to mimic pulled pork. Take your time to break it down. The more you shred, the better it absorbs flavors. Toasting your sandwich rolls can elevate your meal. Lightly toast them in the oven or on a skillet. This adds a nice crunch and keeps the roll from getting soggy. If you prefer soft rolls, skip the toasting. Either way, a good roll holds the filling well. For the best texture, choose sturdy rolls. Enjoy this simple yet flavorful dish! Check out the Full Recipe for all the details. {{image_2}} To add a kick to your BBQ pulled pork sandwich, increase the heat. Use more cayenne pepper or add some hot sauce to the mix. You can also try using pepper jack cheese on top for extra spice. This blend brings a fiery flavor that contrasts nicely with the sweetness of the BBQ sauce. Just remember to balance the heat with a cool topping like coleslaw. If you prefer a plant-based option, jackfruit is a great choice. It mimics the texture of pulled pork well. My recipe for smoky sweet BBQ pulled jackfruit sandwiches is a perfect example. You can also use mushrooms or lentils for a hearty filling. Add toppings like avocado, pickles, or spicy mayo for added flavor. These options make the dish tasty and satisfying. BBQ pulled pork varies by region. In the South, you might find it served with a vinegar-based sauce. In Kansas City, a thicker sauce with molasses is common. If you want a twist, try adding pickled jalapeños or pineapple for a tropical flair. Each region offers unique flavors, so feel free to experiment. This keeps your BBQ pulled pork sandwiches exciting and new. To store leftovers, first let the pulled jackfruit cool down. Then, place it in an airtight container. You can keep it in the fridge for up to four days. Make sure to seal it well to keep flavors fresh. If you have sandwich rolls left, store them in a separate bag. This keeps them from getting soggy. When you're ready to eat leftovers, reheating is simple. I suggest using a skillet for the best taste. Heat the skillet over medium heat. Add a little water to keep the jackfruit moist. Stir occasionally until warmed through. If you prefer using the microwave, place the jackfruit in a bowl. Cover it with a damp paper towel and heat in short bursts until warm. If you want to save some for later, freezing is a great option. Place the cooled pulled jackfruit in freezer bags. Remove as much air as possible before sealing. You can freeze it for up to three months. When you're ready to eat it, thaw in the fridge overnight. Then, reheat it on the stove or microwave as mentioned above. This keeps the taste fresh for your next BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwich feast! For the full recipe, check out the detailed instructions. Yes, you can use regular pork. Pork shoulder works best for pulled pork. It has fat that makes it juicy. Cook it low and slow for tender meat. Use the same spices and BBQ sauce as in the recipe. Shred the pork just like jackfruit. This creates a similar texture and flavor. You can pair BBQ pulled pork sandwiches with many sides. Here are some favorites: - Coleslaw: Adds crunch and freshness. - Baked beans: A classic BBQ side. - Potato salad: Creamy and cool. - Corn on the cob: Sweet and juicy. - Pickles: Provide a tangy contrast. These sides complement the rich flavor of pulled pork well. Homemade BBQ sauce lasts about one week in the fridge. Store it in a clean, airtight jar. For longer storage, freeze it in small portions. It can last up to three months in the freezer. Always check for mold or off smells before using. Keeping your BBQ sauce fresh ensures great taste for your sandwiches. For the full recipe, check the section above. In this post, I covered how to make BBQ pulled pork sandwiches using jackfruit. We looked at key ingredients and substitutes. I shared cooking techniques and steps for great flavor. Tips for shredding and serving made a difference. We also explored fun variations and storage methods. Remember, these sandwiches can be tasty, healthy, and easy to make. Enjoy creating your own twist!

BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwiches

Savor the deliciousness of smoky sweet BBQ pulled jackfruit sandwiches with this easy recipe! Perfectly shredded young jackfruit is infused with spices and BBQ sauce for a mouthwatering meal that even meat lovers will crave. Learn how to make this plant-based delight in just 45 minutes, and impress your friends and family at your next gathering. Click through for the full recipe and indulge in this tasty treat!
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Ingredients
  

2 cans young green jackfruit in water or brine, drained and rinsed

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 onion, finely chopped

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1 teaspoon ground cumin

1 teaspoon chili powder

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)

1 cup BBQ sauce (store-bought or homemade)

Salt to taste

4 sturdy sandwich rolls

Coleslaw (for topping, optional)

Instructions
 

Begin by preparing the jackfruit. Using your hands or two forks, shred the jackfruit into pieces resembling pulled pork. Set aside.

    In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.

      Stir in the minced garlic, smoked paprika, ground cumin, chili powder, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Sauté for another minute until fragrant.

        Add the shredded jackfruit to the skillet and mix well to coat in the spices. Cook for about 5 minutes, allowing the jackfruit to absorb the flavors.

          Pour the BBQ sauce over the jackfruit and stir to combine. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally. If the mixture appears too dry, add a splash of water. Season with salt to taste.

            While the jackfruit is simmering, toast sandwich rolls lightly in the oven or on a skillet for extra texture.

              Once the jackfruit is well-cooked and flavors are melded, remove from heat.

                To assemble the sandwiches, spoon a generous amount of the BBQ jackfruit onto the bottom half of each toasted roll. Top with coleslaw if desired, and place the top half of the roll on.

                  Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes | Servings: 4