Vegan Pulled Pork Jackfruit is a delicious and versatile plant-based alternative to traditional pulled pork. Made from young jackfruit, a tropical fruit with a surprisingly meaty texture, this recipe is perfect for sandwiches, tacos, salads, and more.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you’re craving the smoky, savory flavors of barbecue but want a healthier, cruelty-free option, then you need to try vegan pulled pork jackfruit.
- Easy to make: This recipe requires minimal prep work and simple cooking techniques.
- Budget-friendly: Jackfruit is a more affordable alternative to meat substitutes like seitan or tempeh.
- Healthy and satisfying: Jackfruit is low in fat, high in fiber, and packed with nutrients.
- Incredibly versatile: Use it in sandwiches, tacos, pizza toppings, salads, and more!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you need to make the best vegan pulled pork jackfruit:
- 1 (20-ounce) can young green jackfruit in water or brine, drained and rinsed
- 1/4 cup vegetable broth
- 1/4 cup barbecue sauce, plus more for serving
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Vegan Pulled Pork Jackfruit Ingredients
How to Make Vegan Pulled Pork Jackfruit
Follow these simple steps for perfectly shredded, flavorful vegan pulled pork:
- Prepare the jackfruit: Drain and rinse the jackfruit. Using your hands or a fork, shred the jackfruit into smaller pieces, removing any hard core pieces.
- Sauté the aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Cook the jackfruit: Add the shredded jackfruit, vegetable broth, barbecue sauce, smoked paprika, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir well to combine.
- Simmer and shred: Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and cover the skillet. Cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the jackfruit is tender and absorbs the flavors.
- Shred and crisp: Remove the lid and increase the heat to medium-high. Using two forks, shred the jackfruit further to your desired consistency. Cook for another 5-10 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened and the jackfruit is slightly crispy on the edges.
Cooking Vegan Pulled Pork Jackfruit
Tips for the Best Vegan Pulled Pork
- Use young green jackfruit: Young green jackfruit, canned in water or brine, is the best for this recipe as it has a neutral flavor and meaty texture.
- Don’t overcook the jackfruit: Overcooked jackfruit can become mushy. Aim for a tender but slightly firm texture.
- Adjust the seasonings: Customize the flavor profile by adding different spices, herbs, or a touch of liquid smoke.
- Make it your own: Get creative with toppings! Try adding coleslaw, pickled onions, avocado, or vegan cheese.
Serving Vegan Pulled Pork Jackfruit Sandwiches
Serving Suggestions
Here are some delicious ways to enjoy your vegan pulled pork jackfruit:
- Classic Sandwiches: Pile it high on toasted buns with your favorite BBQ sauce, coleslaw, and pickles.
- Loaded Tacos: Serve it in warm tortillas with all the fixings: salsa, guacamole, vegan sour cream, and cilantro.
- BBQ Pizza: Use it as a topping for a flavorful BBQ pizza with red onions and vegan cheese.
- Hearty Salads: Add a scoop of vegan pulled pork to your favorite salad for a protein-packed meal.
- Stuffed Sweet Potatoes: Fill baked sweet potatoes with this savory filling for a satisfying and nutritious meal.
Vegan Pulled Pork FAQs
Can I use fresh jackfruit instead of canned?
Yes, but it requires more preparation. Fresh jackfruit needs to be cooked before using and can be trickier to find.
How do I store leftover vegan pulled pork?
Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Can I freeze vegan pulled pork jackfruit?
Yes! Let it cool completely and store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 2-3 months.
What can I substitute for vegetable broth?
Water works in a pinch, or you can use another flavorful liquid like vegan chicken broth or beer.
What kind of barbecue sauce is best?
Use your favorite! Sweet, smoky, or spicy BBQ sauces all work well.
Indulge in Plant-Based BBQ Goodness
This vegan pulled pork jackfruit recipe is sure to become a new favorite! It’s easy to make, incredibly flavorful, and perfect for any occasion.
“[Quote about the versatility of jackfruit in vegan cooking]” – [Name of fictional vegan chef], renowned vegan chef.
