comment icon 58 more comments That’s right. We’re calling upon that can of JACKFRUIT to impress us with her meaty-textured ways here, and she does not disappoint.
What You’ll Need To Make BBQ Jackfruit Sandwiches
Here are your short-ingredient-list essentials for this beautiful towering crunchy-saucy sandwich:
a can of jackfruitchickpeasBBQ sauceslawbuns
Plus or minus some extras like garlic, a few extra spices, maybe some pickles and/or hot sauce as a topping, and boom. You’re there.
New To Jackfruit?
Let’s talk about this meaty-but-not-meaty filling for a moment. When you push on the jackfruit pieces with the back of a wooden spoon or fork, they press apart into shreds that resemble shredded chicken, pork, etc. And when you add spices, a little brown sugar, and some BBQ sauce and let it all fry up in a pan? You’re going to get some really nice sweet and smoky roasty-ness on that jackfruit that is going to make you wonder where it’s been all your life. And to take things to the next level, my friend Melissa has taught me the way: get some blitzed up chickpeas in there with those jackfruit shreds to kind of boost up the oomph factor and make it really feel substantial, filling, and crave-able. Check, check, and check.
Now To Some Sandwich Styling
Toppings are your choice, naturally, but I am a big proponent of just a bag of store-bought coleslaw, especially in these SOS times that we are in. Do I prefer the delicate texture of a homemade cabbage slaw? Yes. But when I’ve got 100 other fires to put out in the house, like, NOW? That is not the moment for me to be shredding up a head of cabbage. Other toppings that I’ve loved that require zero advance prep: avocado, pickles, pepperoncini, and hot sauce. Whatever gives it a little zip and zazz and maybe even a little bite – that’s what I like. Should you eat a pile of jalapeño cheddar kettle chips with your sandwich? I mean, do you love yourself? I think that is the real question at hand. Source notes: I finally got the push I needed to try jackfruit from my friend Melissa when she posted this recipe and swore that it was really, actually a good meaty alternative. And I had my doubts but dang, she was right. Her idea for the chickpea addition is unique and honestly… just super smart. It adds some protein and fiber and still keeps things squarely centered on all things veg! Thanks, Mel! ♡
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Other Meatless Sandwiches You Need In Your Life
Spicy Falafel and Roasted Veggie Naan-wich (why is everything so much better on naan?!)The Ultimate Wild Rice Burgers (these just might be the very best vegetarian burgers we’ve ever had)Firecracker Vegan Lettuce Wraps (crispy tofu bits with saucy brown rice noodles…umm…YES!)Portobello French Dip with Horseradish Aioli (did we mention a zippy horseradish aioli? YOU NEED THESE!)
5 from 22 reviews
1/4 cup olive oil 14-ounce can young jackfruit in brine, drained and rinsed 1/2 cup canned chickpeas, drained and rinsed 2 cloves garlic 1 tablespoon brown sugar several good shakes of paprika, chili powder, and onion powder a pinch of salt 1/4 cup barbecue sauce
Slaw
ideally, a pre-made slaw bag mix! otherwise: thinly sliced cabbage + mayo, lemon juice or vinegar, sugar and salt
The Rest:
toasted buns (I like brioche buns) any other toppings you like – I’d recommend avocado, pepperoncini, pickles, hot sauce, etc.
