BBQ Jackfruit Pulled Pork (2024)

You won’t believe how meaty and tender this BBQ Jackfruit Pulled Pork really is! Jackfruit and barbecue sauce are cooked together on the stove, giving you an easy and smoky shredded meat copycat even carnivores will love.

For more incredible jackfruit recipes, check out my Jackfruit Tacos, Jackfruit Carnitas or Buffalo Jackfruit Quesadillas!

Barbecue-ready vegan pulled pork

If there’s one meal that screams “barbecue”, it’s this BBQ Jackfruit Pulled Pork. Made with shredded jackfruit and barbecue sauce, even meat eaters will think they’re eating the real thing! One bite and all of your guests will be hooked.

Jackfruit is a tropical fruit that’s easy to cook and has the same texture as shredded meat. Mix it with homemade BBQ sauce and you have a winning combination! Pulled jackfruit soaks in the smoky flavors, giving you tender and meaty vegan pulled pork that looks and tastes just like real meat.

The best way to eat jackfruit pulled pork is to stuff it into hamburger buns. Top the sandwiches with more BBQ sauce and creamy coleslaw and dig in! They’re a must-have at any summer barbecue or potluck.

Ingredients needed (with substitutions)

• Canned jackfruit – Make sure you use young green jackfruit in water or brine. If you’re using jackfruit packed in brine, just rinse it well to get rid of the briny flavor.
• Olive oil – Or cook the onion in water for an oil free alternative.
• Onion
• BBQ sauce – Homemade BBQ sauce is easy to make at home with simple ingredients! For a time-saving solution, use your favorite storebought sauce instead.
• Water
• Sriracha – You can use any hot sauce you like.
• Salt

How to make jackfruit pulled pork

Find the complete recipe with measurements in the recipe card below.

Drain and rinse the canned jackfruit to wash away the brine.

You can chop off and discard the woody core of the jackfruit if you find it to be too tough. Otherwise, leave it intact.

Saute the onion in an oiled skillet until it’s soft. Add the jackfruit, BBQ sauce, and water. Stir everything together before covering the skillet with a lid and leaving the jackfruit to cook and tenderize.

Afterward, remove the lid and mash the jackfruit with a potato masher or two forks. It should have a shredded texture similar to real pulled pork. Adjust to taste before turning up the heat and letting it cook a little longer. This achieves a flavorful, caramelized crunch!

Serve the pulled jackfruit on buns with vegan coleslaw, then enjoy!

Serving suggestions

The best way to use BBQ pulled jackfruit is in vegan pulled pork sandwiches. Top with vegan coleslaw and extra barbecue sauce, then dig in! Don’t forget the cornbread and macaroni salad on the side.

Frequently asked questions

1. Does jackfruit taste like pulled pork? Young jackfruit has a meaty texture and soaks up flavor like a sponge. Once it’s cooked, it takes on all of the savory, smoky flavors the BBQ sauce has to offer! It tastes a lot like pulled pork!
2. Can you make BBQ jackfruit in the Instant Pot? Yes! Just follow the steps in my Instant Pot Pulled BBQ Jackfruit recipe.
3. Can you make it ahead of time? Yes, you can cook the barbecue jackfruit up to 3 days in advance. Keep it in a sealed container in the fridge. When it’s time to eat, reheat the jackfruit in a skillet until warmed through, then enjoy in sandwiches, tacos, quesadillas, and more.
4. Can you freeze BBQ jackfruit? Yes! Freeze any leftovers in airtight containers and let them thaw overnight in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.

Want more vegan barbecue recipes?

• BBQ Tempeh Sandwich
• BBQ Cauliflower Wings
• Sticky BBQ Tempeh Ribs
• The Best Vegan Potato Salad
• BBQ Soy Curl Sandwich