What is vegan pulled pork made of?

Vegan pulled pork is typically made from young canned green jackfruit, which has a fibrous texture. The jackfruit is often cooked with a flavorful BBQ sauce to mimic the taste and texture of traditional pulled pork.

Does jackfruit taste like pulled pork?

Jackfruit has a mild flavor but absorbs the taste of the seasonings and sauces it's cooked with very well. When prepared with a smoky BBQ sauce, jackfruit can closely mimic the texture and flavor profile of pulled pork, offering a similar experience to the traditional dish, minus the cruelty.

Many BBQ sauces are vegan, but it's important to check the label for ingredients like honey or Worcestershire sauce, which are not vegan. Opt for brands that explicitly state they are vegan, or make your own to ensure all ingredients are plant-based.

Vegan Pulled Pork | Olives for Dinner

Description

Transform your BBQ game with this vegan pulled pork sandwich! Crafted from tender jackfruit and soaked in smoky BBQ sauce, it’s the ultimate fusion of flavor and convenience. Perfect for impressing a crowd or enjoying a laid-back meal, this dish is as effortless as it is delicious.

Ingredients

for the pulled jackfruit

2, 20 oz. cans of jackfruit, packed in water or brine
2 teaspoons canola or grapeseed oil
1 1/2 to 2 cups vegan BBQ sauce

for the slaw

1 cup chopped red cabbage
2 teaspoons vegan mayo
2–3 dashes of apple cider or coconut vinegar

to serve

1–2 handfuls of fresh cilantro, roughly chopped
1 jalapeno, sliced thinly
4 hamburger buns
vegan butter

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Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees.

To prepare the jackfruit

Drain then pull the jackfruit apart to create shredded pieces. Finely chop the tough parts and discard the seeds.
Place the oil into a large cast iron pan, rub to coat, then add in the shredded jackfruit.
Smother with the BBQ sauce until it covers it only halfway, stir to coat, then place into the oven for 30 minutes.
After 30 minutes, remove from the oven and give it a stir. Return it to the oven and let it bake for 15 minutes more.
Repeat this process until you have a texture you like. BBQ sauces vary in viscosity and sugar content, so this time will vary. (I baked for an additional 45 minutes total to get this texture.)
Allow the jackfruit to cool and serve immediately, or chill in a separate container and serve later by warming it up over medium-low heat in a cast iron pan until heated through.

When you are ready to serve the sandwiches

First, toast the hamburger buns. Don’t skip this step because it really makes the sandwiches fantastic.
To toast them, melt enough vegan butter in a clean cast-iron pan over medium heat so the bottom is covered. Place the buns in the pan for a few minutes, or until toasty and crisp around the edges.
Repeat this process until all of your buns are golden and crispy.

To make the slaw

Quickly toss together the cabbage, vegan mayo and vinegar.

To assemble the sandwiches

Divide the jackfruit into four portions and place them on the toasted buns. Top with the slaw, fresh jalapeños, and cilantro. Serve immediately.

Notes

Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheating: Reheat the jackfruit pulled pork in a skillet over medium-low heat until warmed through.
Slaw Savvy: For the best texture and flavor, don’t make the slaw until right before serving to avoid it becoming soggy.
Jackfruit Selection: Be sure to pick jackfruit packed in water or brine, not syrup!

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
Category: Lunch, Dinner
Method: Baked
Cuisine: American