Slow Cooked Pulled Jackfruit (Printable version)

Tender slow cooked jackfruit with smoky barbecue sauce, ideal for sandwiches, tacos, or bowls.

# What You'll Need:

→ Produce

01 - 2 cans (14.1 oz each) young green jackfruit in brine, drained and rinsed
02 - 1 large onion, finely chopped
03 - 3 cloves garlic, minced

→ Sauce & Seasonings

04 - 1 cup vegan barbecue sauce
05 - 2 tablespoons tomato paste
06 - 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
07 - 1 tablespoon maple syrup
08 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
09 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
10 - 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
11 - 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
12 - 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
13 - 1/2 cup vegetable broth

→ Optional for Serving

14 - 4 burger buns or tortillas
15 - Coleslaw
16 - Pickles

# Directions:

01 - Remove the tough core from the jackfruit and shred the pieces using your fingers or forks to imitate pulled pork.
02 - Heat a splash of oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the chopped onion until translucent, about 5 minutes, then add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute.
03 - Transfer the sautéed onion and garlic to the slow cooker. Add shredded jackfruit, barbecue sauce, tomato paste, apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, smoked paprika, ground cumin, chili powder, black pepper, salt, and vegetable broth. Stir thoroughly to combine.
04 - Cover and cook on low for 4 hours until the jackfruit is very tender and absorbs the flavors.
05 - Use two forks to shred the jackfruit further if needed. Taste and adjust seasoning to preference.
06 - Serve warm on burger buns or tortillas, topped with coleslaw and pickles as desired.

# Expert advice:

01 -
  • It fills your kitchen with that slow-cooked barbecue smell without any fuss or watching the stove.
  • The texture genuinely surprises people who think plant-based means mushy or bland.
  • You can walk away for hours and come back to something that tastes like you worked all day.
02 -
  • Don't skip draining and rinsing the jackfruit, the brine tastes salty and strange if you leave it.
  • If you want crispy edges, spread the finished jackfruit on a baking sheet and broil it for 5 minutes.
  • Young green jackfruit is not the same as ripe jackfruit, make sure the can says in brine or in water.
03 -
  • Shred the jackfruit with your hands instead of a knife, it gives you that authentic pulled texture.
  • Let it sit in the slow cooker for an extra 30 minutes after cooking if you can, the flavors deepen even more.
  • Taste before serving and don't be afraid to add a little extra vinegar or salt, it makes all the difference.

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