Easy BBQ Jackfruit Sliders

Name: Easy BBQ Jackfruit Sliders
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 cans young green jackfruit in brine, drained and rinsed; 1 cup BBQ sauce (store-bought or homemade); 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; Salt and pepper to taste; Slider buns; Coleslaw (for serving)

Highlighted under: Busy Planning

I absolutely love making Easy BBQ Jackfruit Sliders for a quick and tasty meal that everyone can enjoy. The unique texture of jackfruit mimics pulled pork perfectly, soaking up the barbecue sauce for an unforgettable flavor. These sliders are not only simple to prepare but also a crowd-pleaser, whether for a casual family dinner or a fun gathering with friends. Plus, they're entirely plant-based, making them a hit with both vegans and meat-lovers alike. Join me in creating this delightful dish!

Created by

Violet Kingsley

Last updated on 2026-01-12T08:13:35.644Z

When I first tried jackfruit, I was blown away by how versatile it is. Using jackfruit for BBQ sliders was a revelation! I found that rinsing and shredding it helps achieve that perfect texture that resembles pulled pork. By mixing it with a rich barbecue sauce, the flavors blend beautifully, making each bite a delight. It’s an excellent opportunity to experiment with your favorite sauces too!

As I continued to refine my recipe, I realized that letting the jackfruit simmer in the sauce for a bit enhances the taste even more. The slider buns soften and soak in the flavors, creating a mouthwatering experience. I always serve them with some crunchy coleslaw on top for that extra texture. You’ll love making these at your next gathering!

        Why You'll Love These Sliders
        Indulgent BBQ flavor that's surprisingly healthy
Unique jackfruit texture mimics pulled pork
Quick prep and easy to make for any occasion
Great for vegans and meat lovers alike

      

Mastering the Jackfruit

When working with young green jackfruit, it's essential to choose the right type. Look for jackfruit packed in brine or water, as this ensures the fruit will have the correct texture for shredding. After draining and rinsing, remove any large seeds if present; they can affect the final texture. As the jackfruit cooks, remember to break it down into smaller pieces for a more authentic pulled pork-like consistency.

Cooking over medium heat allows the jackfruit to soften properly, so keep an eye on it. You'll want the jackfruit to begin breaking apart after about five minutes of sautéing. If it seems dry, add a splash of water or extra olive oil to maintain moisture and prevent sticking. This step is crucial for achieving that tender, yielding texture that absorbs the flavors of the spices and barbecue sauce beautifully.

Perfecting the BBQ Sauce

The choice of BBQ sauce significantly impacts the flavor profile of your jackfruit sliders. Whether you opt for a store-bought variety or make your own, consider the balance of sweetness and tang. If using a store-bought option, aim for one that is low in sugar to keep the sliders healthier. If making your own, a blend of tomato paste, vinegar, and natural sweeteners like maple syrup can create a delightful homemade sauce.

When adding the BBQ sauce to the jackfruit, ensure it coats all the pieces evenly. Stir well and let it simmer covered on low heat for about 15 minutes. This allows the jackfruit to absorb the sauce's flavors fully, creating a harmonious blend. A visual cue during this step is when the sauce thickens and becomes glossy, indicating it's ready for the next step.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

While coleslaw adds a refreshing crunch and contrasts beautifully with the BBQ jackfruit, feel free to get creative. Consider adding sliced pickles, jalapeños, or avocado for extra flavor and texture. These toppings not only elevate the dish but also add layers of flavor that complement the jackfruit’s smoky notes. If catering to diverse dietary preferences, offer a variety of toppings to allow guests to customize their sliders.

These sliders are perfect for meal prep! You can prepare the jackfruit in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. Simply reheat it on the stove over low heat before serving. This makes it a fantastic option for busy weeknights or entertaining guests. Additionally, if you're looking to freeze the jackfruit, it's best to do so before adding the BBQ sauce. Just thaw and heat before mixing in the sauce for a quick meal.

Ingredients

For the Sliders

2 cans young green jackfruit in brine, drained and rinsed
1 cup BBQ sauce (store-bought or homemade)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Slider buns
Coleslaw (for serving)

Instructions

Prepare the Jackfruit

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the drained jackfruit, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and season with salt and pepper. Sauté for about 5 minutes until it begins to soften.

Add BBQ Sauce

Pour in the BBQ sauce and stir to coat the jackfruit evenly. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Assemble the Sliders

Once the jackfruit is tender, use two forks to shred it further into pieces that resemble pulled pork. Serve the jackfruit on slider buns topped with coleslaw.

Pro Tips

For extra flavor, let the jackfruit marinate in the BBQ sauce overnight before cooking. You can also enhance these sliders with pickles or jalapeños for some extra crunch and spice.

Key Ingredient Roles

Jackfruit is the star of this recipe, providing a fibrous texture that closely resembles shredded meat. Its neutral taste allows the BBQ sauce to shine through, making it an excellent base for this dish. Additionally, jackfruit is low in calories and high in fiber, making these sliders a healthier alternative to traditional pulled pork sandwiches.

Olive oil is used to sauté the jackfruit, enhancing its flavor while preventing it from sticking to the skillet. But if you're looking for a substitute, avocado oil also works well due to its high smoke point. The aromatic spices, such as smoked paprika and garlic powder, add depth to the flavor profile, turning a simple jackfruit dish into a delightful culinary experience.

Troubleshooting Tips

If you find that the jackfruit isn't shredding easily, try cooking it a bit longer. Sometimes, adding a little water to help steam the fruit as it cooks can facilitate the shredding process. If the mixture becomes too dry during the simmering step, don't hesitate to add more BBQ sauce or water in small increments until the desired moisture level is reached.

In the case of leftovers, store the jackfruit mixture separately from the buns to maintain their texture. If you notice that the jackfruit has become too saucy after storing, simply reheat it on the stove for a few minutes without a lid to allow some moisture to evaporate, restoring that perfect BBQ flavor before serving again.

Scaling the Recipe

Scaling this recipe up for a large gathering is straightforward. Simply multiply the ingredients by the desired number of servings, keeping in mind that you may need a larger skillet or multiple pans to sauté the jackfruit effectively. Consider preparing the jackfruit mixture the day before to allow the flavors to meld, then reheating it on the day of the event.

For smaller portions, this recipe is easily halved. Just ensure you adjust the cooking times slightly and keep an eye on the jackfruit as it cooks, as smaller amounts may cook a bit faster. This adaptability makes it perfect for quick family meals or larger gatherings alike.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use fresh jackfruit for this recipe?

Yes, you can use fresh young green jackfruit. Just make sure to peel and trim it properly before cooking.

→ Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, as long as you use gluten-free slider buns, this recipe is suitable for gluten-free diets.

→ Can I make these sliders ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the jackfruit mixture in advance, store it in the fridge, and just reheat it when you're ready to serve.

→ What should I serve with these sliders?

These sliders pair well with baked sweet potato fries, a fresh salad, or assorted veggies for a complete meal.