Pulled Jackfruit Sandwiches

These Pulled Jackfruit Sandwiches are a hearty plant-based alternative to pulled pork, packed with smoky flavor, melty vegan cheese, crisp arugula, and a creamy homemade coleslaw. Perfect for a satisfying lunch or dinner and pairs wonderfully with Air Fried Potato Chips.

Yields: 6 sandwiches
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hr 15 minutes
Special Equipment: big skillet

Ingredients

• 2 (14 oz) cans organic young jackfruit, drained and shredded

• 8 oz tomato sauce

• ½ cup sweet & sour sauce

• ¼ cup ketchup

• 1 yellow onion, sliced into strips

• 1 tbsp avocado oil

• 1 tbsp hot sauce

• 1 tsp liquid smoke

• 2 pinches cumin

• 2 pinches ground white pepper

• Garlic powder, to taste

• Adobo seasoning, to taste

• 1 package vegan cheddar-style shreds

• 1 (12 oz) package arugula

• 1 package rolls ciabatta sourdough

• 4 cups prepared coleslaw see recipe below

• Veggie broth or water (optional, for thinning)

Simple Coleslaw:

• 1 medium green cabbage

• 1 large orange carrot

• 1 cup vegan mayo

• 1 tbsp white vinegar

• 1 tsp salt

• 1 tsp black pepper

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• 1 tsp mustard powder

Directions

1. Prep the Cabbage: Wash, dry, and remove the outer leaves. Blanch in boiling water for 1 minute, then rinse in cold water. Once cooled, slice into thin strips.

2. Shred the Carrot: Grate the carrot into the bowl with the cabbage.

3. Mix Dressing: Add vegan mayo, vinegar, and spices. Mix well, taste for seasoning, and refrigerate until ready to assemble sandwiches.

For the Pulled Jackfruit:

1. Shred Jackfruit: Place drained jackfruit in a bowl and shred with a fork. Season with adobo and taste.

2. Cook Onions: Heat a crockpot on high. Sauté onion in avocado oil until soft.

3. Add Ingredients: Stir in jackfruit, tomato sauce, sweet & sour sauce, hot sauce, garlic powder, cumin, and white pepper. Reduce heat to low and cook for 1 hour. Add broth/water as needed if too thick. Taste and adjust seasoning.

4. Smoky Cheese Melt: Heat a cast iron skillet over medium. Add pulled jackfruit to one side, then stir in liquid smoke. Top with vegan cheddar shreds, cover, and allow cheese to melt (a splash of water helps).

5. Toast Rolls: On the other side of the skillet, drizzle oil and toast roll halves until golden brown.

6. Assemble Sandwiches: Bottom roll: layer with arugula. Add smoky jackfruit and melted cheese. Top with cold coleslaw. Finish with the top roll.

7. Serve: Pair with Air Fried Potato Chips or your favorite side.