Introduction to Making BBQ Jackfruit
Jackfruit is a tasty, meaty fruit that can be a delicious vegetarian and vegan alternative to pulled pork or chicken in barbecue dishes. When unripe, jackfruit has a savory flavor and shredded texture similar to meat, making it the perfect plant-based substitute. With the right preparation and seasoning, jackfruit takes on the familiar smoky, saucy flavors of classic barbecue and provides a satisfying centerpiece for sandwiches, salads, tacos, and more. Making BBQ jackfruit at home is easy, affordable, and customizable to your tastes.
Choosing and Preparing the Jackfruit
The key to great BBQ jackfruit is starting with an unripe, green jackfruit. Ripe jackfruit is sweet, while unripe jackfruit is starchy and neutral in flavor—allowing it to soak up the seasonings. Look for a firm, heavy, green jackfruit at an Asian food market or well-stocked grocery store. The pre-cut, packaged kind is the most convenient. Be sure to rinse and pat dry the jackfruit before cooking.
To prepare the jackfruit, trim off any remaining rind or stems using a sharp knife. Then use your fingers to pull apart the large jackfruit pieces into shreds that resemble pulled meat. Discard the large pit at the center if it’s still attached. The shredded jackfruit is now ready to be cooked.
Seasoning the Jackfruit
To give the jackfruit an authentic, smoky barbecue flavor, it needs to be tossed in a blend of spices and sauces before cooking.
In a large bowl, combine the shredded jackfruit with your favorite barbecue sauce or make your own. Tomato-based sauces pair well with jackfruit’s mild flavor. You can also mix in smoky spices like paprika, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to taste. Massage the sauce and spices into the jackfruit until fully coated.
Let the seasoned jackfruit marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight in the fridge to maximize the flavor. The longer it marinates, the more flavor it will absorb.
Cooking the BBQ Jackfruit
There are a few options for cooking your saucy, seasoned jackfruit to tender, smoky perfection.
Oven Method:
Preheat oven to 350°F. Spread jackfruit on a parchment-lined baking sheet in a single layer. Roast for 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until nicely browned. Baste with more sauce and cook 5 more minutes if needed.
Stovetop Method:
Heat 1 Tbsp oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add jackfruit and cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned and caramelized on the edges.
Slow Cooker Method:
Add all ingredients to a slow cooker. Cover and cook on Low for 4-6 hours or High for 2-3 hours. Shred and stir before serving.
Grill Method:
Oil the grates of your preheated grill. Place jackfruit directly on the grill, occasionally basting with sauce, for 8-12 minutes total, flipping halfway through. Charred grill marks add great flavor.
The jackfruit is ready when fork-tender and imbued with smoky barbecue essence. Give it a taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Serving Up BBQ Jackfruit
Now the fun part – piling the BBQ jackfruit onto buns, bowls, tacos, salads, baked potatoes, or nachos! Here are some serving ideas:
- Sandwiches – Pile jackfruit onto a bun and add your favorite sandwich fixings like pickles, onions, slaw, etc.
- Tacos – Stuff jackfruit into corn tortillas along with sliced onions, cilantro, guacamole. Squeeze lime.
- Nachos – Top corn chips with jackfruit, beans, salsa, avocado, vegan cheese, etc.
- Bowls – Serve jackfruit over rice or greens with roasted veggies, avocado, seeds, etc.
- Salads – Toss jackfruit into leafy salads with other fun mix-ins like beans, corn, nuts, dressing.
- Baked Potatoes – Top a baked potato with BBQ jackfruit and vegan sour cream or cheese.
Get creative and make it your own! Leftovers will keep for 4-5 days refrigerated. The flavors often improve as they marinate further. Enjoy your meatless BBQ feast.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does jackfruit taste like?
Unripe, green jackfruit has a mild flavor and meat-like texture allowing it to take on the taste of whatever seasoning or sauce it is cooked with. When unripe, it can be thought of as a neutral vegetable.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! As written, this BBQ jackfruit recipe is naturally gluten-free. Be sure to use a gluten-free barbecue sauce if needed.
Can I freeze extras?
Absolutely. Portion leftovers into freezer bags or airtight containers and freeze up to 2-3 months. Thaw before reheating to serve again.
What BBQ sauce is best for jackfruit?
Look for a tomato-based, smoky sauce. Sweet and tangy flavors pair well with jackfruit’s mildness. Avoid oil-based sauces.
Can I use an instant pot?
Yes, you can make this recipe in an instant pot! Sauté jackfruit first, then add sauce and cook on manual high pressure for 4 minutes. Quick release pressure and shred jackfruit before serving.
Conclusion
With the right prep and seasoning, jackfruit transforms into a succulent plant-based BBQ alternative full of fiber, nutrients, and protein. Keep a few cans on hand and you can quickly whip up deliciously satisfying jackfruit barbecue any night of the week. Get creative with your favorite sauces, spices, and toppings to make it your own. Your family and guests won’t believe it’s made from fruit! BBQ jackfruit sandwiches are sure to be your new go-to summer grill food.