Flavorful Vegan BBQ Sandwiches: A Delicious and Hearty Meal

Cooking Time:

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour

Servings:

• Serves 4

These Flavorful Vegan BBQ Sandwiches are a delicious and hearty meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Made with a savory BBQ jackfruit filling and topped with a crunchy coleslaw, these sandwiches are both satisfying and easy to prepare. Let’s dive into the recipe and create this mouthwatering dish!

Ingredients:

For the BBQ Jackfruit:

• 2 cans (20 ounces each) of young green jackfruit in brine or water, drained and rinsed
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon of ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon of chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon of ground black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon of salt
• 1 cup of BBQ sauce (store-bought or homemade)

For the Coleslaw:

• 2 cups of shredded green cabbage
• 1 cup of shredded purple cabbage
• 1 carrot, grated
• 1/4 cup of vegan mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon of maple syrup or agave nectar
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Sandwiches:

• 4 large burger buns (use gluten-free if needed)
• Pickles (optional, for serving)
• Sliced avocado (optional, for serving)
• Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Jackfruit

1. Drain and Rinse: Drain and rinse the canned jackfruit thoroughly. Pat it dry with a clean towel.
2. Shred the Jackfruit: Using your hands or two forks, shred the jackfruit into pieces that resemble pulled pork. Remove any tough cores if necessary.

Step 2: Cook the BBQ Jackfruit

1. Heat the Oil: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
2. Sauté the Onion: Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 2 minutes until fragrant.
4. Add the Spices: Add the smoked paprika, ground cumin, chili powder, black pepper, and salt. Stir well to coat the onions and garlic with the spices.
5. Cook the Jackfruit: Add the shredded jackfruit to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it starts to brown slightly.
6. Add the BBQ Sauce: Pour in the BBQ sauce and stir to coat the jackfruit evenly. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the jackfruit is tender and the flavors have melded together.

Step 3: Prepare the Coleslaw

1. Combine the Vegetables: In a large bowl, combine the shredded green cabbage, shredded purple cabbage, and grated carrot.
2. Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the vegan mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, maple syrup, salt, and pepper.
3. Mix the Coleslaw: Pour the dressing over the cabbage mixture and toss to coat evenly. Adjust the seasoning to taste. Set aside.

Step 4: Assemble the Sandwiches

1. Toast the Buns: Lightly toast the burger buns in a skillet or toaster.
2. Add the Jackfruit: Spoon a generous amount of the BBQ jackfruit onto the bottom half of each bun.
3. Top with Coleslaw: Add a scoop of coleslaw on top of the jackfruit.
4. Add Optional Toppings: If desired, add pickles, sliced avocado, and garnish with fresh cilantro.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

1. Assemble the Sandwiches: Place the top half of the bun on each sandwich.
2. Serve: Serve the vegan BBQ sandwiches immediately, with extra coleslaw on the side if desired.
3. Enjoy: Enjoy this flavorful and hearty meal!

Tips and Variations:

• Extra Protein: Add some cooked chickpeas or black beans to the jackfruit mixture for added protein.
• Different Sauce: Try different BBQ sauce flavors or make your own to suit your taste preferences.
• Spicy Kick: Add a dash of hot sauce or sliced jalapeños to the sandwich for some heat.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free buns and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free if necessary.

Nutritional Information:

These vegan BBQ sandwiches are a great source of fiber and vitamins from the jackfruit and coleslaw. They are also lower in fat and calories compared to traditional BBQ sandwiches made with meat.

Storage and Reheating:

• Storage: Store any leftover BBQ jackfruit and coleslaw in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat the BBQ jackfruit in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. The coleslaw can be served cold or at room temperature.

Serving Suggestions:

• With Fries: Serve with a side of sweet potato fries or regular fries for a complete meal.
• With Salad: Pair with a fresh green salad for a lighter option.
• As a Wrap: Use large lettuce leaves or gluten-free wraps instead of buns for a low-carb option.

These Flavorful Vegan BBQ Sandwiches are a wonderful way to enjoy a hearty and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion. The combination of savory BBQ jackfruit and crunchy coleslaw creates a delicious contrast of flavors and textures. Enjoy this delightful dish with family and friends. Happy cooking!