BBQ Jackfruit Sandwiches on the Grill With Crunchy Slaw

Looking for something different to cook outdoors? These BBQ jackfruit sandwiches bring smoky seasoning, tangy barbecue sauce and crunchy slaw to the backyard table—without another burger in sight.

This easy BBQ jackfruit recipe uses a cast-iron skillet on the grill to turn canned young jackfruit into tender, saucy shreds with lightly browned edges. Pile it onto toasted buns, add pickles and a bright cabbage slaw, and you have a meatless cookout sandwich worth making room for.

Why Cook BBQ Jackfruit on the Grill?

A grill gives you room to cook the filling and toast the buns outdoors. The skillet keeps small jackfruit pieces from falling through the grates, while controlled heat helps cook away excess moisture before the barbecue sauce goes in.

The goal is tender shreds with a few browned edges—not dry, deeply charred fruit. A gas grill works well, although cooking outdoors does not automatically give food a strong wood-smoked flavor.

Recipe at a Glance

• Servings: 4 sandwiches
• Prep time: 15 minutes
• Cook time: Approximately 30–35 minutes
• Total time: Approximately 45–50 minutes
• Grill temperature: Approximately 375°F with direct and indirect cooking zones
• Equipment: A 10- to 12-inch cast-iron skillet, heat-resistant grill gloves and tongs

Ingredients

For the BBQ Jackfruit

• 2 cans young green jackfruit, approximately 20 ounces each, packed in water or brine
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 cup low-sodium vegetable broth, plus more as needed
• 3/4 cup barbecue sauce, plus extra for serving
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• Salt to taste

For the Crunchy Vinegar Slaw

• 2 cups finely shredded green cabbage
• 1/2 cup shredded carrot
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon maple syrup
• Salt and black pepper to taste

For Serving

• 4 sandwich buns
• Dill pickle slices
• Optional sliced jalapeños

Keeping it vegan? Choose vegan buns, barbecue sauce and mustard. Some barbecue sauces contain honey or other animal-derived ingredients.

How to Make BBQ Jackfruit Sandwiches on the Grill

1. Drain and prepare the jackfruit. Drain, rinse thoroughly and pat dry. Pull the softer pieces into shreds with your fingers or two forks. Finely chop any firm core pieces that are tender enough to use, and discard any unusually tough pieces.
2. Mix the slaw. Whisk together the vinegar, olive oil, Dijon mustard and maple syrup. Toss with the cabbage and carrot, season to taste and refrigerate while you cook.
3. Set up two-zone heat. Preheat the grill to approximately 375°F. Leave one section without direct heat so you can move the skillet if the filling browns too quickly.
4. Cook the onion and seasonings. Place the skillet over moderate direct heat. Add the oil and onion, then cook for 4–5 minutes, stirring until softened. Add the garlic, smoked paprika, cumin, chili powder and pepper. Stir for approximately 30 seconds.
5. Brown the jackfruit. Add the prepared jackfruit and spread it across the skillet. Cook for 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until some edges begin to brown. Move the skillet to indirect heat if the garlic or onion starts scorching.
6. Simmer until tender. Add the vegetable broth and move the skillet to indirect heat. Close the grill lid and cook for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Press larger pieces with a fork as they soften. Add a splash of broth if the pan dries out before the jackfruit is tender.
7. Add the barbecue sauce. Stir in the barbecue sauce and apple cider vinegar. Cook uncovered for another 5–7 minutes, stirring frequently, until the filling is thick and spoonable. Taste before adding salt, especially if the jackfruit was packed in brine.
8. Toast and assemble. Toast the buns cut-side down over moderate heat for approximately 30–60 seconds, watching closely. Fill with BBQ jackfruit, slaw and pickle slices. Serve immediately with extra sauce on the side.

Tips for Better BBQ Jackfruit

• Start with the right can. Look for “young green jackfruit” in water or brine. Sweet jackfruit in syrup will change the flavor of the recipe.
• Drain it well. Excess water makes browning difficult and can leave the filling watery.
• Shred before saucing. Smaller pieces absorb seasoning more evenly and are easier to eat in a sandwich.
• Add sauce near the end. Sugary barbecue sauce can scorch over direct heat.
• Use texture as your guide. Canned jackfruit varies. Continue the broth stage until firm pieces soften rather than relying only on the clock.
• Balance the sweetness. Vinegar slaw and dill pickles brighten the sandwich, particularly when using a sweeter sauce.

What to Serve With Jackfruit Sandwiches

Serve these sandwiches with grilled corn, a cucumber salad, potato wedges or baked beans. For a more substantial plant-based meal, add a bean salad or another protein-rich side: jackfruit provides texture, but it is not a protein equivalent to pulled pork.

Keep the slaw chilled until serving, and assemble the sandwiches just before eating so the buns stay firm.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does BBQ jackfruit taste like pulled pork?

It has a shredded texture that works well in a pulled-pork-style sandwich, but it does not taste identical to pork. Most of the flavor comes from the onion, seasoning and barbecue sauce.

Can I put jackfruit directly on the grill?

For this recipe, use a skillet. Shredded jackfruit can fall through the grates, and the skillet keeps the broth and sauce with the filling.

Can I use a griddle instead?

A griddle works for browning the onion and jackfruit. Transfer the mixture to a suitable pan for the broth stage so the liquid stays contained.

Can I make the slaw without cabbage?

Yes. Try thinly sliced cucumber and carrot with the same dressing. Drain excess liquid before adding it to the sandwiches.

Can I make this indoors?

Yes. Use a skillet on the stovetop over medium heat, reducing the heat during simmering. Follow the same texture cues and add liquid as needed.

Try Something New at Your Next Cookout

A good backyard menu has room for more than burgers and steaks. These BBQ jackfruit sandwiches offer a different way to use your grill, with a simple skillet filling and fresh toppings that guests can customize.

Ready to create a more convenient cooking space? Browse Sunzout modular outdoor kitchens or request a free 3D design to start planning your layout.