BBQ Jerk Pulled Pork Sandwiches [Plant-based]

Get ready to spice up your vegan sandwich game with our BBQ Jerk Pulled Pork Sandwiches—plant-based edition! Bursting with Caribbean-inspired flavors, this recipe offers a savory twist on a classic favorite. It's the perfect way to satisfy your cravings for something smoky, spicy, and oh-so-delicious without the meat. Gluten-free Option.

My first attempt at cooking with jackfruit in my Plant-based Jamaican Oxtail Recipe was a huge hit, and something I've been itching to try is a vegan 'pulled pork'. What better way than between two fluffy soft buns and some yummy fillings? This Plant-based BBQ Jerk Pulled Pork Sandwiches recipe is INSANE y'all. I used my homemade jerk seasoning and BBQ sauce, creating such delicious flavor with the jackfruit texture resembling and tasting so much like pulled pork!

This BBQ jackfruit recipe is a game-changer—it's seriously close to the real deal + tastes incredible. Adding that jerk flavor just kicks it up a notch! I love making a big batch of this jackfruit-pulled pork to have on hand all week. It's so versatile—I toss it in grain bowls, grilled cheese, tacos, and whatever else I'm craving!

If you're interested in exploring meatless versions of classic favorites, give these recipes a shot next: Meatless Birria Tacos with Jackfruit, Plant-based General Tso Chicken, Plant-based Sesame ‘Chicken' + Noodles, Vegan Bolognese Pasta, and Spicy Vegan Chili.

What Is Jackfruit?

It looks like a giant spiky watermelon --- jackfruit is actually part of the fig family. Originating from Southeast Asia, it holds the title for being the world's largest tree fruit. Its trademark is its prickly green skin. Once it's ripe, it turns super sweet, tasting similar to mango, but when it's unripe it is almost flavorless. You might have spotted it in your local grocery store, typically canned and labeled as young green or unripe jackfruit here in the U.S. This canned version is pretty flavorless, making it perfect for meatless vegan + plant-based savory dishes!

How To Make Plant-Based BBQ Jerk Pulled Pork Sandwiches

Ingredients

PLANT-BASED 'PULLED PORK':

• Canned young jackfruit. Drained + rinsed. You can normally find this in the Asian section of your grocery store or on Amazon.
• Extra virgin olive oil. Feel free to use your favorite high-quality EVOO. My fave tried and trusted brand is California Olive Ranch.
• Jerk seasoning. Store-bought or homemade
• Browning sauce. Browning sauce combines brown sugar + hot boiling water to form a syrup-like sauce that helps enhance the other flavors.
• Jamaican Green Seasoning. See the recipe here!
• BBQ sauce. If you choose to use a store-bought version, my favorite brand is Stubb’s BBQ Sauce. However, see my Homemade BBQ Sauce recipe for a delicious option!
• Jerk sauce/marinade. Homemade or store-bought. See below for how to make your own.

SANDWICHES:

• Buns. Brioche, potato, or hamburger buns work!
• Butter or oil
• Coleslaw
• Bread & butter pickles or dill pickles
• Grilled or roasted pineapples
• Pickled onions

Feel free to customize your toppings + see below for more topping ideas!

How To Make Homemade Jerk Sauce

This homemade jerk sauce truly elevates the jackfruit with its incredible flavor! Here's how to whip it up:

FOR THE HOMEMADE JERK SAUCE:

• 3 scotch bonnet peppers
• ½ red onion, chopped
• 4 garlic cloves
• handful of scallions (aka green onions)
• 2 Tbsps white vinegar
• 1 teaspoon salt + black pepper
• 1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger
• 2 Tbsps brown sugar
• 1 carrot, peeled + chopped
• ¼ cup soy sauce
• 2 Tbsps pimento seeds (aka allspice)
• ¼ cup filtered water

Simply add all ingredients to a high-powered blender and blend until smooth. Voila!

SHOP MY FAVORITE TOOLS FOR BAKING, ESPECIALLY FOR THIS MEATLESS DISH!

Here, I’ve curated a list of baking + cooking essentials that I use to achieve my favorite dishes, especially with BBQ Jerk Pulled Pork Sandwiches. Everything from my fave loaf pan, wooden spoons, parchment paper, and more. SEE THEM HERE!

Why You Will LOVE Plant-based BBQ Jerk Pulled Pork Sandwiches

• Bursting with Caribbean flavors.
• Vegan twist on a classic favorite.
• Deliciously smoky + spicy.
• Perfectly mimics the texture of pulled pork.
• Easy to make and perfect for meal prep.
• Versatile—great for sandwiches, tacos, and more.
• A crowd-pleaser for both vegans + meat-eaters.

Other Vegan Sandwich Ingredient Ideas

If you’re looking for more sandwich ingredient inspiration or want to just make Vegan BBQ Jerk Pulled Pork Sandwiches even more delicious, here are some more ideas of what ingredients to add:

• Caramelized onions
• Roasted garlic
• Avocado slices
• Herb-roasted tomatoes
• Sliced jalapeños
• Homemade pesto
• Fresh cilantro
• Regular or plant-based cheese
• Kimichi
• Pickles

Best Ways To Use Jackfruit 'Pulled Pork'

If you've got extra jackfruit 'vegan pulled pork' on hand and need some inspiration for how to use it, here are some ideas:

• Sandwiches + burgers
• Tacos, burritos + nachos
• In a grain bowl
• As a pizza topping
• Atop loaded fries
• Stuffed bell peppers
• As a topping on a loaded potato
• Inside empanadas or Jamaican patties

Common Q + A's For Vegan BBQ Jerk Pulled Pork Sandwiches

More Delicious Plant-Based Meals

If you’re a true lover of these BBQ Jerk Pulled Pork Sandwiches [Plant-based] like I am (and my readers), then these other meatless meals will surely be a new staple in your house:

• Spicy Jamaican Vegan Patties
• BBQ Cauliflower Tacos
• Cajun Sweet Potato Grits with Crispy Chickpeas
• Easy Spicy Curry Chickpea + Potatoes
• Meatless Buffalo Ranch Kettle Chip Nachos
• Skillet Meatless Enchiladas
• Creamy Vegan Sweet Potato Pasta Skillet
• Creamy Roasted Garlic Cauliflower Chickpea Soup
• Creamy Tuscan Tortellini Soup
• Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup

MADE OUR RECIPE(S)?

If you tried this BBQ Jerk Pulled Pork Sandwiches [Plant-based] recipe or any other recipe on my website, please please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how you go in the 📝 comments below. And don't forget to tag @orchidsnsweettea_ on Instagram and hashtag it #orchidsandsweettea! I love hearing from you!

BBQ Jerk Pulled Pork Sandwiches [Plant-based]

March 15, 2024 •

By Shanika

5 from 1 vote

Get ready to spice up your sandwich game with our BBQ Jerk Pulled Pork Sandwiches—plant-based edition! Bursting with Caribbean-inspired flavors, this recipe offers a savory twist on a classic favorite. It's the perfect way to satisfy your cravings for something smoky, spicy, and oh-so-delicious without the meat. Gluten-free Option.

Prep Time: 10 minutes mins

Cook Time: 25 minutes mins

Total Time: 35 minutes mins

Serves: 4 sandwiches

Units:

US Customary|Metric

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Ingredients

PLANT-BASED 'PULLED PORK':

• 2 cans young jackfruit, drained + rinsed
• 1 tablespoon Extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon jerk seasoning, store-bought or homemade
• 1 tablespoon browning sauce (See Notes)
• 2 tsps Jamaican Green Seasoning
• 2 cups BBQ sauce, store-bought or homemade
• 1-2 Tbsps jerk sauce/marinade, homemade or store-bought (See Post for Homemade Info)

SANDWICHES:

• 4 buns (brioche, potato, or hamburger buns work!)
• Butter or oil
• Coleslaw
• Bread & butter pickles or dill pickles
• Grilled or roasted pineapples
• Pickled onions

Instructions

MARINATE THE JACKFRUIT:

• In a bowl, add the jackfruit along with browning sauce, Green seasoning, jerk marinade, and jerk seasoning, stirring everything together until combined and the jackfruit are coated. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes covered in the refrigerator. NOTE: Best when marinated for at least an hour.

SEAR, COOK, + SHRED THE JACKFRUIT:

• In a medium skillet (10-inch) over medium-high heat, add the olive oil. Once heated, add the marinated jackfruit and sear on each side for about 4-5 minutes each or until charred. Add the BBQ sauce and reduce the heat to medium-low and cook for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
• At this point, the jackfruit becomes tender enough to shred slightly with two forks so that it resembles pulled pork. Set aside.

ASSEMBLE THE SANDWICHES:

• To assemble, prepare your burger buns (toasted in a skillet or oven), top with spoonfuls of shredded BBQ Jerk 'pulled pork', pickles, coleslaw, pineapples, and/or pickled onions, if desired. Serve with your favorite side----fries, sweet potato fries, jerk wedges, salad, or whatever. 
• Bon Appetit!

Tips & Tricks

• STORAGE: Any leftovers can be kept in a separate tightly sealed container and refrigerated for up to 3-4 days.
• BBQ SAUCE: If you choose to use a store-bought version, my favorite brand is Stubb’s BBQ Sauce. However, see my Homemade BBQ Sauce recipe for a delicious option!
• SPICES/HERBS: If desired, you can reduce the amounts slightly. Please know that this recipe is bold in flavor, so feel free to adjust based on your tastebuds.
• JERK SAUCE/MARINADE: See Post for homemade ingredients. Store any leftover sauce in an airtight jar or container and refrigerate for up to 1 week.
• JAMAICAN SEASONINGS: If authentic Jamaican seasonings (i.e. browning, Green seasoning, etc.) aren't readily available near you, they are available for purchase on Amazon. Otherwise, substitute with your favorite brand. 

Nutrition

Calories: 463kcal | Carbohydrates: 93g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Sodium: 1806mg | Potassium: 371mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 53g | Vitamin A: 913IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 60mg | Iron: 12mg

DID YOU MAKE THIS recipe?

Tag @orchidsnsweettea_ on Instagram and hashtag it #orchidsandsweettea

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