PULLED JACKFRUIT SANDWICHES

Growing up in Indiana, one of my favorite parts of the summer was going to our county fair. Elkhart County 4-H Fair was one of the most exciting parts of summer, and I looked forward to the food the most. After completing a cooking project, I was able to get in for free and buy as many fried foods as my heart desired. I always looked forward to getting the pulled pork sandwich and relished every bite, ordering it several times during the fair.

I became a vegetarian in 2014 and knew one of the things I would miss most would be pulled pork sandwiches. I began to see jackfruit touted as a comparable pork alternative and knew I had to try it out! After using several different recipes, I created my own version which is super easy and can accommodate a variety of dietary restrictions.

Pulled Jackfruit Sandwiches

Time: 30 min-1 hour

Serves: 4

Jackfruit:

1 can jackfruit

1/4 c brown sugar

1 tbsp chipotle powder

1 tbsp garlic powder

1 tbsp black pepper

1 tbsp paprika

2 tsp onion powder

1 tsp salt

1 bottle of BBQ sauce

Coleslaw:

1 bag coleslaw mix

1 avocado -OR- 1/4 c vegan mayo

1 lime

salt and pepper to taste

Additional items:

Sandwich buns

Pickles

Avocado

Pickled onion

Drain and rinse your can of jackfruit. Place jackfruit in a separate bowl and combine all spices from brown sugar to salt in a smaller bowl. Evenly coat the jackfruit and stir until the pieces look fairly uniform. Once the pieces are coated, transfer to an oiled pan and begin to cook on medium heat. Cook for about 3-5 minutes and add about half of your BBQ sauce. Continue to cook jackfruit on medium heat.

While it’s cooking, grab another bowl and add your coleslaw mix. Combine your avocado/mayo, lime juice and mix until evenly incorporated. Add salt and pepper to taste.

Your jackfruit should be breaking down and begin to resemble shredded pork. Cover your pan and continue to check until the jackfruit has broken down to your preference. I like to add more sauce as it cooks and usually let it stay in the pan for about 45 minutes. A longer cooking time will make the jackfruit more smoky.

After your jackfruit is done, assemble your sandwich! I like to add pickles and avocado. Every time I make this sandwich, it takes me right back to the county fair!