Easy BBQ JACKFRUIT SANDWICHES Recipe – No Oil, WFPB

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Get ready for the ultimate plant-based comfort food! These BBQ Jackfruit Sandwiches are bursting with smoky flavor, slathered in sweet-tangy BBQ sauce, and topped with crunchy, creamy vegan coleslaw. They’re WFPB, oil-free, refined sugar-free, and ready in just 30 minutes—perfect for weeknights, picnics, or impressing even the biggest BBQ skeptics.

Craving BBQ but don’t want the heavy, greasy aftermath? These BBQ Jackfruit Sandwiches are the plant-based secret you’ll wish you’d discovered sooner. In just 30 minutes, you’ll have a smoky, saucy masterpiece piled high with juicy pulled jackfruit and my tangy, crunchy, creamy vegan coleslaw.

If you’ve never cooked with jackfruit, prepare to be amazed—it shreds just like pulled pork, soaks up all the BBQ flavor, and delivers a satisfying bite without any of the cholesterol or heaviness. The best part? Even die-hard BBQ lovers won’t believe this is vegan.

Whether you’re feeding a crowd at a summer cookout, meal prepping for the week, or just looking for a weeknight dinner that feels like a treat, this recipe hits every mark: quick, healthy, and ridiculously good.

🚫WHAT ALLERGENS/INGREDIENTS IS THIS RECIPE FREE FROM?

This recipe is naturally free from common allergens and perfect for many dietary lifestyles:

  • Dairy-Free
  • Egg-Free
  • Nut-Free
  • Gluten-Free (if served in GF buns or lettuce wraps)
  • Refined Sugar-Free
  • Oil-Free
  • Soy-Free

🌱WHY THIS RECIPE WORKS AND WHY IS IT GOOD FOR YOU

Jackfruit is high in fiber and low in fat—perfect for plant-based eaters looking to enjoy hearty, meat-like textures without the heaviness.

Using a sugar-free, oil-free BBQ sauce keeps this recipe light but flavor-packed. The coleslaw adds crunch, tang, and extra veggies, turning a classic BBQ sandwich into a full-on nutrient bomb.

It’s satisfying, balanced, and made from simple ingredients. And let’s be honest… It just looks really cool when you serve it.

🍽 HOW TO PREPARE THESE BBQ JACKFRUIT SANDWICHES

📌(Please read the printable recipe card below for detailed ingredients, measurements, steps, and notes)

This one’s easy—shred your jackfruit, sauté it with onion, garlic, and spices, stir in your favorite WFPB BBQ sauce, and let it simmer. Prepare my creamy vegan coleslaw and assemble your sandwiches. It’s weeknight-friendly and beginner-approved!

Let’s explore the kitchen tools, required ingredients, and steps, accompanied by helpful pictures if needed.

🥣USEFUL KITCHEN EQUIPMENT

Discover all the essential tools and ingredient staples for my plant-based kitchen on my Amazon Storefront.

To make this recipe, you’ll need:

Now, let’s review the list of ingredients and potential substitutions, where applicable.

📝INGREDIENTS NOTES

Here is a list of everything you will need to prepare this recipe:

  • 2 cans (14 oz / 400 g each) young green jackfruit (in water or brine) – Shreds beautifully to mimic pulled meat.
  • Onion & garlic – Build the savory base.
  • Vegetable broth – Used instead of oil for sautéing.
  • Smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder – adds that signature BBQ depth.
  • WFPB BBQ sauce – Go for your favorite oil-free, sugar-free brand.
  • Creamy vegan coleslaw – Adds crunch, tang, and freshness.
  • Whole grain buns, lettuce, or pita – for the sandwiches.

👩‍🍳DIRECTIONS

Prepare The Jackfruit
Drain, rinse, and shred the jackfruit using your hands or a fork. Remove any tough core pieces or seeds.

Sauté The Aromatics
In a nonstick skillet, sauté the onion and garlic with a few tablespoons of broth over medium heat until soft and fragrant, about 5–6 minutes.

Spice It Up
Add shredded jackfruit and your spice blend (paprika, cumin, garlic powder). Stir well and let cook for 8–10 minutes until slightly browned.

Add BBQ Sauce
Stir in the BBQ sauce and mix until fully coated. Simmer on low for 5–10 more minutes, adding broth if needed to prevent sticking.

Assemble & Serve
Load jackfruit onto your bun or wrap, top with the prepared coleslaw, and any extras like avocado, pickles, or hot sauce. Enjoy warm!

💡RECIPE TIPS & VARIATIONS

Want it crispy? After simmering, spread jackfruit on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10–15 minutes until the edges brown.

Need gluten-free? Serve in lettuce wraps or certified gluten-free buns.

Boost the protein by adding black beans, lentils, tofu, or tempeh crumbles.

Add heat with hot sauce or pickled jalapeños.

Meal prep tip: Store jackfruit and coleslaw separately in the fridge for up to 5 days.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs)

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Jackfruit reheats beautifully. Just store the coleslaw and jackfruit separately to keep the slaw crisp.

How do I store leftovers?
Refrigerate in airtight containers. The jackfruit will keep for 4–5 days, and the slaw for 2–3.

Can I freeze this recipe?
You can freeze the cooked jackfruit (without slaw) for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge and reheat on the stove.

What Can I Serve with This?
Try roasted sweet potatoes, corn on the cob, a green salad, or baked potato wedges.

MORE DELICIOUS SANDWICH IDEAS TO TRY!



📽️WATCH THE STEP-BY-STEP VIDEO!

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🖨️PRINTABLE RECIPE CARD

Easy BBQ JACKFRUIT SANDWICHES Recipe – No Oil, WFPB

Smoky, saucy, and ready in 30 minutes—these BBQ Jackfruit Sandwiches are topped with tangy creamy vegan coleslaw, 100% whole food plant-based, oil-free, and refined sugar-free. Even BBQ lovers won’t believe they’re vegan!
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course, Sandwich
Cuisine American
Servings 4 to 6 servings

Equipment

  • 1 Non stick or ceramic skillet
  • 2 mixing bowls

Ingredients
  

BBQ Jackfruit

  • 2 cans jackfruit (14 oz / 400 g each young green jackfruit in water or brine)
  • 1 onion (small, sliced)
  • 2 garlic cloves (minced)
  • ¼ cup vegetable broth (60 ml low-sodium)
  • ½ tsp smoked paprika
  • ½ tsp cumin
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • ¾ cup BBQ sauce (180 ml oil-free, sugar-free)

To serve

  • Creamy vegan coleslaw
  • Whole grain buns or wraps
  • Optional: pickled red onion, avocado slices, mustard, or dill pickle slices.

Instructions
 

  • Prepare the Jackfruit – Drain, rinse, and shred the jackfruit using your hands or a fork. Remove any tough core pieces or seeds.
  • Sauté The Aromatics – In a nonstick skillet, sauté the onion and garlic with a few tablespoons of broth over medium heat until soft and fragrant, about 5–6 minutes.
  • Spice It Up – Add shredded jackfruit and your spice blend (paprika, cumin, garlic powder). Stir well and let cook for 8–10 minutes until slightly browned.
  • Add BBQ Sauce – Stir in the BBQ sauce and mix until fully coated. Simmer on low for 5–10 more minutes, adding broth if needed to prevent sticking.
  • Prepare the coleslaw.
  • Assemble & Serve – Load jackfruit onto your bun or wrap, top with the prepared coleslaw, and enjoy warm.

Notes

  • Want crispy jackfruit? After simmering, spread jackfruit on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10–15 minutes until the edges brown.
  • Bun tip: Choose 100% whole grain buns without added oil or sugar. You can also use romaine, butter lettuce, or collard greens for a lighter option.
  • Storage: Store leftover jackfruit and coleslaw separately in airtight containers in the fridge. Jackfruit keeps for up to 5 days; slaw for 2–3 days.
  • Freezing: Cooked jackfruit (without slaw) can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge and reheat in a skillet or microwave.

DID YOU MAKE THESE BBQ JACKFRUIT SANDWICHES?

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