Jackfruit Pulled "Pork" Recipe
Jackfruit Barbecue Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- cup chopped Vidalia onion
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 pounds young green jackfruit packed in water, drained
- 2 cups barbecue sauce, or more to taste
Directions
Step 1: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Saut for about 3 minutes, or until softened.
Step 2: Add the jackfruit to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the jackfruit is lightly browned and most of the moisture has evaporated, about 10 minutes.
Step 3: Transfer the jackfruit mixture to a slow cooker. Pour the barbecue sauce over the top, ensuring that the jackfruit is well-coated.
Step 4: Cover the slow cooker and cook on Low heat for about 6 hours. Stir occasionally. The jackfruit is ready when it easily shreds with a fork.
Recipe Tips
- For best flavor, use jackfruit packed in water. Avoid the ripe kind packed in syrup as it won't absorb flavors well.
- If using frozen jackfruit, be sure to defrost it first. Rinse to remove seeds and pods, and squeeze out excess water.
- For a stronger flavor, you can marinate the jackfruit in barbecue sauce or a dry rub before cooking, especially if you're using brined jackfruit.
- If you don't have a slow cooker, you can cook the jackfruit in a skillet (preferably cast iron) for about 2 hours until it shreds easily.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
| Nutrition Facts | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 207 |
| Total Fat | 8g |
| Saturated Fat | 1g |
| Sodium | 1040mg |
| Total Carbohydrate | 32g |
| Dietary Fiber | 3g |
| Total Sugars | 17g |
| Protein | 0g |
| Vitamin C | 1mg |
| Calcium | 11mg |
| Iron | 0mg |
| Potassium | 141mg |
Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may vary depending on your calorie needs. Nutrient information may not be available for all ingredients, and amounts are based on available data.
If following a medically restricted diet, consult with your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe.
Comments
Jim Dennis
10/06/2025 01:52:54 PM
I made this using the recommended slow cooker method and it turned out really good. If made right, this can even make non-vegetarians wonder if it’s really pork or not. I used the 2 of the Trader Joe’s canned jackfruit in brine and a bottle of TJs Kansas City bbq sauce. An important thing to stress when using the canned jackfruit is that you dry it out as much as possible before cooking. I rinsed and drained it, then let it sit for a few hours to let the excess drain off before putting it in the fridge overnight to let it dry further. Then before cooking squeeze any more water out of it with your hands. I didn’t dry rub it, but I added a couple of tablespoons of smoked paprika while I cooked on the stovetop, which gives it a nice flavor. Definitely add some water if you have thick bbq sauce in the slow cooker. Finally, after it has cooked use a fork to break the jackfruit apart before eating, since the chunks aren’t as tasty.
Carolyn White
08/17/2018 07:24:24 PM
Made it for lunch — perfection.
HappyFarro1632
06/08/2025 05:12:46 PM
So, eating it right out of the pot was okay. We prepared it in the morning and had some for dinner. It wasn't until after leaving it on warm over night that it became our favorite. Now I don't know if leaving it overnight in the fridge would do the same thing, but leaving it in the crock pot on warm over night made it unbelievably tasty!
Yvonne M Feltman
06/03/2018 03:39:27 PM
Very good recipe. My meat-eating friend really liked it as did I. Easy and flavorful. I bought a can of Jackfruit at Trader Joes and it was enough for two people, so I cut this recipe down to match that. I never had Jackfruit ever before. I will be making this again soon. Thank you!
Yummy
08/25/2022 10:23:55 PM
Fantastic! Easy to make and it even looks like real pulled pork. I used an electric skillet with a lid to slow cook it. My vegetarian family Loved . Definitely a keeper
Pirouette
10/07/2020 02:33:46 AM
Yumlicious!! Thanks to the BBQ sauce, it comes out flavorful. Very filling, just not fatty. I served it with chick peas, cole slaw and dill pickles. Maybe next time I might make a burrito with raisins, shredded cheddar, lettuce and avocado.
mommydog
08/03/2020 05:52:01 PM
Used fresh young jackfruit and the seeds.
Baseball Cat
03/26/2019 03:53:34 AM
I made this with another recipe on here for bourbon barbecue sauce, my grandma and I both loved it and the rest of my family said it tasted great but they had some issues with the texture. Overall though I give it five stars and they all would give it 3-4 stars. Great recipe and a very creative use of jackfruit thank you for posting!
Colin McRoberts
08/12/2018 12:30:23 PM
It was good, but you’re not fooling anyone. Really didn’t taste like pork. More like barbecued pineapples.
Buckwheat Queen
05/06/2018 05:41:07 PM
Five gold stars! Cooking jackfruit like this really makes you forget it’s not meat. It tastes like lean pork. The only thing missing is the fat! Like the other reviewers, I suggest adding a bit of water especially if your sauce is thick. And, an excellent sauce is crucial. Thank you for the recipe.
Karma
08/04/2017 01:10:42 PM
I bought the prepackaged organic Jackfruit and followed the recipe on the back for the BBQ sandwich and it was amazing!!!! My husband said it was as good as the real deal!!!! Will be making this again!!!!!
fluteman
07/14/2017 09:44:02 PM
We really liked it but for my taste I would use less BBQ sauce (I used a whole bottle) add some water and reduce the cooking time. The jack fruit wasn't as meaty as I thought it would be. All in all very good and I'll be definitely making it again.
Bethalex
05/14/2017 02:20:44 PM
Jackfruit is very versatile and this recipe is awesome. Your bbq sauce will make or break the recipe, so use a good one! Served with cole slaw this makes a vegetarian dream sandwich and meat eaters will love it too!!