Easy BBQ Jackfruit Sliders

Name: Easy BBQ Jackfruit Sliders
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 can of young green jackfruit, drained and rinsed; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 small onion, finely chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1 teaspoon chili powder; 1 cup BBQ sauce; 4 slider buns; Pickles and coleslaw for serving (optional)

Highlighted under: Quick & Easy

I absolutely love making Easy BBQ Jackfruit Sliders for gatherings because they are always a crowd-pleaser! The jackfruit mimics the texture of pulled pork and absorbs all the delicious barbecue sauce flavors. Not only is this recipe plant-based, but it also comes together in no time. It's a perfect option for anyone looking to enjoy hearty and satisfying sliders without the meat. The blend of spices and tangy BBQ sauce creates a mouthwatering experience that everyone will enjoy!

Created by

Delilah Spencer

Last updated on 2026-01-13T04:22:17.045Z

When I first discovered jackfruit, I couldn't believe how versatile it was! The first time I made these sliders, I was pleasantly surprised at how closely jackfruit resembles pulled meat, absorbing the tangy BBQ sauce wonderfully. The trick is to cook it low and slow to fully infuse the flavors, which elevates the dish significantly.

After trying different cooking methods, I found that sautéing the jackfruit with onion and spices before adding the BBQ sauce gives it an incredible depth of flavor. The result is a savory slider that’s perfectly satisfying without being overly heavy—ideal for any occasion!

        Why You Will Love This Recipe
        Deliciously smoky flavor from the BBQ sauce
Jackfruit's unique texture mimics pulled pork perfectly
Quick to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights or gatherings

      

Understanding Jackfruit

Jackfruit is a remarkable ingredient that shines in this recipe, offering a unique texture reminiscent of pulled pork. When choosing jackfruit, opt for young green jackfruit packed in water or brine, as it has the ideal firmness for shredding. This type of jackfruit will absorb the spices and BBQ sauce beautifully, enhancing the dish's overall flavor profile. If fresh jackfruit is available, that's a fantastic choice as well, but ensure it's young to achieve the desired texture.

One tip I’ve discovered is to allow the jackfruit to marinate in the BBQ sauce for an hour before cooking. This extra step can deepen the flavor and make the final result even more tasty. Although jackfruit is a low-calorie ingredient, its fibrous structure makes it filling, providing the satisfaction of a hearty meal without the meat.

Tips for Customizing Your Sliders

These BBQ Jackfruit Sliders are remarkably versatile, allowing you to customize them according to your taste preference. For a spicier kick, consider adding cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes while cooking the jackfruit. Alternatively, if you prefer a sweeter barbecue sauce, you can mix in a teaspoon of maple syrup or brown sugar to enhance the richness of the sauce. Feel free to experiment with additional spices like cumin or onion powder for extra depth.

For an added crunch and freshness, top your sliders with different ingredients. Instead of coleslaw, you could use shredded carrots, sliced jalapeños, or even avocado. Pairing the sliders with sweet potato fries or a side salad can elevate the meal while keeping it plant-based. These simple enhancements ensure each gathering can have its own unique twist.

Make-Ahead and Storage Solutions

If you’re planning for a gathering, you can prepare the jackfruit mixture ahead of time. After simmering the jackfruit with the BBQ sauce, let it cool before storing it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Just reheat it in a skillet over medium heat until it's warmed through, about 5-7 minutes, making sure not to overcook it as jackfruit can become mushy.

For longer storage, consider freezing the cooked jackfruit. It freezes well for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and reheat on the stovetop. This is an excellent time-saving tactic for busy weekdays or spontaneous get-togethers. With some quick assembly, dinner is served!

Ingredients

For the Jackfruit Sliders

1 can of young green jackfruit, drained and rinsed
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 cup BBQ sauce
4 slider buns
Pickles and coleslaw for serving (optional)

Enjoy your sliders!

Instructions

Prepare the Jackfruit

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.

Cook the Jackfruit

Add the drained jackfruit to the skillet, breaking it apart with a fork. Sprinkle in the smoked paprika and chili powder, mixing everything together. Cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Add BBQ Sauce

Pour in the BBQ sauce and stir well to coat the jackfruit. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for another 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

Assemble the Sliders

Spoon the BBQ jackfruit onto the slider buns and top with pickles and coleslaw if desired. Serve warm and enjoy your delicious sliders!

Feel free to experiment with different BBQ sauces for a unique twist!

Pro Tips

You can prepare the jackfruit in advance and reheat it when ready to serve. For an extra kick, add some hot sauce to the BBQ mixture.

Serving Suggestions

While these sliders are delicious on their own, serving them with homemade or store-bought pickles enhances the flavor and adds a delightful crunch. Since these sliders are substantial, you can pair them with lighter sides, such as a crisp green salad or veggie platter, to balance the meal. Complementing your sliders with a refreshing beverage like iced tea or lemonade can also provide a nice counterpoint to the smoky flavors of the BBQ.

Consider making a slider bar for gatherings, where guests can customize their toppings. Set out various condiments like mustard, avocado, spicy aioli, and different kinds of slaw to add a fun, interactive element to your meal. This approach ensures that everyone can tailor their sliders to their liking, making your event even more enjoyable.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

One common issue when cooking jackfruit is ending up with a watery mixture. To avoid this, ensure you're using young green jackfruit packed in water and thoroughly draining it before cooking. If you find that there's excess liquid while simmering with the BBQ sauce, simply cook it a bit longer to allow the extra moisture to evaporate, resulting in a thicker consistency that's perfect for sliders.

If you're concerned about the jackfruit becoming too soft or mushy, monitor the cooking process closely. Stir occasionally and look for a tender but firm texture. Should you overcook it, you can still salvage the dish by mixing in additional BBQ sauce or crispy toppings like fried onions for some crunch. This will help balance the texture for a satisfying bite.

Scaling the Recipe

This recipe is easily scalable to accommodate larger crowds. Doubling or even tripling the amount of jackfruit and sauce is straightforward—just make sure your skillet is large enough to hold everything without overcrowding. You might also want to cook in batches to ensure even heat distribution, which will give you the best flavor and texture.

When scaling up, consider preparing extra slider buns to match the increased quantity of jackfruit. It's also helpful to have extra toppings and sauces on hand, allowing guests to personalize their sliders without running out. These practical switches mean you can cater to large groups with ease, ensuring everyone enjoys the meal.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use canned jackfruit that's not young green?

No, make sure to use young green jackfruit for the best texture and flavor in sliders.

→ How can I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet before serving.

→ Can these sliders be made gluten-free?

Yes, just use gluten-free slider buns to make them suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.

→ What can I serve with these sliders?

These sliders pair well with sweet potato fries, a fresh salad, or roasted vegetables.