I didn't intend on becoming a vegetarian, but it's happening.
On my mission to find delicious vegetarian recipes, I came across an awesome vegan pulled pork recipe that uses jackfruit instead of pork as the filling: https://www.buzzfeed.com/vaughnvreeland/vegans-can-still-enjoy-barbecue-with-this-pulled-pork?utm_term=.wu60VyraWm#.tu60lK1bYk
I hadn't even heard of jackfruit before, but I was down to try it if it could cure a pork craving. The above recipe uses fresh jackfruit, but I used canned young green jackfruit in water since it was easier.
What you’ll need:
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 cups jackfruit, canned
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon pepper
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon vegan Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon liquid smoke
• 2 cups vegetable stock
• ½ cup vegan barbecue sauce
• 6 buns
• Coleslaw
How to cook it:
- Preheat your oven to 350ºF/180ºC.
- Rinse the canned jackfruit thoroughly.
- Heat the oil over medium heat in a large pan or Dutch oven.
- Add the onions and garlic, and cook until translucent.
- Add the jackfruit, spices, Worcestershire, and liquid smoke. Stir to coat evenly.
- Add the vegetable stock and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 45 minutes, until the liquid is mostly absorbed and the fruit has broken down.
- Spread the jackfruit on a prepared baking sheet and bake at 350ºF/180ºC for 45 minutes, until the liquid has baked out and the jackfruit has a deeper brown color.
- Pour the barbecue sauce over the jackfruit, mix, and return to the oven for 15 minutes.
- Serve warm on vegan buns with vegan coleslaw.
And there you have it--a delicious vegan pulled pork sandwich that will even be enjoyed by seasoned meat-eaters.
Enjoy!