BBQ Pulled Jackfruit gets a tropical twist! Jackfruit pulled “pork” with sweet mango is an easy vegan dinner. Lime jalapeño coleslaw adds crunch.

Mango BBQ Pulled Jackfruit
Native to India, Thailand and Bangladesh, jackfruit is the largest tree-born fruit in the world. It weighs over 100 pounds! Because it can be canned and fork-shredded, vegans & vegetarians around the world got stoked about the reality of BBQ jackfruit pulled “pork”.
My friends kept raving about jackfruit. But, I have to be honest. I tried it about 5 times and was always disappointed. The texture is like shredded meat. But, the flavor is sweet, like a fruit. I was born in the south where pulled pork is sacred and savory.
I mentally filed jackfruit away as “all hype, no yum”… UNTIL…
A-HA! I just knew that the tropical flavor of mango bbq would play perfectly to jackfruits strengths. Magic! Angels sang! Tastebuds cheered!

Jackfruit & Coleslaw Ingredient Substitutions
- Canned green (young) jackfruit may be found in: the Asian section of your grocery store, natural grocer / health food stores, and Asian grocers.
- Fresh, frozen or canned mango should work equally well.
- I shredded half of a small, purple cabbage. However, bagged & pre-shredded cabbage (of any color) saves a couple of minutes.
- I used canned jalapeño, but fresh will work equally well. The jalapeño lose almost all of their heat as they marinate in the fridge. If you want a spicy slaw, add extra jalapeño to your sandwich.
- Gluten-free buns/rolls may, of course, be substituted as needed.

Let’s Cook BBQ Jackfruit Pulled Pork!
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Boil the drained jackfruit for 5 minutes Drain water. Shred with forks. Add bbq sauce, liquid smoke & mango BBQ Pulled Jackfruit Pork

Lime Jalapeno Coleslaw
Combine shredded purple cabbage and the coleslaw ingredients. Toss well. Refrigerate for 30 minutes while you make the jackfruit.

Hungry for more plant-based versions of meat favorites?
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Mango BBQ Pulled Jackfruit & Lime Jalapeno Slaw
- Prep Time: 5
- Cook Time: 25
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Description
BBQ Pulled Jackfruit gets a tropical twist! Jackfruit pulled “pork” with sweet mango is an easy vegan dinner. Lime jalapeño coleslaw adds crunch.
Ingredients
BBQ Pulled Jackfruit
- 1 can green jackfruit, drained & rinsed
- 1 cup organic bbq sauce
- 1 Tbsp vegan Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 cup mango
- 3 drops liquid smoke
- 4 whole wheat hamburger buns
Lime Jalapeno Coleslaw
- 3 cups purple cabbage, shredded
- 1/3 cup lime juice
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 Tbsp jalapeno, minced (or more, to taste)
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1/4 tsp salt
Instructions
- Combine coleslaw ingredients in a bowl. Toss well to coat.
- In a small pot, bring 2 cups of water to a boil. Add the drained, rinsed jackfruit. Boil for 5 minutes.
- Drain the water. Using 2 forks, shred the jackfruit in the pot.
- Add BBQ sauce, vegan Worcestershire sauce, mango and liquid smoke.
- Return heat to medium. Simmer, stirring occasionally, for 8-10 minutes, or until sauce has thickened.
- Divide BBQ pulled jackfruit between the 4 buns. Top with coleslaw.
Notes
This recipe is vegan. However, please check the label on your BBQ sauce. For gluten-free, substitute whole wheat buns for GF buns, bread or rolls of choice. Store leftovers in an air-tight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. BBQ Pulled Jackfruit is easily doubled or tripled.
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: bbq jackfruit, bbq pulled jackfruit
How fun! I’ve seen canned jackfruit at Trader Joe’s as well – not sure if it’s young though. And with all the right flavors (especially that cabbage), I can only imagine this is delectable!!
★★★★★
Canned jackfruit at TJ’s is exactly right for this dish. 🙂 It is super tasty and easy!
It looks and tastes like meat! I can’t believe it!
★★★★★
It’s true!!! I know, it boggles the mind! LOL
Looks so amazing and the flavors are awesome.
★★★★★
I grew up eating jackfruit so this is totally right up my alley. I totally love the spicy kick from the jalapeno coleslaw! YUM!
★★★★★
That’s so great to hear! What are your favorite ways to prepare jackfruit? 🙂