Looking for a fun, tasty meal that’s perfect for sharing, parties, or even a simple weeknight dinner?
These BBQ Pulled Jackfruit Sliders with Tangy Slaw are sure to be a hit.
They’re plant-based, full of smoky flavor, and topped with a crunchy, creamy slaw that brings it all together.
Whether you’re feeding meat-eaters, vegetarians, or anyone in between—these sliders are so good, no one will miss the meat.
Let’s get into how to make these delicious mini sandwiches from start to finish.
Why You’ll Love These Jackfruit Sliders
- Packed with BBQ flavor without any meat
- Great for parties, potlucks, or meal prep
- Easy to make with simple ingredients
- Fun to eat and perfect for all ages
- Totally plant-based and can be made gluten-free
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need to build the perfect pulled jackfruit sliders:
For the BBQ Pulled Jackfruit:
- Canned young green jackfruit in brine or water – Make sure it’s not the sweet one in syrup
- BBQ sauce – Your favorite store-bought or homemade version
- Olive oil – For sautéing
- Onion and garlic – Adds flavor and depth
- Paprika, cumin, black pepper – To boost that smoky flavor
- Water or vegetable broth – Helps keep the jackfruit moist while cooking
For the Tangy Slaw:
- Shredded cabbage and carrots – You can buy a mix or shred your own
- Vinegar (apple cider or white) – Adds the tang
- Vegan mayo (or regular mayo) – Makes the slaw creamy
- Maple syrup or sugar – For a little sweetness
- Salt and pepper – To taste
For Serving:
- Slider buns or mini sandwich rolls
- Pickles, avocado slices, or jalapeños (optional) – For extra flavor and texture
How to Make BBQ Pulled Jackfruit Sliders
- Prepare the Jackfruit:
Drain and rinse the jackfruit. Cut off the hard core pieces and remove any seeds if needed.
Use your hands or forks to shred the jackfruit into pieces—it should look like pulled meat.
- Cook the Jackfruit:
In a pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and garlic. Cook for 2–3 minutes until soft.
Add jackfruit, paprika, cumin, black pepper, and a splash of broth or water. Stir well.
Cover and simmer for about 10–15 minutes, stirring now and then.
Add BBQ sauce and cook uncovered for another 5–10 minutes until thick and sticky.
Use a spoon or spatula to mash and pull the jackfruit as it softens.
- Make the Tangy Slaw:
In a bowl, mix shredded cabbage and carrots.
In a small bowl, mix mayo, vinegar, syrup (or sugar), salt, and pepper.
Pour the dressing over the veggies and toss to coat. Chill in the fridge while the jackfruit finishes.
- Assemble the Sliders:
Lightly toast your slider buns if you like.
Spoon a generous portion of pulled jackfruit onto the bottom half of each bun.
Top with a big spoon of tangy slaw.
Add pickles, jalapeños, or avocado slices if you want.
Place the top bun and press gently.
Easy Variations to Try
Want to mix things up? Here are some fun ideas:
- Spicy version: Add hot sauce or chili flakes to the BBQ sauce
- Sweet and smoky: Use a honey BBQ sauce or add pineapple chunks
- Crunchy finish: Sprinkle crispy onions or crushed tortilla chips on top
- Gluten-free: Use gluten-free buns and check your BBQ sauce label
- Low-carb option: Serve in lettuce cups instead of buns
What to Serve with Jackfruit Sliders
These sliders are tasty on their own, but here are a few sides that pair well:
- Sweet potato fries or roasted potato wedges
- Coleslaw or cucumber salad
- Baked beans or corn on the cob
- Pickles and chips for extra crunch
- Lemon iced tea or sparkling water with lime
Storage, Meal Prep, and Leftovers
Storage:
Keep leftover jackfruit and slaw in separate airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheating:
Warm the jackfruit in a skillet or microwave with a splash of water if needed. Assemble sliders just before eating.
Meal Prep Tips:
Cook the jackfruit and prep the slaw ahead of time. Toast buns when ready to serve. You can also double the recipe for parties.
Recipe FAQ’s
Can I freeze the jackfruit?
Yes! Let it cool completely, then freeze in a sealed container. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Where can I find canned jackfruit?
Most grocery stores carry it in the international or canned goods aisle. Look for “young green jackfruit in brine” or “in water.”
Can I use homemade BBQ sauce?
Absolutely! Use any BBQ sauce you love—smoky, sweet, spicy, or tangy.
BBQ Pulled Jackfruit Sliders with Tangy Slaw
Ingredients
For the BBQ Jackfruit:
- 2 cans (14 oz) young green jackfruit in brine or water, drained and rinsed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup vegetable broth or water
- ¾ cup BBQ sauce (your favorite variety)
For the Tangy Slaw:
- 2 cups shredded cabbage and carrots (coleslaw mix)
- 2 tablespoons vegan mayo (or regular mayo)
- 1 tablespoon vinegar (apple cider or white)
- 1 teaspoon maple syrup or sugar
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For Serving:
- 6 slider buns
- Optional toppings: pickles, avocado slices, jalapeños
Instructions
- Prep the Jackfruit:Drain and rinse the jackfruit. Remove seeds and tough core parts. Shred into pieces with hands or forks.
- Cook the Jackfruit:Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add onion and garlic; cook until soft (2–3 minutes).Add shredded jackfruit, paprika, cumin, black pepper, and broth. Stir well. Cover and simmer for 10–15 minutes.Stir in BBQ sauce and cook uncovered for another 5–10 minutes until thickened and saucy.
- Make the Slaw:In a bowl, mix cabbage and carrots. In another bowl, combine mayo, vinegar, maple syrup, salt, and pepper.Pour dressing over slaw and toss to coat. Chill until ready to use.
- Assemble the Sliders:Toast buns lightly (optional). Spoon BBQ jackfruit onto the bottom halves, top with slaw, and finish with the top buns.Add extras like pickles or avocado if desired.
- Serve and Enjoy:Serve immediately while warm, or pack for lunches and snacks. These sliders are just as tasty the next day!
