Summer BBQ Goes Vegan: These Jackfruit Sliders Will Steal the Show

There’s something about BBQ season that brings everyone together. The smoky air, the clinking of drinks, the easy laughter around the table. But if you’re plant-based—or just trying to eat more whole foods—traditional BBQ can feel like a nutritional landmine.

Enter: jackfruit.

This tropical fruit has a tender, shreddable texture that mimics pulled pork without any of the saturated fat or hormones. It’s rich in fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants—and it soaks up BBQ sauce like a dream. When paired with a crisp slaw and pillowy slider buns, you’ve got a dish that satisfies on every level.

Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just want to prep a few sliders for yourself, this recipe is:

• 🌱 Vegan & dairy-free
• 🧠 Hormone- and gut-friendly
• 🔥 Grill-optional
• ⏱ Ready in under 30 minutes

So fire up your skillet (or grill, if you’re feeling it), and let’s make a summer classic you’ll feel good about.

🔪 Recipe: Vegan BBQ Jackfruit Sliders

Ingredients:

For the Jackfruit:

• 2 cans young green jackfruit in brine or water (not syrup), drained and rinsed
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• ½ yellow onion, thinly sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste
• ½ cup vegan BBQ sauce (more to taste)

For the Slaw:

• 1½ cups shredded cabbage (green, purple, or a mix)
• ½ cup shredded carrots
• 2 tbsp vegan mayo or plain coconut yogurt
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• ½ tsp maple syrup
• Salt and pepper to taste

To Serve:

• 6–8 small slider buns (gluten-free if desired)
• Optional: sliced pickles, jalapeños, or avocado

Instructions:

1. Prep the Jackfruit: After rinsing, cut off any tough core pieces from the jackfruit. Use your fingers or two forks to shred the fruit.
2. Cook: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and garlic; sauté until soft. Add shredded jackfruit, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Cook for 5–7 minutes until lightly browned.
3. BBQ It Up: Stir in BBQ sauce, reduce heat to low, and simmer for another 10 minutes until the jackfruit is tender and fully infused with flavor.
4. Make the Slaw: In a bowl, whisk together the mayo (or yogurt), vinegar, maple syrup, salt, and pepper. Toss with cabbage and carrots until well coated.
5. Assemble: Toast your buns if desired. Pile BBQ jackfruit onto the bottom bun, add a scoop of slaw, and top with pickles or avocado.
6. Serve: Enjoy warm! These can be made ahead and reheated for easy weeknight meals or packed lunches.

🔍 Nutrition Analysis (per slider):

Based on 1 of 8 sliders, includes bun and slaw

• Calories: 210
• Protein: 3g
• Carbohydrates: 32g
• Fiber: 4g
• Fat: 7g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 480mg

Let me know if you try these vegan BBQ jackfruit sliders and what you thought! Want help with meal planning? Check out my free guide now!