Introduction
Craving a delicious and satisfying vegan burger that’s packed with flavor? Look no further! This BBQ pulled jackfruit burger with creamy slaw is the ultimate plant-based comfort food. It’s smoky, sweet, tangy, and creamy – a perfect combination of textures and tastes that will impress even the most dedicated meat-eaters. Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to make! We’ll walk you through each step, ensuring you create a restaurant-quality vegan masterpiece in your own kitchen.
BBQ Pulled Jackfruit Burger: A Step-by-Step Guide
What You’ll Need: Ingredients
- For the Pulled Jackfruit:
- 2 cans (20 oz each) young green jackfruit in water or brine, drained and rinsed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup BBQ sauce (choose your favorite vegan-friendly brand)
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (optional, for added heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- For the Creamy Slaw:
- 4 cups shredded cabbage (green or red, or a mix)
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1/4 cup vegan mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sugar (or maple syrup)
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
- For the Burger Assembly:
- Burger buns (vegan-friendly)
- Optional toppings: lettuce, tomato, pickles, avocado
Making the BBQ Pulled Jackfruit
- Prepare the Jackfruit: Drain and rinse the jackfruit thoroughly. Use your hands or a fork to shred the jackfruit into smaller, “pulled” pieces. Remove and discard any hard core pieces.
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add Jackfruit and Spices: Add the shredded jackfruit to the skillet. Stir in the smoked paprika, cumin, and chili powder (if using). Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the spices to coat the jackfruit.
- Simmer in BBQ Sauce: Pour in the BBQ sauce and stir to combine. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for at least 20 minutes, or up to an hour. The longer it simmers, the more tender and flavorful the jackfruit will become. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Shred and Thicken: Use two forks to further shred the jackfruit while it’s simmering in the sauce. Continue cooking uncovered for the last 5-10 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken and reduce slightly.
- Taste and Adjust: Taste the BBQ pulled jackfruit and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to your liking. Add more BBQ sauce or spices as needed.
Crafting the Creamy Slaw
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the shredded cabbage and carrots.
- Make the Dressing: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the vegan mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sugar (or maple syrup), and Dijon mustard.
- Dress the Slaw: Pour the dressing over the cabbage and carrots and toss to coat evenly.
- Chill and Serve: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the slaw for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. This also helps soften the cabbage slightly. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper before serving.
Assembling Your Vegan BBQ Burger
- Toast the Buns: Lightly toast your burger buns for added texture.
- Layer the Ingredients: Spread a generous amount of creamy slaw on the bottom bun. Top with a heaping portion of BBQ pulled jackfruit.
- Add Optional Toppings: Add any additional toppings you desire, such as lettuce, tomato, pickles, or avocado.
- Top and Serve: Place the top bun on the burger and serve immediately.
Tips and Variations for the Best Vegan Burger
- Choose the Right Jackfruit: It’s crucial to use young green jackfruit in water or brine, *not* ripe jackfruit in syrup. Ripe jackfruit is sweet and will not work in this savory recipe.
- Spice it Up: Adjust the amount of chili powder in the jackfruit to control the level of heat. You can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper for an extra kick.
- Customize the Slaw: Experiment with different vegetables in the slaw, such as shredded broccoli stalks, bell peppers, or radishes. For a lighter slaw, use a vegan yogurt-based dressing instead of mayonnaise.
- Bun Alternatives: If you’re gluten-free, use gluten-free burger buns or serve the BBQ pulled jackfruit and slaw over a bed of greens or in lettuce wraps.
- Make it Ahead: The BBQ pulled jackfruit and creamy slaw can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This makes it a great option for meal prepping or quick weeknight dinners.
Conclusion
This BBQ pulled jackfruit vegan burger with creamy slaw is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It’s a delicious, satisfying, and surprisingly easy way to enjoy a plant-based meal. With its smoky, sweet, and tangy flavors, this burger is sure to become a new favorite. So, fire up the grill (or your stovetop), gather your ingredients, and get ready to enjoy the ultimate vegan burger experience!
