Vegan BBQ - Pulled Pork

My dad LOVES and I mean LOVES BBQ. I remember one of his favorites being pulled pork, smoked for hours until it falls apart. He loves the roadside stands wgith a smoker and a scent that will make you stop. Well dad and all other fellow BBQ lovers I have you covered with a satisfying vegan alternative!
 
The best part is Babe, Wilbur and little Miss Piggy are all spared! This pulled "pork" is made not form a pig but from JACKFRUIT! Say what? That's right, Jackfruit! It doesn't look like much at first, but have faith; it cooks into the most mouth watering meal. It's almost too good to be true
 
Jackfruit is a very large fruit mainly grown in tropical climates. I updated the pictures with a jackfruit tree we saw in Southern Mexico. I was so excited to see it at our hotel! Jackfruit is loaded with potassium, vitamin C, fiber, dietary fiber and fats and so much more. 

Unless you live in a tropical environment and have some growing, how will you get some? I got mine at a local Asian market in CA and bought a can. I recommend a can for less processing. In some parts of the world you may have to order it if you don't have an Asian market or local supply. 

Open the can, drain and rinse very well. I even soaked in water for a little bit to ensure to get rid of as much vinegar taste as possible. Once done cut the center piece, kind of like you would a pineapple!

Take the jackfruit and cover in dry rub. I mixed the spices together in a small bowl and then sprinkled to cover the jackfruit. Cook for about 5 minutes or so until it becomes tender.

 Add your favorite BBQ sauce and let it simmer for 30-60 minutes.

It will start to evolve into something that looks very much like pulled pork! I was so excited I called my dad! I wouldn't tell him what I was making lol but ended up chatting on the phone while it cooked nice and slow. It will start to evolve into something that looks very much like pulled pork! I was so excited I called my dad! I wouldn't tell him what I was making lol but ended up chatting on the phone while it cooked nice and slow.

Place the "pork" a baking sheet and bake at 400 degrees for 15 minutes to gain a more meat like texture.​

After about 15 minutes it will look something like this.

Serve on your favorite bun. In this case I served with a fresh red bell pepper and avocado. Delicious!!! No extra seasoning or sauce required. Heck yah it's Vegan!

Want to make some? Here is how!

Ingredients:

• 2 cans jackfruit in brine, drained and rinsed well with solid center pieces removed.
• 1 red onion, minced
• 5 garlic cloves, minced
• Hamburger buns - or fresh veggies! (I used: 1 bell / 1 avocado)

Dry Rub:

• 1/2 tsp + spicy red pepper flakes (I like it spicy - I used about 1 tsp)
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• dash of salt
• dash of garlic powder

Sauce:

• Favorite BBQ Sauce
• Dash of Maple Syrup

 Directions:

1. Mix together dry rub ingredients and toss over pre-rinsed and drained jackfruit. Place in medium pot over medium heat and cook for about 5 minutes, until it starts to become tender.
2. Pour sauce over jackfruit and simmer.
3. Meanwhile, sauté the onion and garlic until caramelized. Add to jackfruit mixture and continue to simmer for 30-60 minutes.
4. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Line a cooking sheet with parchment paper and spray with a nonstick spray.
5. Place simmered "pork" onto prepared cooking sheet and bake for 10-15 minutes. It will help create a more firm and chewy texture.
6. Load up your favorite bun or serve with fresh veggies and dig in!

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Tip: Ensure Hamburger Buns and BBQ Sauce are Gluten-Free if allergic to gluten.

I am so thankful for good food and to be able to share it with all of you! Enjoy!
Artistic Vegan