Vegan "Pulled Pork" Sandwiches

Pulled pork....vegan....is it really possible? Oh it sure is! This recipe will definitely satisfy you with the crazy similar textures and flavours to the real meaty thing. Who knew that a fruit could be turned into something so similar as pulled pork?

The "pork" of this recipe is jackfruit. The fresh fruit is not available where we live in Canada, but very popular in tropical areas. However, we have the canned versions available, which works perfect for this recipe! So thankfully you do not have to worry about going to find a big jackfruit in your grocery store. Canned jackfruit is usually found in the asian food isle with other canned items, and if we have it in a small city in Canada, I'm sure you have it too. For this recipe, you are looking for canned jackfruit in BRINE OR WATER, not syrup. The syrup is a sweeter version of jackfruit that is supposed to be for desserts and will not work for this recipe.

We served the pulled pork on sandwiches with a fresh, crispy coleslaw and soft ciabatta buns from Costco. It was as if I could remember my childhood of eating these sandwiches camping or at a family barbecue, but only way healthier and animal-friendly. Take this pulled pork to a potluck or family BBQ of your own and try and trick them with your vegan recipes. I promise you WILL NOT be disappointed by these delicious sandwiches and will have your non-vegan friends and family coming back for seconds...or thirds.

Vegan "Pulled Pork" Sandwiches (4-6 servings)

Ingredients:

Jackfruit "Pulled Pork"

-2 cans of jackfruit (in water or brine)

-1tsp paprika

-1tsp cumin

-1tsp garlic powder

-3/4 cup vegan BBQ sauce

Coleslaw

-1 package of coleslaw cabbage mix

-3/4 cup vegan mayo

-1 lime (juiced)

-2 garlic cloves (minced)

-1 tbsp agave (or honey, maple syrup)

-1 tbsp hot sauce

-salt and pepper to taste

-Ciabatta buns (6 buns)

Directions:

1. Make the coleslaw beforehand and store it in the fridge while you cook the jackfruit. In a large bowl, combine the dressing ingredients and whisk it together, then add the coleslaw mix and toss it with the dressing.

2. Drain the jackfruit and rinse it with cold water.

3. Chop up the jackfruit pieces into smaller chunks, making sure you cut off the harder core (you want the softer part that shreds with your hands). YES you can eat the big seeds of the jackfruit as well.

4. Heat up a large pan with olive oil on medium heat.

5. Add the jackfruit to the pan. Add the paprika, cumin and garlic powder. Stir it gently to coat the jackfruit.

6. Cook the jackfruit in the spices for 5-6 minutes on medium for the jackfruit to absorb all the flavours. As it is cooking, begin breaking apart the jackfruit pieces with a fork or spatula to get it to shred like pulled pork.

7. Add in the bbq sauce to the jackfruit and stir it gently to coat.

8. Cook the jackfruit in the BBQ sauce for 3-4 minutes until it is thickened and saucy.

9. To serve, toast your ciabatta buns and top it with the jackfruit "pulled pork" and coleslaw. ENJOY!