Savory Jackfruit Pulled Turkey Sliders Recipe BBQ Glaze

Introduction

The first time I tried jackfruit, I couldn’t believe how much it resembled pulled meat—it was a game changer. These savory jackfruit “pulled turkey” sliders with BBQ glaze are my go-to recipe when I want something hearty, flavorful, and perfect for sharing. The combination of smoky barbecue sauce with the tender jackfruit creates a dish that feels indulgent yet surprisingly wholesome. If you’re skeptical about jackfruit, trust me—this recipe will make you a believer.

I first whipped up these sliders for a backyard gathering, and they were an instant hit. Even my skeptical meat-loving friends couldn’t stop raving about them! It’s one of those recipes that’s perfect for casual dinners, parties, or even meal prep. Plus, it’s entirely plant-based, making it a fantastic option for vegetarians and vegans.

With the richness of the BBQ glaze, the versatility of jackfruit, and the cozy comfort of sliders, this recipe is a winner no matter the occasion. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just treating yourself, these sliders are sure to impress. Let’s dive into the details of how to make this mouthwatering dish a reality.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Perfect for Parties: These sliders are bite-sized, portable, and guaranteed to be gobbled up by guests.
• Easy to Prepare: With minimal prep and straightforward steps, you can whip these up in no time.
• Plant-Based Delight: Jackfruit is the ultimate meat substitute—it’s hearty, filling, and full of flavor.
• Customizable: Whether you like spicy BBQ or something sweeter, you can adapt the glaze to suit your taste.
• Irresistibly Delicious: The tender jackfruit combined with smoky BBQ sauce and soft slider buns creates a harmony of textures and flavors.

What sets these jackfruit “pulled turkey” sliders apart is the BBQ glaze. It’s a mix of tangy, sweet, and smoky flavors that elevate the dish into something truly special. Plus, the texture of jackfruit mimics shredded turkey so well that it’ll fool even the most skeptical carnivore. These sliders are also a fantastic way to introduce friends and family to the wonders of jackfruit—it’s a recipe that bridges the gap between comfort food and plant-based eating.

Honestly, this recipe is like a little hug in a bun. Perfect for game days, potlucks, or simply satisfying your own cravings, it’s versatile enough to be enjoyed year-round. Get ready to have everyone asking for seconds!

What Ingredients You Will Need

This recipe uses simple, accessible ingredients that come together to create a flavorful, satisfying dish. Most of these items are pantry staples or easy to find at your local grocery store.

• Jackfruit: 2 cans of green jackfruit in water (make sure to avoid the sweetened or brined version).
• Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons for sautéing (or use avocado oil).
• Onion: 1 medium, finely diced (adds sweetness and depth).
• Garlic: 3 cloves, minced (for that aromatic punch).
• Smoked Paprika: 1 teaspoon (brings a smoky kick to the recipe).
• Ground Black Pepper: 1/2 teaspoon (for a touch of spice).
• Salt: 1/2 teaspoon (or adjust to taste).
• BBQ Sauce: 1 cup of your favorite brand or homemade (opt for smoky or sweet flavors).
• Vegetable Broth: 1/4 cup (to keep the jackfruit moist as it simmers).
• Slider Buns: 12 soft slider buns (gluten-free or whole wheat options work great too).
• Coleslaw Mix: 2 cups (optional, for added crunch).
• Vegan Mayo: 1/4 cup (optional, for creamy coleslaw).
• Apple Cider Vinegar: 2 tablespoons (optional, for tangy coleslaw).

Feel free to make substitutions if you prefer—swap olive oil with coconut oil, use a spicier BBQ sauce, or add extra veggies for some bonus nutrients. The beauty of this recipe is its adaptability!

Equipment Needed

• Large Skillet: For sautéing the jackfruit and mixing the BBQ glaze.
• Wooden Spoon: Ideal for stirring the jackfruit without breaking it down too much.
• Mixing Bowls: Use for preparing coleslaw or any optional toppings.
• Sharp Knife: For dicing the onion and mincing the garlic.
• Tongs: Handy for serving the sliders without making a mess.

If you don’t have a skillet, a non-stick frying pan will work just as well. For the coleslaw, a food processor can speed up the process, but a simple grater or knife works too. This recipe doesn’t require any fancy gadgets, so don’t worry about needing specialized tools!

Preparation Method

1. Prepare the Jackfruit: Drain and rinse the jackfruit thoroughly. Use your hands or a fork to pull apart the pieces into shreds, mimicking the texture of pulled turkey.
2. Sauté the Aromatics: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, cooking for 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
3. Add the Jackfruit: Toss the shredded jackfruit into the skillet. Stir to combine with the onions and garlic. Sprinkle in the smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Add the BBQ Sauce: Pour the BBQ sauce and vegetable broth over the jackfruit mixture. Stir well, ensuring every piece is evenly coated. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Prepare the Coleslaw (Optional): In a mixing bowl, combine the coleslaw mix, vegan mayo, apple cider vinegar, and a pinch of salt. Mix well until the cabbage is coated. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
6. Toast the Slider Buns: Slice the slider buns in half and toast them lightly on a pan or in the oven until golden brown.
7. Assemble the Sliders: Layer the BBQ jackfruit mixture onto the bottom half of each slider bun. Top with a generous spoonful of coleslaw (if using) and then place the top bun on securely.

Serve immediately for the freshest flavor and best texture!

Cooking Tips & Techniques

• Choose the Right Jackfruit: Always opt for canned green jackfruit in water—not the sweetened or brined versions, as they can alter the flavor of the dish.
• Shred the Jackfruit Properly: Use your hands or a fork to pull apart the jackfruit pieces until they look like shredded turkey. Avoid over-shredding to keep some texture.
• Don’t Rush the Simmering: Let the jackfruit simmer in the BBQ sauce for at least 15 minutes to absorb all the flavors. If you rush this step, the taste might not be as rich.
• Customize Your BBQ Sauce: If you want a tangier flavor, add a splash of apple cider vinegar. For a sweeter glaze, mix in a tablespoon of honey or maple syrup.
• Toast the Buns: A quick toast adds a delightful crunch and prevents the sliders from getting soggy.

Cooking jackfruit is all about patience and attention to detail. Take your time with the shredding and simmering steps to ensure the flavors are spot-on.

Variations & Adaptations

• Spicy Version: Add a teaspoon of cayenne pepper or a splash of hot sauce to the BBQ sauce for a spicy kick.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free slider buns to make this recipe accessible for those avoiding gluten.
• Seasonal Twist: Swap out the coleslaw for a fresh apple slaw in the fall or a cucumber salad in the summer.
• Tropical Flavor: Mix some pineapple chunks into the BBQ sauce for a sweet and tangy twist.
• Meal Prep Friendly: Double the recipe and store individual portions in the freezer for quick and easy meals later.

One of my favorite variations is adding a pinch of cinnamon to the BBQ sauce for a subtle warmth—it’s unexpected but so good!

Serving & Storage Suggestions

These sliders are best served warm and fresh, with the BBQ jackfruit steaming and the buns slightly toasted. Pair them with a side of sweet potato fries, a crisp green salad, or even some grilled corn for a complete meal.

If you have leftovers, store the jackfruit mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. If you’re planning to keep it longer, transfer it to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. When reheating, you can use the microwave or warm the jackfruit in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water or extra BBQ sauce to keep it moist.

Pro tip: The flavors of the BBQ glaze deepen over time, so your leftovers might taste even better the next day!

Nutritional Information & Benefits

Jackfruit is a powerhouse ingredient, packed with fiber and essential vitamins like Vitamin C and potassium. It’s also low in calories, making it a fantastic choice for those watching their intake. These sliders are vegan, and if you choose gluten-free buns, they can fit into a gluten-free diet as well. Plus, they’re cholesterol-free since there’s no animal protein involved.

Each slider is estimated to contain around 150-180 calories, depending on the specific BBQ sauce and slider buns you choose. Jackfruit also contains antioxidants, which can help support your immune system. It’s a great alternative for anyone looking to enjoy plant-based meals without compromising on taste or texture.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a recipe that’s delicious, easy, and a little unexpected, these savory jackfruit “pulled turkey” sliders with BBQ glaze are it. They’re packed with flavor, fun to make, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re a die-hard jackfruit fan or a newcomer to plant-based eating, you’ll fall in love with their tender texture and smoky-sweet glaze.

Savory Jackfruit Pulled Turkey Sliders Recipe BBQ Glaze

Print Recipe

These savory jackfruit ‘pulled turkey’ sliders with BBQ glaze are hearty, flavorful, and perfect for sharing. A plant-based delight that mimics the texture of pulled turkey, ideal for parties or casual dinners.

• Author: Sarah
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 12 sliders 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cans green jackfruit in water
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup BBQ sauce
• 1/4 cup vegetable broth
• 12 soft slider buns
• 2 cups coleslaw mix (optional)
• 1/4 cup vegan mayo (optional)
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (optional)

Instructions

1. Drain and rinse the jackfruit thoroughly. Use your hands or a fork to pull apart the pieces into shreds, mimicking the texture of pulled turkey.
2. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, cooking for 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
3. Toss the shredded jackfruit into the skillet. Stir to combine with the onions and garlic. Sprinkle in the smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Pour the BBQ sauce and vegetable broth over the jackfruit mixture. Stir well, ensuring every piece is evenly coated. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. In a mixing bowl, combine the coleslaw mix, vegan mayo, apple cider vinegar, and a pinch of salt. Mix well until the cabbage is coated. Refrigerate until ready to serve (optional).
6. Slice the slider buns in half and toast them lightly on a pan or in the oven until golden brown.
7. Layer the BBQ jackfruit mixture onto the bottom half of each slider bun. Top with a generous spoonful of coleslaw (if using) and then place the top bun on securely.
8. Serve immediately for the freshest flavor and best texture.

Notes

[‘Choose canned green jackfruit in water, not sweetened or brined versions.’, ‘Shred jackfruit properly to mimic pulled turkey texture.’, ‘Let the jackfruit simmer in BBQ sauce for at least 15 minutes for maximum flavor.’, ‘Toast slider buns for added crunch and to prevent sogginess.’]

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slider
• Calories: 150180
• Sugar: 8
• Sodium: 300
• Fat: 5
• Saturated Fat: 1
• Carbohydrates: 25
• Fiber: 3
• Protein: 2

Keywords: jackfruit sliders, BBQ glaze, vegan sliders, plant-based recipe, pulled turkey alternative, party food, vegetarian sliders