Jack in the Box is a play on a Vegetarian meal that even a Non Vegetarian will enjoy. I like to challenge myself at creating different meals that cater to anyone in any style of cooking. I’ve dabbled from the meat lover side of the spectrum to the vegetarian one. There are no limits to what I can do but I love having the ability to choose what side I want to take a spin in. While there are so many versions out there on the famous BBQ Jackfruit sandwich, I try to keep mine simple, tasty and full of flavor.

Why use Jackfruit

Jackfruit has potential to be anything you want it to be. At least anything that is not meat! It has a meaty texture and takes on the flavor profile of whatever you choose to cook with it. It is most commonly used to mimic pulled pork which seems to make this a great recipe to try if you are looking for something BBQ’d a bit messy. We all know eating anything BBQ’d requires quite a few napkins and that’s just the perfect way to eat it… messy and delicious.

Jack in the Box was just a name that popped up in my head when creating this recipe. It reminded me of pulling up to a BBQ drive thru and ordering a Pulled Pork Sandwich, Coleslaw and a side of Onion Rings. While I don’t suggest you serving your meal in a box, what better way to have all the flavors in one bite. Load it up and enjoy BBQ any night of the week.

Jack in the Box

BBQ Jackfruit with Slaw and Fried Onions
Print Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 6

Equipment

  • Skillet
  • Bowl

Ingredients
  

BBQ Jackfruit

Produce

  • 1 Small White Onion chopped into small pieces.
  • 1 Small Poblano Pepper chopped into small pieces.
  • 1 tbsp Minced Garlic or Chopped Fresh Garlic

Condiments

  • 1 cup Favorite BBQ Sauce or prepare your own.
  • 1/2 cup Light Brown Sugar
  • 2 tbsp Yellow Mustard

Oil

  • Olive Oil

Bread

  • 6 Brioche Buns

Fruit

  • 2 10oz Cans Jackfruit in Water or Brine Do not use Jackfruit in Syrup

Seasonings

  • Salt
  • Pepper

Crispy Fried Onion

  • 1 Medium White Onion sliced to thin rings
  • 1 cup All Purpose Flour
  • 1 cup Milk or Cream
  • 1/2 tsp Garlic Powder
  • Salt
  • Pepper

Slaw

  • 16 oz Bag of Shredded Coleslaw
  • 1/2 cup Mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup Sugar
  • 2 tbsp Balsamic Vinegar
  • 1 tbsp Lemon Juice
  • Salt
  • Pepper

Instructions
 

  • Prepare Jackfruit
  • Drain and rinse Jackfruit under cold water and place in bowl.
  • Using your fingers or a fork, shred Jackfruit into small pieces and set aside.
  • Heat 2 tablespoons of Olive Oil in Skillet on medium and begin to sauté Poblano Peppers, Onions, Garlic, a pinch of Salt & Pepper until softened and Garlic is fragrant.
  • Remove from heat and place sautéed Vegetables into bowl with Jackfruit. Set Skillet aside as you will reuse the same Skillet to cook Jackfruit mixture.
  • Add a pinch of Salt & Pepper and mix all together to incorporate seasonings and sautéed Vegetables. Set aside and let it rest for 15 minutes to let Jackfruit absorb the flavors.
  • Reheat the Skillet on medium and add the Jackfruit mixure to begin the cooking process.
  • Proceed to add the BBQ Sauce, Brown Sugar and Mustard mixing thoroughly.
  • Continue to cook for 15-20 minutes or so until sauce begins to thicken and the Jackfruit starts to soften. Be sure to stir periodically so that the BBQ Sauce does not stick to pan.
  • Taste to see if additional seasonings are needed and turn down heat to low while preparing Fried Onion Rings.

Fried Onion Rings

  • Place Milk or Cream in a bowl and season with a pinch of Salt and Pepper
  • Add Onion Rings to soak for a few minutes being sure to stir Onions Rings into the liquid.
  • In a separate bowl, add Flour, Garlic Powder, pinch of Salt & Pepper and mix thoroughly.
  • Heat your choice of Oil in small skillet on medium high until ready to start frying.
  • Take a few Onion Rings at a time and dredge into Flour being sure to coat them really good.
  • Shake off excess Flour and carefully place them into Oil.
  • Fry for 2-3 minutes until golden brown and remove placing them on a paper towel lined plate to drain excess Oil. Continue until all Onion Rings are cooked.

Prepare Slaw Mixture

  • Add all the ingredients for slaw into a bowl and stir together. You will want to prepare this right before serving so that it retains some freshness and crunch while still retaining its flavor.

Assemble Jackfruit Sandwiches

  • You may toast your Brioche Buns with some Butter and Garlic to give it a Garlic Bread effect prior to assembling.. or not. It is totally your preference.
  • Spoon BBQ Jackfruit onto the bottom bun, top with Slaw mixture and Crispy Fried Onion Rings and serve with your favorite side.
  • Suggestion: Pairs well with Roasted Rosemary & Garlic Herb Potatoes.
Keyword BBQ, Fried Onion Rings, Jackfruit