Cherry Cola Jackfruit Sloppy Joes (Print Version)
Vegan jackfruit in cherry cola BBQ sauce delivers crave-worthy flavor, crowned with fresh toppings on soft buns.
# Ingredients:
→ Jackfruit Filling
01 -
800 g young green jackfruit in brine, drained and rinsed (2 x 400 g cans)
02 -
1 tablespoon olive oil
03 -
1 small yellow onion, finely diced
04 -
2 cloves garlic, minced
05 -
1 small red bell pepper, diced
→ Cherry Cola BBQ Sauce
06 -
240 ml cherry cola (not diet)
07 -
120 ml tomato ketchup
08 -
2 tablespoons tomato paste
09 -
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
10 -
2 tablespoons brown sugar
11 -
1 tablespoon soy sauce
12 -
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
13 -
0.5 teaspoon ground black pepper
14 -
0.25 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
15 -
80 g pitted cherries, fresh or frozen, chopped (alternatively, use unsweetened dried cherries, chopped)
→ To Serve
16 -
4 vegan burger buns
17 -
1 cup shredded lettuce
18 -
0.5 cup sliced red onion
19 -
0.25 cup vegan mayonnaise (optional)
# Steps:
01 -
Remove any tough core portions from the jackfruit and use forks or your hands to shred the jackfruit into bite-sized pieces.
02 -
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook for 3 minutes until softened and translucent. Stir in minced garlic and diced red bell pepper; continue to cook for 2 minutes.
03 -
Add shredded jackfruit to the skillet and sauté for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned.
04 -
In a mixing bowl, whisk together cherry cola, tomato ketchup, tomato paste, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, soy sauce, smoked paprika, black pepper, and cayenne pepper if using.
05 -
Pour the sauce mixture and the chopped cherries into the skillet with the jackfruit. Stir thoroughly to ensure the jackfruit is well coated.
06 -
Reduce heat to low, cover with a lid, and simmer for 20 to 25 minutes, stirring occasionally until the sauce thickens and jackfruit becomes tender. Uncover during the last 5 minutes to allow any excess liquid to evaporate and the mixture to reduce if needed.
07 -
Lightly toast the burger buns using a dry skillet or toaster, if desired.
08 -
Pile the cherry cola jackfruit mixture generously onto the bottom half of each bun. Top with shredded lettuce, sliced red onion, and a dollop of vegan mayonnaise if using. Close with the top bun and serve immediately.
# Notes:
01 -
For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free buns and substitute tamari for soy sauce.
02 -
Vary the filling by using shredded mushrooms or pulled seitan instead of jackfruit.
03 -
Enhance cherry notes by increasing the amount of chopped cherries if desired.
04 -
Pair with a tart cherry-flavoured soda or a dry rosé wine for balance.