Whether you’re packing for an end-of-summer adventure or the busy back-to-school season, one thing’s for sure: There’s no meal more conveniently portable or seasonably appropriate than the sandwich. And while we love a good, old-fashioned PB&J as much as the next hungry person, we’re gonna have to give our Best Ingredient award to the King of Versatility: Jackfruit.
Hearty and meaty young jackfruit is a nutritional powerhouse, full of satisfying fiber to fill you up on-the-go. Plus, its mild flavor takes to whatever sauce or seasonings you add, which means it’s the perfect plant-based alternative to any classically carnivorous choice. Don’t believe us? Keep reading for six sensational jackfruit sandwich ideas that will delight vegans and omnivores alike.
Jackfruit Meatball Sub
Start by finely chopping Smoked Pulled Jackfruit, and heating it in a saucepan with vegetarian “beef” flavored bouillon, minced garlic, worcestershire sauce and some water until most of the liquid evaporates and the mixture can be formed into balls. (Tip: adding arrowroot or potato starch to the mixture once it cools may help the balls stay together.) Fry up those jackfruit “meat” balls, add them to an Italian roll, top with prepared marinara and your melty, mild cheese of choice.
Jackfruit “Lobster” Roll
Skip the stove top, swap the Italian flavors for vegan mayo, fresh herbs and lemon juice, and you’ll see that our Smoked Pulled Jackfruit also makes a delicious stand-in for lobster.
Jackfruit Reuben
Give our Lightly Seasoned Jackfruit the Jewish deli treatment with some sauerkraut, Thousand Island dressing and Swiss-style cheese. Serve on toasted, marbled rye and enjoy.
Buffalo “Chicken” Sandwich
No buffalos or chickens were harmed in the making of this zesty Upstate classic. Start with Tex-Mex Jackfruit and add prepared Buffalo sauce or make your own. A fresh Kaiser roll, crunchy iceberg lettuce and vegan ranch dressing complete the savory masterpiece.
Italian “Beef” Hoagie
The trick to making this Hoagie taste fresh from the bodega is to first shred your Smoked Pulled Jackfruit, and then cook it on the stove top with Italian seasonings, pepperoncinis and vegetable stock. Spread the mixture on a sliced Italian roll with vegan mayonnaise, provolone and chopped giardiniera, and then quickly bake the whole thing for melty, toasty goodness.
Jackfruit Cubano
We recommend using two vegetarian meat alternatives for this one: Smoked Pulled Jackfruit (warmed up in a saute pan with orange juice, dried oregano, ground cumin and garlic powder until the liquid has evaporated) and vegan ham-style deli slices. Use soft Italian bread, add Swiss-style cheese, and press panini-style. And don’t forget the pickles or yellow mustard!
Need more jackfruit sandwich recipe inspo? Visit our recipes page, and be sure to follow us on Instagram and Pinterest for more mouthwatering ways to #KnowJack.