Smoky Vegan BBQ Jackfruit "Pulled Pork" with Collard Greens & Cornbread Crumbs

A soulful, smoky main inspired by classic Southern BBQ—tender, saucy jackfruit, bright braised collards, and crisp cornbread crumbs for contrast. Hearty, crunchy, and perfect for a family plate or sandwich.

Ingredients

• 3 cans young green jackfruit in water or brine (about 20–24 oz each), drained and rinsed
• 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp neutral oil (or 2 tbsp vegetable broth for oil-free)
• 1 cup vegetable broth
• 1 cup vegan BBQ sauce (smoky, thick) + extra for serving
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 2 tbsp soy sauce or tamari (use gluten-free tamari if needed)
• 2 tbsp maple syrup or brown sugar
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 1/4 tsp cayenne (optional, to taste)
• 1 tsp liquid smoke (optional but recommended for deep smokiness)
• 1 cup cornbread crumbs (store-bought or leftover cornbread, crumbled)
• 2 tbsp vegan butter or oil for toasting crumbs (or omit for oil-free and dry-toast)
• Salt to taste

For the collard greens

• 1 large bunch collard greens (about 1 lb), stems removed, leaves thinly sliced
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup vegetable broth
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 tsp maple syrup (optional)
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Optional serving

• Toasted burger buns or warm rice
• Pickles, sliced red onion, extra BBQ sauce

Instructions

1. Prepare jackfruit:
   • Pull apart drained jackfruit with your hands or forks to shred into "pulled" pieces, discarding any hard core pieces.
2. Sauté aromatics:
   • In a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat, warm oil (or a splash of broth). Add sliced onion and cook until soft, about 6–8 minutes. Add garlic and cook 1 minute.
3. Build the sauce:
   • Stir in tomato paste, soy sauce, maple syrup, smoked paprika, onion powder, black pepper, cayenne, and liquid smoke. Add vegetable broth and BBQ sauce; bring to a simmer.
4. Simmer jackfruit:
   • Add shredded jackfruit to the pan, stir to coat. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer 18–25 minutes until flavors meld and jackfruit is tender, stirring occasionally. If too saucy, uncover and simmer a few minutes to thicken.