Drain canned jackfruit and rinse under cold water. Trim any hard core pieces and remove seeds if desired. Using your hands or two forks, shred the jackfruit into bite-sized, pulled-pork-like strands.

Sear Aromatics

Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sliced onion and cook 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and starting to brown. Add minced garlic and cook 30–60 seconds until fragrant.

Add Jackfruit & Spices

Add shredded jackfruit to the skillet and stir to combine. Sprinkle smoked paprika, ground cumin, chili powder, and brown sugar over the jackfruit. Stir and cook 3–4 minutes so the spices bloom and coat the jackfruit.

Tomato & Liquids

Stir in 2 tbsp tomato paste, 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 120 ml vegetable broth (or water), liquid smoke, salt, and black pepper. Reduce heat to low and simmer, uncovered, 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the liquid reduces and the mixture thickly coats the jackfruit.

Adjust Texture

Use the back of a spoon or forks to press and pull the jackfruit while it simmers to create more shreds and expose edges for better caramelization. If mixture dries too much, add 1–2 tbsp water or broth.

Optional Smoking / Grill Finish

If using a smoker or grill for extra smoky flavor: preheat smoker to 225°C (450°F) is too hot for a low smoke — instead bring a grill to medium-low or set smoker to 225–250°F (107–121°C). Place soaked wood chips in the smoker box or foil pouch with holes, add water to smoke pan. Transfer the cooked jackfruit to a shallow heatproof pan or foil tray and place in the smoker/grill for 20–30 minutes, until it takes on additional smoky aroma. Stir once halfway through. If you prefer a quick grilled char, place a covered grill on medium heat and grill the jackfruit in a tray for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Finish & Build Sandwiches

Toast Buns

Brush insides of burger buns with about 1 tbsp olive oil or melted vegan butter. Toast in a skillet over medium heat or under broiler for 1–2 minutes until golden.

Melt Cheese (optional)

If using cheese, divide the jackfruit among the toasted bottom buns and top each with a slice of cheese. Place open sandwiches under a hot broiler for 1–2 minutes or cover the skillet with a lid until cheese melts.

Assemble

Top the jackfruit (and melted cheese) with 2 pickle slices and about 1/4 cup coleslaw per sandwich. Sprinkle with chopped cilantro or parsley if using. Cover with the top bun and gently press to combine.

Serve

Serve immediately while warm. Leftover jackfruit keeps well in the fridge up to 4 days and reheats in a skillet with a splash of water or broth.