I Fooled the Carnivores Vegan Barbecue

Transform your next cookout with "I Fooled the Carnivores Vegan Barbecue," a plant-based recipe so smoky, savory, and satisfying that even the most dedicated meat-lovers will be asking for seconds. This clever dish combines the meaty texture of shredded young jackfruit and tender cubes of tempeh, both marinated in a rich blend of smoked paprika, liquid smoke, and a touch of maple syrup for natural sweetness. Slowly simmered in vegan barbecue sauce, this protein-packed duo delivers bold, smoky barbecue flavors without compromise. Perfectly piled onto toasted burger buns and topped with crunchy coleslaw, these vegan barbecue sandwiches are quick to prepare in under 45 minutes, making them ideal for weeknight dinners or summer gatherings. Whether you're a vegan, vegetarian, or a barbecue enthusiast curious about plant-based options, this recipe will delight your taste buds and redefine your expectations of meat-free grilling.

Nutriscore Rating: 69/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 2 cans (15-ounce) Canned young jackfruit
• 1 block (8-ounce) Tempeh
• 2 teaspoons Smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon Onion powder
• 1 teaspoon Ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon Liquid smoke
• 2 tablespoons Soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon Maple syrup
• 1 cup Vegan barbecue sauce
• 2 tablespoons Olive oil
• 0.5 teaspoon Salt
• 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
• 6 Burger buns, toasted
• 1 cup Coleslaw (optional for topping)

Directions

Step 1

Step 1: Drain and rinse the canned jackfruit. Using your hands or a fork, shred the jackfruit into small, meat-like strands. Set aside.

Step 2

Step 2: Cut the tempeh into small cubes about 1/2-inch in size. Set aside.

Step 3

Step 3: In a small bowl, combine smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, ground cumin, liquid smoke, soy sauce, maple syrup, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to create a marinade.

Step 4

Step 4: In a large mixing bowl, add the shredded jackfruit and cubed tempeh. Pour the marinade over the mixture and toss until evenly coated. Let it sit for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to absorb.

Step 5

Step 5: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the marinated jackfruit and tempeh to the skillet. Cook for 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 6

Step 6: Add 1/2 cup of the vegan barbecue sauce to the skillet and stir to coat the jackfruit and tempeh. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mixture is tender and smoky.

Step 7

Step 7: Meanwhile, toast your burger buns or sandwich rolls until lightly browned.

Step 8

Step 8: Assemble the sandwiches. Spoon the jackfruit and tempeh mixture onto the bottom half of each toasted bun. Add additional barbecue sauce as desired. Top with coleslaw if using, then place the top bun over the filling.

Step 9

Step 9: Serve the sandwiches warm. Enjoy the smoky, savory, and satisfying flavors that will even fool the carnivores!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2111.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3126.5

Total Fat 101.2g	0%
Saturated Fat 19.4g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 19.0mg	0%
Sodium 7492.3mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 477.6g	0%
Dietary Fiber 37.5g	0%
Total Sugars 153.0g
Protein 103.7g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 981.2mg	0%
Iron 28.6mg	0%
Potassium 5028.8mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 28.1%

Protein: 12.8%

Carbs: 59.0%