BBQ Jackfruit Pizza Recipe

Imagine the smoky, tangy deliciousness of BBQ combined with the satisfying crunch of a perfectly baked pizza. This BBQ Jackfruit Pizza brings you just that! It’s a fantastic vegan alternative to traditional BBQ chicken or pulled pork pizza, offering a burst of flavor that will leave you craving more. The secret? A smoky twist that elevates this recipe to the next level. Get ready to learn how to make a quick, easy, and incredibly flavorful vegan BBQ jackfruit pizza with a unique smoky flavor that will impress everyone.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This BBQ Jackfruit Pizza isn’t just another vegan pizza recipe; it’s a flavor explosion with a smoky twist that sets it apart. Here’s why I think you’ll fall in love with it:

Unique Smoky Twist: The addition of smoked paprika and liquid smoke to the BBQ sauce introduces a captivating smoky depth that you won’t find in typical jackfruit pizzas.

Authentic BBQ Experience: This smoky element enhances the overall flavor, creating a genuinely authentic BBQ experience. It’s so reminiscent of pulled pork that even meat-eaters will be impressed.

Taste and Texture Perfection: You get the best of both worlds—the smoky, savory flavor of BBQ combined with the satisfying, slightly chewy texture of jackfruit. It’s a party in your mouth!

Quick and Easy: This recipe is incredibly quick to make, perfect for a weeknight dinner when you’re short on time.

Family-Friendly: It’s a hit with both kids and adults, making it a reliable option for family meals.

Vegan and Customizable: Of course, it’s entirely vegan and vegetarian-friendly, plus you can easily customize the toppings to suit your preferences. Speaking of which, if you’re looking for a simpler option, check out my best classic vegan pizza recipe.

Ingredients Needed

• 1 pizza dough (store bought or homemade. Recipe I used is in the notes.)
• 1 cup BBQ sauce (divided)
• 2 14.5-ounce cans jackfruit ((in brine or water))
• 1 small jalapeno ( cut in thin wheels)
• 1/4 cup pineapple chunks
• 1/4 red onion (sliced thin)
• 1 cup vegan shredded cheese (can substitute with mozzarella if not vegan. I used Trader Joe’s vegan cheese)
• cilantro for garnish ((optional))

Ingredient Notes & Substitutions

Jackfruit: It’s crucial to use jackfruit in brine or water, not syrup. The syrup-packed variety will make your BBQ jackfruit pizza overly sweet. You can find canned jackfruit in most supermarkets, often in the Asian foods section. Fresh jackfruit can be found in Asian markets, but canned is much more convenient for this recipe. For more information about this unique fruit, you can check out the Wikipedia article on jackfruit.

BBQ Sauce: Feel free to experiment with different types of BBQ sauces! Sweet, smoky, or spicy sauces all pair wonderfully with jackfruit. Some of my go-to brands available in the US include Sweet Baby Ray’s, Stubb’s, and Trader Joe’s BBQ Sauce.

Vegan Cheese: For a truly vegan experience, opt for vegan cheeses that melt well. Daiya, Miyoko’s Kitchen, and Trader Joe’s vegan cheese are all excellent choices. If you’re not vegan, you can absolutely substitute with mozzarella.

Pizza Dough: Use your favorite store-bought pizza dough to save time, or make your own from scratch. Gluten-free pizza dough is also a great option for those with dietary restrictions.

Toppings: Get creative with your toppings! Bell peppers, corn, or different types of onions can add extra flavor and texture to your BBQ Jackfruit Pizza. For a different kind of topping, consider making a homemade arugula pesto to drizzle on top after baking.

How to Make BBQ Jackfruit Pizza

Step 1: Preheat Oven

Preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. This ensures a crispy crust and evenly melted cheese.

Step 2: Prepare the Dough

If you’re making pizza dough from scratch, follow your recipe and set it aside to rise. Store-bought dough works perfectly too!

Step 3: Cook the Jackfruit

Drain the canned jackfruit and place it in a pan on medium heat. Let it cook for about 5 minutes. As it cooks, you’ll notice it softening and releasing some of its moisture.

Step 4: Mash the Jackfruit

Once the jackfruit is tender, use the backside of a fork or a potato masher to break it apart until it reaches a pulled pork-like consistency. Remove any seeds and casings from the seeds. Expert Tip: It’s much easier to mash than shred the jackfruit!

Step 5: Add BBQ Sauce

Add 1/2 cup of BBQ sauce to the mashed jackfruit and mix well. Remove from heat. Make sure the sauce is evenly distributed to coat all the jackfruit for maximum flavor.

Step 6: Prepare the Pizza Base

Layout the pizza dough on a baking sheet or pizza stone. Spread a thin layer of the remaining barbecue sauce over the dough, leaving a small border for the crust.

Step 7: Add Cheese

Sprinkle the vegan shredded cheese (or mozzarella) evenly over the barbecue sauce.

Step 8: Add Toppings

Evenly space out the red onions, pineapple, and jalapeno slices across the pizza. Top with the BBQ jackfruit mixture. Arrange the toppings artfully for a visually appealing pizza.

Step 9: Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for 13-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly. The golden-brown crust and bubbly cheese are your visual cues that the pizza is ready.

Step 10: Cool and Serve

Let the pizza cool slightly before slicing and serving immediately. Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to a week.

Getting a Crispy Pizza Crust

Nobody likes a soggy pizza! Here are a few techniques to ensure your BBQ Jackfruit Pizza has a delightfully crispy crust. A crispy crust complements the soft, savory jackfruit filling.

• Preheating the Pizza Stone or Baking Sheet: Placing your pizza on a preheated surface ensures the crust starts cooking immediately.
• Using a Pizza Steel: A pizza steel distributes heat more evenly than a stone, resulting in a crispier crust.
• Baking at a High Temperature: High heat helps evaporate moisture quickly, leading to a crispier base.
• Par-Baking the Crust: Baking the crust for a few minutes before adding toppings can help prevent it from becoming soggy.
• Using a Lower Hydration Dough: Dough with less water tends to produce a crispier crust.

Pro Tips & Troubleshooting

Pro Tips

• Tip 1: Make sure to purchase canned jackfruit in brine or water and NOT syrup! The sweetness of the syrup will clash with the BBQ flavors.
• Tip 2: Even though this jackfruit resembles pulled pork, it is way easier to “mash” it rather than “shredding” with a fork!
• Tip 3: For a deeper smoky flavor, add a touch more liquid smoke, but be careful not to overdo it. A little goes a long way.
• Tip 4: Use a pizza stone or preheated baking sheet for a crispier crust.
• Tip 5: Experiment with different BBQ sauce flavors to find your favorite combination.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Mistake 1: Using too much BBQ sauce, which can make the crust soggy.
• Mistake 2: Overcrowding the pizza with too many toppings. Less is often more!
• Mistake 3: Not draining the jackfruit properly, leading to a watery filling.
• Mistake 4: Baking at too low a temperature, resulting in a soft crust.

Serving & Storage

Serving Ideas

• Pair your BBQ Jackfruit Pizza with a side salad for a wholesome and balanced meal.
• Serve it with coleslaw for a classic BBQ combination that’s always a crowd-pleaser.
• Offer different dipping sauces like ranch or vegan sour cream for added flavor options.

Storage and Make-Ahead

• Store leftover pizza in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
• Reheat in the oven or skillet to maintain the crust texture.

Reheating Instructions: For the best crispiness, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes. For a quick and easy reheat, use a skillet over medium heat.

To prevent the crust from getting soggy during storage, place parchment paper between the slices. To understand more about food storage safety, you can refer to guidelines from the Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS).

Conclusion

This BBQ Jackfruit Pizza offers a delicious smoky flavor that’s easy to make and completely vegan/vegetarian-friendly. The unique twist of adding smoked paprika and liquid smoke provides a more authentic BBQ taste that rivals traditional pulled pork pizza. This recipe is beginner-friendly and highly customizable, so feel free to experiment with different toppings and BBQ sauces. Share this recipe with your friends and explore other vegan pizza recipes for more culinary adventures!

FAQ

What is jackfruit pulled pork and why is it a good meat substitute?

Jackfruit is a tropical fruit with a stringy texture that, when cooked, resembles pulled pork. Its mild flavor makes it a great canvas for absorbing BBQ sauce, making it a fantastic vegan meat alternative.

What kind of BBQ sauce goes best with jackfruit?

The best BBQ sauce for jackfruit depends on your personal preference. Sweet, smoky, or tangy BBQ sauces all work well. Experiment to find your favorite!

What is the best way to prepare the jackfruit to mimic pulled pork?

Drain the jackfruit, remove any tough core pieces, and then mash it with a fork or potato masher. Cooking it with BBQ sauce helps to soften it and infuse it with flavor.

What kind of vegan cheese melts well on pizza?

Daiya, Miyoko’s Kitchen, and Trader Joe’s vegan cheese are all great options that melt well. If you’re not vegan, mozzarella is a classic choice.

How do I get the pizza crust crispy instead of soggy?

Preheat your pizza stone or baking sheet, use a pizza steel, bake at a high temperature, or par-bake the crust before adding toppings.

What are some common variations and substitutions for this pizza?

Try using different toppings like bell peppers or corn, experiment with various BBQ sauces, or opt for a gluten-free crust if needed. If you want something other than pizza, a great dish to have that’s easy to modify with substitutions is vegetable noodle soup.