Korean BBQ Pulled Jackfruit Bowls

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These Korean BBQ Pulled Jackfruit Bowls bring together sweet, smoky, and spicy flavors in a satisfying, plant-based meal. With the tender, saucy Korean BBQ pulled jackfruit, every bite is packed with bold flavor. Whether you're a longtime jackfruit fan or trying it for the first time, this is the recipe to make you fall in love.

Korean BBQ Pulled Jackfruit Bowls

If you haven’t tried jackfruit pulled pork yet, this BBQ jackfruit recipe is the perfect place to start. These Korean BBQ bowls combine tender, saucy BBQ pulled jackfruit with fresh, crunchy veggies and fluffy jasmine rice for a balanced, flavor-packed meal. Cooking with Jackfruit means that this entire recipe is plant-based, gluten free, quite literally obsessively delicious! It makes the perfect weeknight dinner.

What is Jackfruit?

Jackfruit is a large, tropical fruit that, when unripe, has a meaty texture perfect for plant-based cooking. Green jackfruit easily shreds into tender, juicy pieces, making it the ultimate swap for pulled pork or shredded chicken in BBQ jackfruit recipes. You can marinate or cook jackfruit into whatever flavors you want. It absorbs liquid like a dream. When cooked with bold flavors like soy sauce, sesame oil, and barbecue sauce, jackfruit pulled pork becomes incredibly rich and satisfying. It’s the perfect plant-based protein to use in Korean BBQ bowls, tacos, sandwichesor wraps.

Opening a can of organic young jackfruit for a plant-based recipe

Not all canned jackfruit is created equal, which is why I always go for Edward & Sons Native Forest Young Jackfruit. It shreds beautifully, soaks up the homemade gochujang infused barbecue sauce like a dream, and has a neutral flavor aka, no briny aftertaste like some other brands. The dish has the perfect amount of heat and sweetness, making this jackfruit pulled pork truly irresistible. Whether you load it into a bowl, stuff it into a lettuce wrap, or pile it onto a bun, this recipe is a guaranteed win. 

What is a Korean BBQ Bowl?

It’s a dream come true! Okay, in all seriousness, a Korean BBQ bowl is a flavor-packed dish featuring sweet, savory, and spicy barbecue flavors, often served with rice and fresh toppings. Traditionally you’ll find this meal served with beef but to keep it plant based I gave it a Jackfruitful twist and used my favorite meat substitute. This Korean BBQ bowl with rice includes BBQ pulled jackfruit, shredded cabbage, avocado, pickled onions, carrots, and cilantro, creating the perfect balance of textures and flavors. These Korean BBQ bowls are completely customizable—pile on your favorite veggies, drizzle with extra sauce, and sprinkle with sesame seeds for the ultimate plant-based BBQ meal.

Young jackfruit shredded on a cutting board
slicing avocado into thin pieces on a wooden cutting board

Korean BBQ Pulled Jackfruit Bowl Ingredients

This recipe is made with simple, flavorful ingredients that come together quickly.

For the Jackfruit

  • Native Forest young jackfruit: The best canned jackfruit for shredding into tender pieces. This brand is really easy to find and it’s my most trusted. So many of you ask all the time what jackfruit I use for my recipes and this is it!
  • Red onion & garlic: Adds savory depth to the BBQ sauce.
  • Coconut aminos, molasses, rice vinegar, and maple syrup: This combo is killer – it brings the best sweet and tangy flavors for an epic base for the sauce.
  • Gochujang paste: The star ingredient for that signature Korean BBQ flavor. If you’ve never purchased this sauce before, get ready for excitement!
  • Black pepper & ground ginger: Brings warmth and spice to the sauce.
  • Vegan “chicken” broth or water: Helps create a rich, saucy texture while adding to the meaty flavor.

For the Bowl

  • Jasmine rice: A soft, fluffy base for the BBQ jackfruit.
  • Shredded red cabbage, avocado, pickled onions, carrots, cilantro, and sesame seeds: Fresh toppings that add crunch, creaminess, and color. Use whatever ingredients you have on hand or prefer! I have a quick pickled onion tutorial here if you’re interested in making your own!
gold fork lifting pickled onions from a glass jar with lime slices nearby

How to Make BBQ Jackfruit

Making this dish is super easy and does not require a whole lot of time! Roll your sleeves up and get ready to make the best meal you’ve ever had.

Prepare the jackfruit

Drain and rinse the canned jackfruit, then squeeze out excess moisture. Use your hands to shred it into small pieces.

hands pulling apart canned young jackfruit pieces

Sauté the aromatics

Heat a skillet over medium heat and sauté the onion and garlic until fragrant. Add the jackfruit and let it cook until slightly charred.

Make the BBQ sauce

Whisk together the coconut aminos, molasses, rice vinegar, maple syrup, gochujang, black pepper, and ginger. Pour over the jackfruit and stir.

chopped garlic and red onions in a pan

Simmer & caramelize

Add the broth, cover, and let it simmer until saucy. Uncover, increase heat, and cook until the sauce thickens and the BBQ jackfruit caramelizes.

barbecue jackfruit mixture cooking in a skillet

Assemble the bowls

Divide rice and toppings between serving bowls, top with the BBQ pulled jackfruit, and finish with cilantro and sesame seeds.

Ways To Use Leftover Pulled Jackfruit

This BBQ pulled jackfruit recipe is perfect for meal prep and can be repurposed into multiple meals. Try using leftover pulled jackfruit in lettuce wraps by wrapping it in butter lettuce for a fresh, light option. For a heartier meal, load it into tacos with slaw and avocado or pile it onto a toasted bun for a BBQ jackfruit sandwich with extra barbecue sauce. You can also toss it into a stir-fry with veggies and serve over rice or noodles for an easy, flavorful dish!

Korean BBQ Pulled Jackfruit Bowl Tips

  • For extra caramelization, let the jackfruit sit in the pan undisturbed for a minute before stirring.
  • Want a smoky flavor? Add a dash of smoked paprika or liquid smoke to the sauce.
  • Make it spicy! Add extra gochujang, sriracha, or red pepper flakes for more heat. Be sure to taste as you add additional heat!

Ways to Customize Your Korean BBQ Bowls

This bowl is way too easy to customize! All the toppings can totally be adjusted to your preference; think kimchi, shredded lettuce, or sautéed mushrooms. Change it from Korean BBQ bowl with rice to Korean BBQ wraps by throwing everything into blanched cabbage or lettuce. Switch up the base by using brown rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice instead of jasmine rice. For added crunch, sprinkle with crushed peanuts or crispy fried shallots before serving.

Jackfruit Frequently Asked Questions

How to Buy Jackfruit?

Look for Native Forest young jackfruit from Edward & Sons in the canned goods section of your grocery store or order it online.

Where To Buy Jackfruit?

You can find canned jackfruit at most health food stores, Asian markets, or online retailers.

Can You Freeze Jackfruit?

Yes! Store any leftover jackfruit pulled pork in an airtight container in the freezer for up to three months.

How To Prepare Your Jackfruit?

Drain, rinse, and squeeze out excess liquid before shredding it with your hands.

How To Store and Reheat Jackfruit?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. Reheat over medium heat with a splash of broth to refresh the flavors.

Why You Will Love These Korean BBQ Bowls

These Korean BBQ bowls are packed with bold flavor, combining sweet, savory, and perfectly spiced BBQ jackfruit with fresh, crunchy toppings. The jackfruit pulled pork is simmered in a rich, gochujang-infused sauce that soaks into every bite, making it an irresistible plant-based alternative to traditional barbecue. Not only delicious; this recipe is easy and quick, with simple one-pan cooking and minimal prep, making it perfect for a stress-free meal.

Did you make this recipe?

Don’t forget to leave a rating and review below! Try these recipes next:

Jackfruit Taquitos

Buffalo Jackfruit Dip

BBQ Jackfruit Sandwiches

Jackie Akerberg

Author of the Clean Vegan Cookbook, Food Blogger and Recipe Developer from Des Moines, Iowa. 

Jackfruitful Kitchen has proudly been featured in Forks Over Knives, Vegan Bowls, Vegan Food and Living, and DSM Magazine.

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Rice bowl with Korean BBQ jackfruit, avocado, pickled onions, carrots, cucumber, and purple cabbage
Jackie Akerberg

Korean BBQ Pulled Jackfruit Bowls

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These Korean BBQ Pulled Jackfruit Bowls bring together sweet, smoky, and spicy flavors in a satisfying, plant-based meal. With the tender, saucy Korean BBQ pulled jackfruit, every bite is packed with bold flavor. Whether you're a longtime jackfruit fan or trying it for the first time, this is the recipe to make you fall in love.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Calories: 429

Equipment

  • stove

Ingredients
  

Korean BBQ Jackfruit Ingredients
  • ½ red onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 28 oz (2 cans) Native Forest young jackfruit
  • cup coconut aminos
  • 1 tbsp molasses
  • 2 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 2 tbsp maple syrup
  • 3 tbsp gochujang paste
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • ½ tsp ground ginger
  • ½ cup vegan “chicken” broth or water
To Serve
  • 1 cup jasmine rice, cooked
  • 1 cup shredded red cabbage
  • 1 avocado, sliced
  • ¼ cup pickled onions
  • 1 carrot, julienne peeled
  • ½ cup cilantro, finely chopped
  • 1 tbsp black sesame seeds

Method
 

  1. Start by draining your jackfruit and rinsing well. Wrap it in a clean dish towel and squeeze out all of the excess moisture. Use your hands to pull apart and shred the jackfruit, and roughly chop into small pieces.
  2. Next, heat a large cast iron skillet over medium heat and add in the onion, sautéing for 2-3 minutes until tender and fragrant, deglazing with a splash of water, broth or cooking oil if needed. Add in the garlic and sauté until fragrant, and then add the jackfruit. Increase heat to medium high and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, and letting the edges get nice and charred.
  3. While jackfruit is cooking, combine the coconut aminos, molasses, rice vinegar, maple syrup, gochujang, black pepper and ginger. Stir to combine. Pour into the skillet and stir to combine. Add in the broth and reduce heat to medium low. Cover and simmer for about 10-15 minutes until jackfruit is juicy and saucy. Remove the lid and increase heat to medium, stirring frequently to let the jackfruit caramelize. Season to taste.
  4. To serve, add rice and fresh veggies to four serving bowls and top with jackfruit. Sprinkle with cilantro and sesame seeds and enjoy!

Nutrition

Serving 1servingCalories 429kcalCarbohydrates 88gProtein 4gFat 9gSaturated Fat 1gPolyunsaturated Fat 1gMonounsaturated Fat 5gSodium 504mgPotassium 761mgFiber 7gSugar 14gVitamin A 3034IUVitamin C 25mgCalcium 169mgIron 2mg

*Macros are provided as an estimate for convenience. Your final numbers will vary depending on ingredient brands, substitutions, and how you portion the recipe.

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