Vegan Pulled Pork 4 Ways
Vegan Pulled Pork is super delicious and simple to make! Whether you use Tofu, Soy Curls, Mushrooms, or Jackfruit, it’s gonna be GOOD!
One of the first vegan meats I remember trying was a Pulled Pork sandwich made with Jackfruit. It was by a restaurant in LA called “Pure Luck” which is now defunct. I remember seeing it on the menu and going “the heck is jackfruit?” And the server assured me that I’d love it, and they were right!
Every time I went there I would order that sandwich, but weirdly enough, I’ve never made one for myself. Well I started thinking about it recently and decided I wanted to whip one up. But then I started thinking, what about mushrooms and tofu? Maybe Soy Curls? I know people use those too. So I thought, why not make some Vegan Pulled Pork with all four to test out which is best! So that’s what I did!
- TOFU – is a great high protein option, and it’s also the cheapest compared to mushrooms and jackfruit. One 16 oz. block cost me $4, and it should get you just under 4 cups of shredded tofu. I’d say that can make 4 – 6 sandwiches depending on the size. So it’s a great budget option for sure!
BBQ Tofu Sandwich
Making a BBQ Tofu Sandwich is as easy as it is delicious! Shredded Tofu maximizes flavor and texture for an amazing BBQ Sandwich!
- Mushrooms – For the mushrooms I tried out some King Oyster mushrooms. I got mine at Whole Foods and they were pretty pricey at just under $10 for 8 oz. They are way cheaper at your local Asian market if you have one.
They also need to be baked in the oven so they aren’t as convenient as tofu. Not only that, but once baked they shrink up quite a bit. So 8 oz. will really only get you about 2 sandwiches worth. Maybe 3 if you make smaller sandwiches.
Now although the mushrooms are more expensive and time consuming to make, they are insanely delicious. The texture is super meaty, and if time and money were not an issue, the mushrooms would be the best bet hands down.
Like these were as good as anything I’ve gotten at a BBQ restaurant, vegan or not! So if time and money are not a factor, these would be my choice.
BBQ Pulled Mushrooms
These BBQ Pulled Mushroom Sandwiches are super meaty without the meat! Chewy, smokey, and tender, they are made for BBQ Sauce!
- Jackfruit – is probably the most popular option in my experience and it’s easy to understand why. It’s less expensive than mushrooms (though still more expensive than tofu) and it’s incredibly easy to use.
Overall, I think Jackfruit is the best option as it’s relatively cheap, easy to work with, and has amazing texture. It also soaks up the seasoning rub and BBQ sauce wonderfully as well.
BBQ Jackfruit Pulled Pork
This BBQ Jackfruit Pulled Pork Sandwich is so dang good and easy to throw together! The shreddable texture of Jackfruit is unmatched!
- Soy Curls – Last but not least is Soy Curls! I LOVE Soy Curls, they are relatively cheap, and very easy to work with. They have a great texture and soak up any flavor you throw at them.
The only con to them is they aren’t really available outside the US. Yes you can use TVP or Soy Chunks, but your mileage may vary! If they were more accessible they would be my Number 1 choice! So if you can get some, make this recipe ASAP!
BBQ Soy Curls
BBQ Soy Curls Sandwiches are one of the best ways to enjoy a Vegan Pulled Pork Sandwich! Insanely flavorful with a perfectly chewy texture!
We made the pulled pork using tofu to tonight. That will my home baked fennel bread it was a 10 out of 10 for all ! I did add one step after I grated the tofu I froze it in a tray to help build a bit more texture. You are a Rock ⭐.
Nice! So glad you dug it too! Thank ya!
I absolutely loved this! I went with the tofu version but I plan on using jackfruit and funnily enough the brand of jackfruit you recommend just happened to be what I’ve had in my cupboard! I’m actually impressed with just how easily this was to make and it took more time to make the rub than it did to make the sandwiches 💚😂 Being in the south these types of dishes are what are the norm around here but unfortunately that always comes with the forced breeding, exploitation of, and needless murder of pigs. It’s great when I can have those same meals but minus the killing of others! I do believe this is going to be a regular inclusion so thank you and imo you’ve got the best vegan recipes when it comes to these types of dishes! Keep it up Thee Burger Dude!!
Hey Steven! Yes! Agreed 100%! So glad you dug it!
A half a cup of smoked paprika seems like a lot. Is that right?
Hi, yes it is, but you can totally half or even third the rub recipe if you like.
Ok great! Didn’t want to mess up the recipe. Love your recipes! Thanks!
Made the Jackfruit version last night at it was 🔥 . Fooled both my carnivores.
I did want to ask, on the YT video it sounds like baking first does improve it but in this post you say not necessary (paraphrasing).
Maybe I’m misinterpreting the YT comment.
Glad you dug it! I think that baking does improve the texture, but I’m not sure that it’s worth it overall! It’s been a while since I’ve made this but I’m planning on doing a buffalo chicken version so I’ll test it out again. But from my memory I don’t think the extra work was necessarily worth it!
If one were to try this with soy curls, would you rehydrate them and then bake, or cook in a skillet?
You could try baking them to get them chewier for sure. But rehydrating, squeezing the water out and grilling in a skillet for a while to dry them out could work too!
Delicious! I made the tofu version this time, but am hoping to find some reasonably priced mushies soon to have that version too.
Oh it’s so good with mushrooms, thank you!!