Tennessee BBQ Jackfruit Sliders on the Arteflame

Introduction

If you’ve never grilled jackfruit before, you’re in for a real treat. These Tennessee BBQ Jackfruit Sliders are smoky, tender, slightly sweet, and packed with flavor. We’ll walk you through how to create mouthwatering pulled jackfruit completely on the Arteflame grill without pots, pans, or ovens. You'll get delicious texture and layered flavor from high-heat searing and slow-cooking on the flat grill top—all while mastering every dish outdoors.

Ingredients

• 2 cans of young green jackfruit in brine (not syrup), drained and rinsed
• 1 cup Tennessee-style BBQ sauce
• 12 mini slider buns
• 2 tbsp butter (for grilling)
• 1/4 head purple cabbage, shredded
• 1/4 head green cabbage, shredded
• 1 carrot, julienned
• 1/3 cup vegan or regular mayo
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 tsp sugar
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Fire Up the Arteflame Grill

1. Pour a bit of vegetable oil on three paper napkins.
2. Place the oil-soaked napkins on the grill bed, then stack firewood on top.
3. Light the napkins and allow the wood to catch.
4. Wait about 20 minutes—once flames die down and grates are hot, you’re ready to grill!

Step 2: Prepare the Jackfruit

1. Use your hands or two forks to shred the jackfruit into small, pull-apart pieces.
2. Mix the jackfruit with half the BBQ sauce and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Slaw

1. On the cooler outer edge of the Arteflame flat griddle, add a little butter.
2. Briefly warm the cabbage and carrot without wilting, just to soften slightly.
3. Transfer to a bowl and mix in mayo, vinegar, sugar, salt and pepper.
4. Chill until needed.

Step 4: Grill the Jackfruit

1. Add butter to the flat top griddle closer to the hotter inner ring.
2. Spread out the jackfruit in a single layer and let it crisp and caramelize.
3. Flip and move around for even searing as necessary, about 10–12 minutes.
4. Move portions to a slightly cooler part of the griddle to finish cooking, adding the remaining BBQ sauce toward the end and stirring well.

Step 5: Toast the Buns

1. Slice slider buns in half.
2. Place on outer edge of the grill flat top cut side down for 1–2 minutes until golden brown.

Step 6: Build the Sliders

1. Place a generous scoop of BBQ pulled jackfruit on the bottom bun.
2. Top with a spoonful of slaw and the top bun.

Tips

• Keep the jackfruit pieces spread out—this helps them grill crispier.
• Rotate slider buns often to prevent burning.
• If using a thermometer, aim to remove any proteins from the grill about 15°F shy of your final target temp—carryover cooking will finish the job.
• Use butter on the cooktop instead of oil to enhance flavor and browning.
• Utilize different heat zones on your grill for perfectly-timed results.

Variations

1. Spicy Chipotle Jackfruit Sliders: Add chopped chipotle peppers in adobo sauce to your BBQ sauce for a smoky, spicy bite.
2. Sweet Pineapple Jackfruit Sliders: Mix in small chunks of grilled pineapple into the jackfruit for sweet-savory contrast.
3. Asian Fusion Sliders: Swap BBQ sauce for hoisin, soy sauce, and sesame oil, and top with cucumber slaw and fresh cilantro.
4. Buffalo Style Sliders: Use Buffalo sauce instead of BBQ and pair with a blue cheese slaw for an extra kick.
5. Maple Bourbon BBQ Jackfruit: Mix a splash of bourbon and a dash of maple syrup into the BBQ sauce for a sweet Tennessee twist.

Conclusion

Sliders don’t always have to be about meat. These Tennessee BBQ Jackfruit Sliders are a smoky, succulent, plant-based spin on a Southern favorite. Using the Arteflame grill ensures an unbelievably easy cook, full of flavor and flair. And when you wow your family or guests with these pulled jackfruit beauties, they might not even realize it’s not pulled pork!

Best Pairings

• Sweet potato fries or grilled corn on the cob
• Grilled peaches or pineapple rounds
• Tall glass of iced sweet tea or a Tennessee bourbon cocktail