Ingredients
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For the Jackfruit Char Siu
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2 cans young green jackfruit in brine, drained and shredded young green jackfruit2 cans young green jackfruit in brine, drained and shredded
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2 tbsp hoisin sauce hoisin sauce2 tbsp hoisin sauce
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1 1/2 tbsp maple syrup maple syrup1 1/2 tbsp maple syrup
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1 tbsp tomato paste tomato paste1 tbsp tomato paste
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1 tbsp Chinese five spice powder chinese five-spice powder1 tbsp Chinese five spice powder
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2 tbsp dark soy sauce or coconut aminos for soy-free dark soy sauce2 tbsp dark soy sauce or coconut aminos for soy-free
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1 tbsp rice vinegar rice vinegar1 tbsp rice vinegar
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3 cloves garlic, minced garlic3 cloves garlic, minced
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1 inch fresh ginger, grated ginger1 inch fresh ginger, grated
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1 tbsp toasted sesame oil (optional) toasted sesame oil1 tbsp toasted sesame oil (optional)
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1/2 tsp white pepper white pepper1/2 tsp white pepper
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For the Quick Pickled Veggies
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1 cup carrot, julienned carrot1 cup carrot, julienned
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1 cup cucumber, julienned cucumber1 cup cucumber, julienned
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1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced red onion1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
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1/4 cup rice vinegar rice vinegar1/4 cup rice vinegar
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1 tbsp sugar sugar1 tbsp sugar
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1/2 tsp salt salt1/2 tsp salt
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For the Bao Buns
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8–10 store-bought vegan bao buns (or homemade if desired) bao buns8–10 store-bought vegan bao buns (or homemade if desired)
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For Garnish
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2 stalks scallions, finely sliced scallions2 stalks scallions, finely sliced
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Sesame seeds sesame seedsSesame seeds
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Fresh cilantro leaves cilantroFresh cilantro leaves
Directions
This recipe is designed for quick assembly and maximum flavor. Prepare the pickled veggies first so flavors develop while you cook. Shredded jackfruit mimics traditional pulled pork with a sticky-sweet glaze. Use store-bought bao for speed, or make your own for extra fun. Serve as a snack, appetizer, or main dish—great for sharing. For full soy-free, use coconut aminos and ensure your bao buns are soy-free. For gluten-free, use gluten-free bao buns or serve in lettuce wraps.
Steps
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1
Done
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Prepare the pickled veggies: In a bowl, mix rice vinegar, sugar, and salt until dissolved. Add carrot, cucumber, and red onion. Toss and let marinate in the fridge while you prepare the jackfruit. |
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2
Done
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Make the char siu jackfruit: In a large pan over medium heat, add a splash of water (or sesame oil for richer flavor). Sauté garlic and ginger until fragrant. Add shredded jackfruit, hoisin, maple syrup, tomato paste, five spice, soy sauce or coconut aminos, rice vinegar, and white pepper. Mix well. |
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3
Done
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Simmer and stir: Cook jackfruit for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until sauce is thickened and jackfruit is sticky, caramelized, and deep red. Add splashes of water if needed to prevent sticking. |
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4
Done
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Steam the bao buns: Steam buns according to package instructions (usually 5–7 minutes in a bamboo steamer or in the microwave with a damp paper towel). |
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5
Done
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Assemble: Open each bao bun, stuff generously with warm jackfruit char siu, top with pickled veggies, scallions, sesame seeds, and cilantro. |
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6
Done
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Serve immediately while warm and fluffy! |
