About the Recipe
They make a fantastic vegan alternative for your Asian-inspired meals or barbecue gatherings.
Ingredients
2 cans of young jackfruit in brine (drained and rinsed)
4 tablespoons soy sauce
2 tablespoons tomato paste
2 tablespoons maple syrup or sweetener of choice
1 tablespoon liquid smoke (optional)
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
Bamboo skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes (fresh lemon grass sticks work as well)
For the sweet hot sesame sauce:
1/4 cup soy sauce
2 tablespoons maple syrup or sweetener of choice
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
1 tablespoon sriracha sauce (adjust to taste)
1 tablespoon sesame oil
1 tablespoon sesame seeds
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon grated ginger
For the vegan BBQ sauce:
1/2 cup ketchup
2 tablespoons maple syrup or sweetener of choice
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
Preparation
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
In a mixing bowl, combine the soy sauce, tomato paste, maple syrup, liquid smoke (if using), garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Stir well to create a marinade.
Drain and rinse the jackfruit, then use your hands to shred it into smaller pieces, removing any tough core parts.
Place the shredded jackfruit into the marinade and toss to ensure it is evenly coated. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight for the flavors to develop.
While the jackfruit is marinating, prepare the sweet hot sesame sauce. In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, maple syrup, rice vinegar, sriracha sauce, sesame oil, sesame seeds, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Stir well to combine.
For the vegan BBQ sauce, in another small bowl, combine the ketchup, maple syrup, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, tomato paste, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper. Stir well to combine.
Thread the marinated jackfruit onto the soaked bamboo skewers, shaping them into drumstick-like forms.
Place the skewers on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until the jackfruit drumsticks are slightly crispy and golden brown.
Once the drumsticks are cooked, brush them generously with the sweet hot sesame sauce and vegan BBQ sauce, coating all sides. Return them to the oven for another 5 minutes to allow the sauces to caramelize.
Remove the jackfruit drumsticks from the oven and let them cool slightly. Serve them with additional sauce on the side for dipping.