5 from 16 votes
Jackfruit Bao Buns
Jackfruit Bao Buns provide a vegan alternative to traditional bao by using pulled jackfruit in a spiced tomato-based sauce. The jackfruit is simmered with aromatics like onion, garlic, and a blend of smoked paprika, five-spice, cumin, and cayenne, giving a richly flavored filling with a touch of heat. The buns are steamed or lightly grilled burger buns, then assembled with crunchy cucumber, tangy pickled red onion, crisp red cabbage, and vegan mayonnaise, offering a vibrant mix of textures and flavors.
Prep Time
5 mins
Cook Time
25 mins
Total Time
30 mins
Servings:
4
Calories:
430 kcal
Course:
Main Course, Dinner
Cuisine:
Asian, Chinese
Ingredients
- 4 bao buns or use burger buns, vegan
- 400 g jackfruit drained
For the sauce
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 onion finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 ¼ cups tomato ketchup 400g
- 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar (or apple cider vinegar or white vinegar)
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon five-spice powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin ground
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper or more if you like it hotter
- 2 teaspoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon marmite (yeast extract, optional)
Garnish
- cucumber sliced into rounds
- vegan mayonnaise
- red cabbage thinly sliced
- Pickled red onion
Instructions
- Heat the oil in a saucepan over a medium heat, then add the onions and garlic and cook until soft - about 4 minutes.
- Stir in the ketchup, vinegar and spices.
- Add the drained jackfruit and simmer for 20 minutes, gradually pulling the jackfruit apart with tongs or two forks. When it's ready, stir in the marmite (if using) and soy sauce. Taste and add more cayenne if desired. Set aside.
- Meanwhile, make the pickled onions by placing the onion, vinegar, water, sugar and salt in a pan and bring to the boil. Take off the heat and allow to cool. Follow these instructions: Pickled Red Onion.
- Steam or microwave the bao buns (or slice burger buns in half and lightly char them on a grill). Fill with the pulled jackfruit, pickled onions, cucumber, cabbage and a dollop of vegan mayonnaise.
Cup of Yum
Nutrition Information
Calories
430kcal
(22%)
Carbohydrates
80g
(27%)
Protein
9g
(18%)
Fat
10g
(15%)
Saturated Fat
6g
(30%)
Sodium
1923mg
(80%)
Potassium
986mg
(21%)
Fiber
4g
(16%)
Sugar
47g
(94%)
Vitamin A
1324IU
(26%)
Vitamin C
23mg
(26%)
Calcium
141mg
(14%)
Iron
3mg
(17%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 4 Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 430
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 430kcal | 22% |
| Carbohydrates | 80g | 27% |
| Protein | 9g | 18% |
| Fat | 10g | 15% |
| Saturated Fat | 6g | 30% |
| Sodium | 1923mg | 80% |
| Potassium | 986mg | 21% |
| Fiber | 4g | 16% |
| Sugar | 47g | 94% |
| Vitamin A | 1324IU | 26% |
| Vitamin C | 23mg | 26% |
| Calcium | 141mg | 14% |
| Iron | 3mg | 17% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.