Soft and fluffy steamed bao buns filled with colorful pulled jackfruit slaw, crunchy peanuts, sesame seeds, and a drizzle of spicy mayo – a bold, plant-based street food delight.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These bao buns deliver a satisfying contrast of textures and flavors: tender, mildly sweet jackfruit; crisp, vibrant slaw; and a creamy, spicy mayo for a final kick. Ideal for quick weeknight dinners, impressive gatherings, or plant-based meals that don’t compromise on taste.

ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 8 steamed bao buns (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 can young green jackfruit in brine, drained and shredded
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika

For the Slaw:

• ½ cup shredded red cabbage
• ½ cup shredded carrots
• ¼ cup sliced green onions
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon maple syrup
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds

For the Topping:

• ¼ cup roasted peanuts
• 1 tablespoon crispy fried onions
• Fresh cilantro leaves
• Spicy mayo (optional drizzle)

directions

1. Heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add drained jackfruit, soy sauce, hoisin, sesame oil, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Cook 10–12 minutes until tender and flavor-infused.
2. In a bowl, combine red cabbage, carrots, green onions, rice vinegar, maple syrup, and sesame seeds; toss and set aside.
3. Steam bao buns for 5–7 minutes until soft and warm.
4. Fill each bun with pulled jackfruit, add slaw, then top with peanuts, crispy onions, and cilantro.
5. Drizzle spicy mayo if desired. Serve immediately.

Servings and timing

• Yield: 8 filled bao buns (corresponding to 8 buns)
• Prep time: ~15 minutes
• Cook time: ~15 minutes
• Total time: ~30 minutes

These times align with other pulled jackfruit bao recipes that are ready in around 30 minutes

Variations

• Spicy kick: Add sriracha or chili-garlic sauce to the jackfruit or mayo.
• Pickled onion twist: Stir pickled red onion into the slaw for tangy contrast .
• Different proteins: Substitute jackfruit with pulled BBQ mushrooms or vegan jackfruit blends for varied flavor profiles.
• Customize slaw: Include sliced cucumber, broccoli slaw, or green herbs like mint or cilantro for freshness

storage/reheating

• Storage: Keep slaw and jackfruit in separate airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Bao buns: Store steamed buns at room temperature in a sealed bag or wrap; they soften again when reheated with steam.
• Reheating: Briefly steam buns again (3–5 min), gently warm jackfruit in a pan, and assemble just before serving to preserve texture.

FAQs

1. Can I make the buns from scratch?

Yes—you can make traditional bao dough. It typically involves mixing flour, yeast, water, sugar, and salt, proofing for ~40 minutes, shaping, then steaming for 15–20 minutes

2. How do I avoid soggy buns?

Steam buns until just puffed; don’t over-steam. Drain jackfruit well and toss slaw before assembling to minimize moisture.

3. Can I prep in advance?

Absolutely. Cook jackfruit and slaw ahead. Warm buns and assemble just before serving to ensure textural contrast.

4. Is this recipe gluten-free?

Use gluten-free buns, tamari in place of soy sauce, and ensure hoisin sauce is gluten-free.

5. How spicy is this?

Mild by default, but you can increase spice level with chili-garlic sauce, cayenne, or adding fresh chili to slaw

6. Can I freeze the buns?

You can freeze steamed buns for up to 2 months. Thaw and re-steam before using.

7. What about nutritional value?

A standard serving (~1 bun + filling) is approximately 277 calories, with ~5 g fat, 4 g sugar, and 53 g carbs .

8. Can I use pulled jackfruit from a packet?

Yes—packaged BBQ jackfruit (e.g., Amazonia’s Tender Jack) can be heated and used just like homemade

9. What’s the best way to shred jackfruit?

Drain thoroughly, then use forks or hands to pull into shreds. Removing excess liquid helps the jackfruit absorb seasoning better

10. How should I reheat leftovers?

Re-steam buns, reheat jackfruit gently in a skillet, assemble, and enjoy. Avoid microwaving assembled buns to preserve texture.

Conclusion

These vibrant pulled jackfruit bao buns are a quick, tasty, and visually appealing plant-based meal. With flexible options for spice level, fillings, and preparation, they’re perfect for casual dinners or weekend gatherings. Enjoy the satisfying mix of tender bao, savory jackfruit, and zesty slaw—bite by bite.

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