BBQ Jackfruit Sandwich with Spicy Slaw & Smoky Maple Sauce

Chad Montano

Just a typical Southern California dude with a passion for fitness, the outdoors and photographing mouth-watering food. ~

Instagram: @briewilly

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Shake It Up!

Honestly, I think it’s just important to get in the kitchen and try new things. Don’t get caught up in your standard weekly recipes. Do a little research and find new recipes and techniques that will broaden and enhance your overall cooking skills.

Bring on the Turmeric

I think that turmeric is an ingredient that we underuse at home. It has amazing health benefits and can be used in a variety of foods. It also works as a vibrant and natural food-coloring source.

Garlic Hack

If you’re like me and hate how the smell of garlic lingers on your fingers and everything else you touch, try putting it inside a plastic resealable bag, then smash it down with the back of a knife. Problem solved!

The Impact of Food

I grew up eating a variety of foods, but most of it was unhealthy and processed. As I got older, I started to incorporate healthier options into my diet and began to see a dramatic change in my body and the way that I felt.

INGREDIENTS

BBQ Jackfruit

14 oz can organic jackfruit

1 tbsp brown sugar

2 tsp MRM Mesquite Powder (optional)

½ tsp paprika

½ tsp garlic powder

½ tsp salt

½ tsp pepper

½ cup BBQ sauce

Spicy Slaw

1 cup purple cabbage

1 cup shredded carrots

1 tsp red wine vinegar

1 tbsp vegan mayo

½ jalapeño, diced

½ tbsp maple syrup (or sweetener of choice)

Juice of 1 lime

Salt + pepper, to taste

2-3 vegan brioche buns

METHOD

Rinse, drain and dry the jackfruit. Cut off center core and discard. In a mixing bowl, add your spices, then add jackfruit and toss. Heat a medium skillet over medium heat. Add 1 tbsp oil and add jackfruit. Cook for about 2-3 minutes. Add BBQ sauce and a splash of water to thin out a little, stir and reduce heat to medium-low, cover with a lid and cook for about 20 minutes. While the jackfruit is cooking, add slaw ingredients to a mixing bowl, toss gently, then refrigerate. Once the jackfruit has a nice color and is tender, shred with a fork and begin to plate. Add a little BBQ sauce to the bottom bun, followed by a generous serving of jackfruit, then your slaw. Enjoy!

Detox Mocktail!

I love to make my detox “mocktail,” which is blended with coconut water, frozen pineapple, ginger, lime juice and beetroot powder.

That Frosted Berry Look

If you want to turn it up a notch on styling your next smoothie bowl, then try adding fresh berries such as blueberries, blackberries and raspberries that have been in the freezer overnight. When you are ready to style your bowl, take them out of the freezer and allow them to sit out for a few minutes. You are then left with a cold and frosty look that will surely impress.

Wellness

For me, wellness means living a life of happiness through physical, mental and social wellbeing. My life has been a roller coaster, but over the years I have grown to love myself and, most importantly, the ones around me.

OCD on the Food Pics

I know for sure that I have OCD when it comes to food photography. Sometimes it will take me an hour just to style a stack of pancakes. Some laugh, but I think it’s a serious problem.