Welcome to a world of flavor where veganism meets comfort food in the most delightful way. If you’re looking to satisfy that smoky, BBQ craving without the meat, you’ve hit the jackpot! Our Vegan Pulled Pork BBQ Mushroom Sandwich is the perfect blend of hearty mushrooms and tangy BBQ sauce, all sandwiched between soft, toasted buns. Whether you’re a seasoned vegan or just curious about plant-based meals, this recipe will surely become a favorite in your kitchen.
If you’re interested in more plant-based mushroom recipes, feel free to explore my complete Vegan Mushroom Recipes Collection here.
Ingredients & Substitutions
Pulled BBQ Mushrooms
- Oyster Mushrooms: Preferably king oyster mushrooms for that meaty texture.
- Olive Oil: For sautéing.
- Dark Soy Sauce: Adds depth and umami flavor.
- BBQ Sauce: Your favorite brand or homemade.
- Liquid Smoke: For that authentic smoky taste.
- Smoked Paprika: Adds smokiness and color.
- Garlic Powder: For a hint of garlic flavor.
- Salt and Pepper: To taste.
If you are looking for a great place to get mushrooms check out Mini Mushroom Farms!
Sandwich Components
- Vegan Buns: Your choice of soft, toasted buns.
- Vegan Coleslaw: Store-bought or homemade, for a crunchy contrast.
Substitutions:
- For mushrooms, try portobello or shiitake for a different texture.
- Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of dark soy sauce for a gluten-free option.
- Swap BBQ sauce with a homemade vegan version to control the sweetness and spiciness.
What Makes a BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwich Not Vegan?
Traditional BBQ pulled pork sandwiches are made with pork, a meat derived from pigs. This automatically disqualifies them from being vegan, as veganism avoids all animal products. Additionally, conventional BBQ sauces and toppings may contain animal-derived ingredients such as honey, Worcestershire sauce (which often includes anchovies), and mayonnaise made with eggs. By using mushrooms and vegan-friendly condiments, we recreate this beloved sandwich without compromising on taste or ethics.
Benefits of Mushrooms
Nutritional Benefits
Mushrooms are a powerhouse of nutrients. They are low in calories and packed with vitamins and minerals such as B vitamins, selenium, potassium, and copper. Additionally, mushrooms provide antioxidants, which help combat oxidative stress in the body.
Health Advantages
Mushrooms are known for their potential health benefits, including boosting the immune system, reducing inflammation, and supporting heart health. They are also a good source of dietary fiber, which aids in digestion and maintains a healthy gut.
Environmental Benefits
Opting for mushrooms over meat has significant environmental advantages. Mushrooms require less water, land, and energy to produce compared to animal agriculture. They also have a lower carbon footprint, making them a more sustainable choice for eco-conscious individuals.
Helpful Tools
- Cast Iron Skillet: For even cooking and that perfect sear.
- Two Forks or Hands: For shredding mushrooms.
- Measuring Spoons: For accurate seasoning.
- Cutting Board and Knife: For prepping the mushrooms and coleslaw.
How to Make This Vegan Pulled Pork BBQ Mushroom Sandwich Recipe
Preparing the Mushrooms
- Clean the Mushrooms: Start by gently cleaning the mushrooms under cold water. Pat them dry with a paper towel.
- Shred the Mushrooms: Use two forks or your hands to pull apart the mushrooms into thin strips. Aim for pieces that resemble pulled pork in texture.
Cooking the Mushrooms
- Heat the Skillet: Place your cast iron skillet on medium heat. Add the olive oil and let it warm up.
- Sauté the Mushrooms: Add the shredded mushrooms to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, until they’re lightly browned, about 4-5 minutes.
- Season the Mushrooms: Stir in the smoked paprika, garlic powder, liquid smoke, and BBQ sauce. Mix well. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Continue to cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
Sandwich Assembly
- Prepare the Buns: Spread a thin layer of vegan mayo on the bottom half of each bun.
- Assemble the Sandwich: Pile half of the cooked mushrooms onto each bun. Top with a generous serving of vegan coleslaw. Add hot sauce if desired. Close the sandwich with the top half of the bun and serve immediately.
Tips & Tricks To Make This Vegan Pulled Pork BBQ Mushroom Sandwich
- Choosing Mushrooms: For the best texture, use king oyster mushrooms. They mimic pulled pork perfectly.
- Balancing Flavors: Adjust the BBQ sauce and liquid smoke to suit your taste. If you prefer a spicier kick, add some chili powder or hot sauce.
- Make-Ahead Tip: Prepare the mushrooms a day ahead. Store them in the fridge and reheat before assembling your sandwiches for a quick meal.
FAQ
Yes! Portobello and shiitake mushrooms are great alternatives, offering different textures and flavors.
Absolutely! The mushrooms can be cooked a day ahead and stored in the fridge. Just reheat before serving.
Yes, you can freeze the cooked mushrooms in an airtight container for up to a month. Thaw and reheat before using.
Pulled Mushroom Sandwich Vegan BBQ Pulled Pork
Ingredients
Pulled BBQ Mushrooms
- 1 200 gram container oyster mushrooms (king oyster mushrooms are best)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp dark soy sauce
- 3 tbsp BBQ sauce
- 1 tsp liquid smoke
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- salt and pepper to taste
Sandwiches
- 2 vegan buns of choice
- 1 cup vegan coleslaw
Instructions
Preparing the Mushrooms
- First, clean the mushrooms.
- Next, shred all of the mushrooms either using two forks or by pulling them apart into strips with your hands.
Cooking the Mushrooms
- To a cast iron skillet on medium heat add 1 tbsp of oil and the shredded mushroom pieces.
- Cook the mushrooms until they are lightly browned on all sides, about 4-5 mins.
- Next, add in the smoked paprika, garlic powder, liquid smoke, and BBQ sauce. Stir to combine. Add salt and fresh ground black pepper to taste.
Sandwich Assembly
- Spread a thin layer of vegan mayo on the bottom half of each bun.
- Add half the cooked mushrooms to each sandwich, and a top generous helping of vegan coleslaw. Add hot sauce if desired, and enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
Conclusion: Vegan Pulled Pork BBQ Mushroom Sandwich
There you have it—a scrumptious, plant-based twist on a classic BBQ favorite! Our Vegan Pulled Pork BBQ Mushroom Sandwich is not only easy to make but also a hit for both vegans and meat-eaters alike. The combination of tender mushrooms and tangy BBQ sauce is sure to delight your taste buds. So, fire up that skillet, and let’s get cooking! Whether for a hearty lunch or a casual dinner, this sandwich promises to be a crowd-pleaser.
This recipe was so amazing and thank you for including the rehydration of the mushrooms that was so helpful. Next time I’m going to use fresh oysters mushrooms. 🍄🟫
Thank you so much Lauren! SO happy you found it helpful!
Amazing!! 🤩 🔥🔥⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thank YOU!! 🙂
Who would have thought mushroom could replace meat! But wow I was shocked at how delicious this turned out! Loving your recipes, so amazing
Thank you so much Piper! And i agree oyster mushrooms have such a great meaty texture they are the perfect replacement! I’m so happy you loved the recipe 🙂
Very tasty!! I LOVE mushrooms so this was a ten out of ten for me!
Thank you SO much! I love mushrooms too! 🍄