Get ready for the party.
And by "party" I mean the one that's about to happen in your mouth (Minds out of the gutters, people!).
It's a known fact that sweet potato fries are best served alongside anything BBQ-y. It's also a known fact that BBQ anything is taken up a notch with a tangy slaw of some sort. Nobody knows why but it just is. The question this evidence brings to mind is this: "But how well do sweet potato fries and slaw go together?"
You know how sometimes you can have two best friends and you think they're both just the awesomest. You think the only thing that could be better is if these two friends met and became good friends themselves but then the total opposite happens and they kind of despise one another? That's absolutely NOT the case here. You may or may not be surprised to learn that sweet potato fries and tangy slaw get on quite well, those two. Especially when their mutual BFF, BBQ jackfruit is in the picture. Then it becomes, you guessed it, a crazy delicious mouth party (CDMP).
Long-time readers may remember that about this time last year, I shared the recipe for my BBQ Bowl which included something BBQ-y, sweet potatoes, and zesty ranch dressing. Obviously, this time of year, this combo is my jam. This dish, this CDMP, contains several of the same elements. It starts with a big ol' pile of oven-baked sweet potato fries, topped with BBQ jackfruit (made with Jalapeño Plum BBQ Sauce), avocado slices, green onions, a generous drizzle of zesty ranch dressing, and a bounty of tangy red cabbage and apple slaw.
If I was going to get scientific about it, I would say that the sweetness of the sweet potato accentuates the sweetness of the BBQ sauce while the tartness of the slaw brings out the sauce's tanginess. The creaminess of the ranch and avocado provide a perfect balance so that your tastebuds aren't overwhelmed with the rich, delectable flavor. But you didn't come here for science talk. All you need to know that these loaded sweet potato fries are incredible and sure to be one that you'll make time and time again. At least, I know I will. I love a good CDMP.
Let the festivities begin!
Ingredients
- 1/4 head of red cabbage thinly shredded (I used a mandoline)
- 1 tart apple (such as granny smith or pink lady), chopped into thin matchsticks (I sliced it into wide slices with a mandoline and then chopped the slices into matchsticks)
- 1 large carrot, grated
- 1/3 cup sherry vinegar
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and chopped into fries
- olive oil spray
- a few dashes of smoked paprika
- salt and pepper to taste
- two 20-ounce cans of jackfruit, rinsed and drained
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 1/2 sweet onion, chopped
- 2 tablespoons liquid aminos (or tamari/soy sauce)
- 1 cup Jalapeño Plum BBQ Sauce (or BBQ sauce of choice), divided
- 1 tablespoon arrowroot powder
- salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 avocado, pitted and thinly sliced
- 2 scallions (green and white parts), chopped
- Zesty Ranch Dressing or Basil Ranch Dressing (or vegan ranch dressing of choice)
Instructions
- Make this at least one hour prior to serving. Combine the cabbage, apple, and carrot in a large bowl. In a cup, mix together the sherry vinegar, maple syrup, and Dijon mustard. Pour the liquid mixture over the slaw and toss to combine. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least one hour (or up to a couple days).
- Place one rack at the very top of the oven and one in the middle. Preheat the oven to 425 F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Spread the fries out on the prepared sheet and spray with olive oil. Top with paprika, salt, and pepper. Toss until combined. Place the sheet on the top rack of the oven and bake for 25 minutes, tossing once halfway through to ensure even cooking.
- As soon as the sweet potato fries are in the oven. Begin preparing your jackfruit. Use your hands to tear the jackfruit into shreds. In small bowl or cup, mix together a 1/2 cup of BBQ sauce with arrowroot powder. Set aside. Line another baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- Heat the olive oil in a large shallow sauce pan over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until just translucent. Add the jackfruit and liquid aminos and cook until the liquid has been absorbed. Add a 1/2 cup of BBQ sauce (_without arrowroot powder_) to the jackfruit and stir until combined. Let cook for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, or until the liquid has been absorbed and the jackfruit is beginning to stick to the pan. Add the BBQ sauce/arrowroot mixture to the jackfruit and stir until combined. Spread out on the prepared baking sheet and place on the middle rack of the oven. Let it bake until the sweet potato fries are done cooking (or at least 10 minutes).
- Spread the sweet potato fries out on a large plate or platter. Top with with the BBQ jackfruit. Top the jackfruit with avocado slices and chopped scallions. Drizzle the ranch dressing over the top and finally, top with a generous pile of slaw. People can serve themselves or alternatively, you can follow the same assembly steps on individual plates for each serving. Serve immediately. Enjoy!
Notes
By baking fries on the top rack, it lets them get fully cooked on the inside but being farther from the heat, it allows them to get a crisper outside.
What are your favorite FOOD BFFs? (Examples: Chocolate and peanut butter, sweet potatoes and BBQ, caramel and apples...)
Photography by Chris Miller
Caitlin
i'm ready for this cdmp!
Liz @ Floating Kitchen
Oh this looks incredible! So many wonderful colors and flavors. I'm totally down for loaded sweet potato fries!
Gabby @ the veggie nook
aaaaand I still haven't tried jackfruit. This needs to be the recipe I finally try it with. I love anything barbeque and sweetpotato! Well done, as always lady 🙂
The Vegan Cookie Fairy
I'm amazed at your talent for pairing unusual ingredients to create a mind-blowing meal. This looks AMAZING. Can I come over for dinner?
Emily @ It Comes Naturally Blog
Wow - that looks amazing. I have to give this a go 🙂
Caitlin
I *love* sweet potato fries! Those look amazing!
Jessica
all I can say is YUM! I do have a quick question, with jackfruit, do you purchase with brine or water? thanks so much!
Vanessa @ VeganFamilyRecipes
Oh...DROOL!! These are amazing and I need them! Don't think anyone can say "being vegan is limiting" when you can eat these. Pinning now!
Amy @ Parsley In My Teeth
This motivates me to try jackfruit! Sounds wonderful!
Davina
Is there am alternative to the jackfruit?
I am in Australia and can only buy fresh jackfruit but it is not in season.
Could I use chickpeas?
Ariel Beninca
you can get canned jackfruit
I am in AUS
Riya
This looks amazing - fresh and colorful. Thanks for the recipe.
Lani
Made this for dinner tonight and served to newly vegan guests. FABULOUS!!!
The kicker - I just overheard my non-vegan son telling a friend about the jackfruit he had for dinner and how good it was!! A winner for sure.
I had a mix of frozen and canned jackfruit. The canned is much better for the recipe, but has too much sodium for us.
Georgia
How many calories? Xx
keepinitkind
I don't provide nutritional info for my recipes. Sorry!
Stephanie
This was “freakin” awesome! A totally messy food favorite!! My first attempt at dragon fruit and it was a huge hit at my house!!