These smoky, saucy BBQ sandwiches are sure to be a crowd pleaser. All the flavor and texture of a pulled pork sandwich - except without the meat! Serve with an easy and refreshing cabbage apple slaw. This vegan-friendly combination is finger licking good.
Shred mushrooms: Cut the tops off the mushrooms, slice as thinly as possible. Set aside. Rake a fork down the base of the mushroom stems to shred them.
Make Cabbage Slaw: In a medium bowl, combine cabbage, green apple, scallions, mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, and grainy mustard. Stir well, until evenly coated. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. Cover and refrigerate.
Cook mushrooms: Heat grapeseed oil in a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Scatter mushrooms into hot oil. Use a heatproof spatula to press the mushrooms down into a single layer, maximizing the surface area in contact with the hot pan. Let cook undisturbed until brown on the bottom, 8 to 10 minutes. Flip and cook until golden brown on the other side, about 5 minutes.
Season mushrooms: Reduce heat to medium. Add tamari, toss to coat. Cook, stirring frequently, for another 5 minutes. Sprinkle in paprika and garlic powder. Cook until the mushrooms are crispy on the edges, about 5 minutes. Pour in barbecue sauce, stir to coat. Cook until sauce is sticky and hot, about 3 minutes.
Assemble: Open the toasted buns, spread with mayonnaise, top with mushrooms and cabbage slaw.
Notes
Barbecue sauce: This recipe was developed and tested with Healthier Homemade Barbecue Sauce. You could substitute with an equal amount of store-bought sauce, but if you go this route, adjust the smoked paprika and garlic powder as needed. Other BBQ sauces will vary in flavor contain liquid smoke (which, combined with the smoked paprika, might be taste too smoky). If using store-bought BBQ sauce, don't add the spices until after you add your sauce - then taste and add spices as needed.
Mayonnaise: Use vegan mayonnaise if needed.
Buns: Soft buns - like brioche, potato buns, or similar - are recommended. Use vegan or gluten-free buns if needed.