Mix the brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and chili powder to make the BBQ rub for the jackfruit.
Drain the jackfruit and rinse. Once drained, dry it, cut off the cores, and remove the seeds from the jackfruit. Next, shred the jackfruit to resemble a shredded meat texture. Mix together the BBQ seasoning and add it to the jackfruit. Toss to coat.
Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add 2 tbsp of avocado oil and add the seasoned jackfruit. Toss the jackfruit to coat and cook for 5 minutes to achieve some color on the jackfruit.
Add BBQ sauce and thin with enough water to make a sauce, just a few tbsp of water. Stir and reduce the heat to low-medium and cover. Cook the jackfruit for about 25 to 35 minutes. Remove the lid and stir occasionally.
In the meantime, make slaw. Add the cabbage and carrots to a mixing bowl and top with the maple syrup, lime juice, salt, and pepper. Mix and massage the carrots and cabbage until the dressing is distributed. Set aside.
Once the jackfruit has been simmered for up to 35 minutes, turn the heat up to medium-high and cook for 2 to 3 more minutes to get a little extra color and texture. Then remove from the heat.
Optional, but toast your buns with a little butter before serving to have them warm and create a barrier before putting the BBQ jackfruit on them.
Put a generous amount of jackfruit BBQ on the bottom bun, top with a little extra BBQ sauce, then a pile of the cabbage mix, and then any additional toppings, like pickles or avocado, and enjoy!
Storage Instructions: The BBQ jackfruit mixture can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheating Instructions: Reheat the jackfruit in a small skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or extra BBQ sauce until warmed through.