Barbecue Jackfruit Sandwiches with Cabbage Slaw

Rinse jackfruit under cold water. Drain and pat dry with paper towels. Cut off jackfruit core and discard. In a medium bowl, shred jackfruit using your fingers, and set aside.

Finely chop half of the onion, and set aside. Thinly slice remaining onion half. Bring 1/2 cup of the water, 1/2 cup of the vinegar, 1 1/2 tablespoons of the sugar, and 1 1/2 teaspoons of the salt to a boil in a small saucepan over medium-high, stirring occasionally to dissolve sugar. Add onion slices, and return to a simmer over medium-high. Remove from heat. Let stand until ready to use.

Stir together cabbage, cilantro, mayonnaise, scallions, 2 teaspoons of the vinegar, 1/4 teaspoon of the salt, and 2 teaspoons of the mustard in a medium bowl; set aside.

Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-low. Add chopped onion; cook, stirring occasionally, until brown around edges, about 6 minutes. Add garlic; cook, stirring occasionally, 30 seconds. Add cumin; cook, stirring constantly, until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Remove from heat and transfer to a blender.

To the onion mixture in the blender, add ketchup, chipotle chiles and adobo sauce, and remaining 1/3 cup water, 2 tablespoons sugar, 1 teaspoon mustard, 3/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon vinegar. Process until very smooth, about 30 seconds. Return mixture to the large skillet and bring to a gentle simmer over medium-low. Simmer, stirring often, until flavors meld, about 4 minutes. Add shredded jackfruit; cook, stirring constantly, until warmed through, about 3 minutes.

Drain pickled onion slices. Divide jackfruit mixture evenly among bottom buns; top with desired amount of cabbage slaw, pickled onion slices, and pickle chips. Cover with tops of buns and serve.