Vegan Carnitas With Mushrooms (Print)
Tender shredded mushrooms with smoky spices and citrus create a juicy plant-based filling ideal for Mexican dishes.
# Ingredient List:
→ Mushrooms
01 - 18 oz oyster mushrooms or king oyster mushrooms
02 - 1 tbsp olive oil
→ Vegetables & Aromatics
03 - 1 small onion, finely chopped
04 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
05 - 1 jalapeño, seeded and finely diced (optional)
→ Spices & Seasonings
06 - 1 tsp ground cumin
07 - 1 tsp smoked paprika
08 - 1 tsp dried oregano
09 - ½ tsp ground coriander
10 - ¼ tsp ground black pepper
11 - ½ tsp chili powder
12 - ½ tsp salt, or to taste
→ Liquids
13 - ¼ cup orange juice, freshly squeezed preferred
14 - 2 tbsp lime juice
15 - 2 tbsp soy sauce or tamari for gluten-free option
16 - 1 tsp agave nectar or maple syrup
→ To Serve (Optional)
17 - Warm corn tortillas
18 - Chopped cilantro
19 - Diced red onion
20 - Lime wedges
21 - Avocado slices
# How-To Steps:
01 - Preheat your oven to 410°F.
02 - Clean and shred the mushrooms using your hands or a fork to create a pulled texture.
03 - In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened.
04 - Add the garlic and jalapeño, and sauté for another minute until fragrant.
05 - Stir in the shredded mushrooms and cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned and their moisture begins to evaporate.
06 - Sprinkle in all spices, salt, and pepper. Stir well, cooking for 2 more minutes to toast the spices.
07 - Pour in the orange juice, lime juice, soy sauce, and agave nectar. Mix to coat all the mushrooms evenly.
08 - Transfer the mushroom mixture to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
09 - Spread evenly and bake for 15 minutes, flipping halfway, until edges are crispy and mushrooms are golden brown.
10 - Serve hot with warm tortillas and your favorite toppings.
# Expert Suggestions:
01 -
- You get that authentic carnitas texture without any meat, just mushrooms transforming into something incredible
- The spice blend hits every note, smoky and citrusy with just enough heat to keep things interesting
- This recipe comes together in under an hour but tastes like you spent all day slow cooking
02 -
- Overcrowding the pan while cooking the mushrooms will steam them instead of browning, work in batches if needed
- The baking step is crucial for that authentic carnitas texture, dont skip it even if the mushrooms smell delicious
03 -
- Squeeze excess moisture from your shredded mushrooms with a clean towel before cooking for better browning
- Warm your tortillas directly over a gas flame for that authentic charred flavor and perfect flexibility