Vegan Carnitas With Mushrooms (Printable version)

Tender shredded mushrooms with bold Mexican spices and citrus for a satisfying plant-based taco filling.

# Ingredient List:

→ Mushrooms

01 - 1.1 lb 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 Make It:

01 - Preheat oven to 410°F.
02 - Clean and shred mushrooms using hands or fork to create a pulled texture.
03 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened.
04 - Add garlic and jalapeño, sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
05 - Stir in shredded mushrooms and cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned and 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 orange juice, lime juice, soy sauce, and agave nectar. Mix to coat all mushrooms evenly.
08 - Transfer 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 favorite toppings.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • You get all the smoky savory satisfaction of traditional carnitas without any meat
  • The shredded mushroom texture is remarkably similar to slow cooked pork
02 -
  • Soggy mushrooms happen when you skip the oven step which is essential for getting those crispy edges
  • The combination of orange juice and soy sauce is what creates the authentic carnitas flavor profile
03 -
  • Add a dash of liquid smoke to the spice mixture if you want even more depth
  • Double the batch because these reheat beautifully for lunch the next day

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