Vegan carnitas with mushrooms (Printable)
Tender shredded mushrooms simmered with bold Mexican spices and citrus juices create a satisfying filling.
# What You'll Need:
→ Mushrooms
01 - 17.6 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
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
# Directions:
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 Hints:
01 -
- The texture becomes incredibly meaty, even mushroom skeptics do double takes
- Perfectly balances smoky citrusy heat without any meat needed
02 -
- Soggy mushrooms happen if you skip the initial skillet step so do not rush that part
- Let them cool slightly on the baking sheet for better texture before serving
03 -
- Freshly squeezed orange juice makes a noticeable difference in brightness
- Use tamari instead of soy sauce to keep it completely gluten free