Vegan Carnitas With Mushrooms (Print Version)

Savory shredded mushrooms with Mexican spices for tacos and bowls

# What You'll Need:

→ Mushrooms

01 - 1.1 pounds oyster mushrooms or king oyster mushrooms
02 - 1 tablespoon olive oil

→ Vegetables & Aromatics

03 - 1 small onion, finely chopped
04 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
05 - 1 jalapeño, seeded and finely diced

→ Spices & Seasonings

06 - 1 teaspoon ground cumin
07 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
08 - 1 teaspoon dried oregano
09 - ½ teaspoon ground coriander
10 - ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
11 - ½ teaspoon chili powder
12 - ½ teaspoon salt

→ Liquids

13 - ¼ cup orange juice, freshly squeezed
14 - 2 tablespoons lime juice
15 - 2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari
16 - 1 teaspoon agave nectar or maple syrup

→ To Serve

17 - Warm corn tortillas
18 - Chopped cilantro
19 - Diced red onion
20 - Lime wedges
21 - Avocado slices

# Step-by-Step Guide:

01 - Preheat oven to 410°F.
02 - Clean and shred mushrooms using hands or fork to create pulled texture.
03 - Heat olive oil in large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté 3-4 minutes until softened.
04 - Add garlic and jalapeño, sauté 1 minute until fragrant.
05 - Stir in shredded mushrooms and cook 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned and moisture begins to evaporate.
06 - Sprinkle in all spices, salt, and pepper. Stir well, cooking 2 minutes to toast spices.
07 - Pour in orange juice, lime juice, soy sauce, and agave nectar. Mix to coat mushrooms evenly.
08 - Transfer mushroom mixture to baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
09 - Spread evenly and bake 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 -
  • The texture gets impossibly close to real carnitas after that final bake, with crispy edges and tender centers that fool even dedicated meat eaters.
  • That smoky, citrusy spice blend hits all the right notes and makes your entire kitchen smell like a Mexican cantina.
02 -
  • Do not skip the final baking step because that is where the magic happens and the texture transforms from good to incredible.
  • King oyster mushrooms work even better than regular oysters for shredding if you can find them at your market.
03 -
  • A splash of liquid smoke takes the flavor profile to the next level and adds that authentic outdoor cooking aroma.
  • Let the mushrooms get really brown in the skillet before adding the liquids because that deep color equals deep flavor.

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