Vegan Mushroom Carnitas Recipe

Introduction

These vegan carnitas with mushrooms offer a delicious plant-based twist on the classic Mexican dish. Packed with bold spices and a crispy texture, they’re perfect for tacos, burritos, or nachos. Easy to prepare and full of flavor, they’re sure to satisfy both vegans and meat-eaters alike.

Ingredients

• 9.5 ounces king trumpet mushrooms
• 1 tsp olive oil
• 1/2 white onion, thinly sliced
• 2 large cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon tamari, or soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed orange juice
• Juice of 1 lime
• 3/4 tsp cumin
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp granulated garlic
• 1/2 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp chili powder
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/4 tsp salt, or more to taste
• 1/4 tsp black pepper

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Wipe the mushrooms with a damp towel to clean them. Trim about 1/2 inch off the bottoms and discard. Remove the tops and thinly slice them. Use two forks to shred the mushroom stems into thin pieces, finishing by gently pulling them apart with your fingers.
2. Step 2: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add olive oil. Add the shredded mushrooms, sliced onion, minced garlic, and tamari. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms and onions have softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Step 3: Add the orange juice, lime juice, cumin, onion powder, granulated garlic, oregano, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir until everything is well combined. Cook for 5-7 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and coat the mushrooms.
4. Step 4: Spread the mushroom mixture evenly on a large sheet pan in a single layer. Bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping once halfway through, until the mushrooms are crispy and golden.
5. Step 5: Use the vegan carnitas as a filling for tacos, burritos, or nachos. For tacos, warm corn tortillas on the stovetop, spread with guacamole, add the carnitas, and top with onion, cilantro, jalapeño, and cabbage.

Tips & Variations

• For extra smoky flavor, add a pinch of chipotle powder or smoked paprika.
• Try using different mushrooms like oyster or shiitake if king trumpet mushrooms are unavailable.
• If you prefer a spicier dish, add sliced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the mixture.
• To keep mushrooms from becoming soggy, make sure to spread them out in a single layer before baking.

Storage

Store any leftover vegan carnitas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat to retain crispness. Avoid microwaving directly as it may make them soggy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of mushrooms for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute king trumpet mushrooms with oyster, shiitake, or cremini mushrooms. Each will bring a slightly different texture and flavor but still work well as vegan carnitas.

Is tamari necessary, or can I use regular soy sauce?

Regular soy sauce can be used instead of tamari; however, tamari is gluten-free and has a richer flavor. Use whichever you prefer or have on hand.

Vegan Mushroom Carnitas Recipe

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★★★★★

5 from 75 reviews

This Vegan Carnitas with Mushrooms recipe offers a flavorful and healthy plant-based alternative to traditional carnitas. Using king trumpet mushrooms shredded and seasoned with a blend of spices, tamari, and citrus juices, this dish is cooked on the stovetop and finished with oven baking to achieve a crispy texture perfect for tacos, burritos, or nachos.

• Author: Rita
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mexican
• Diet: Vegan

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Vegetables & Aromatics

• 9.5 ounces king trumpet mushrooms
• 1/2 white onion, thinly sliced
• 2 large cloves garlic, minced

Liquids & Sauces

• 1 tsp olive oil
• 1 tablespoon tamari or soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed orange juice
• Juice of 1 lime

Spices & Seasonings

• 3/4 tsp cumin
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp granulated garlic
• 1/2 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp chili powder
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/4 tsp salt, or more to taste
• 1/4 tsp black pepper

Instructions

1. Prepare Mushrooms: Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C). Clean the king trumpet mushrooms by wiping them with a damp towel. Trim about 1/2 inch off the bottoms and discard. Cut the mushroom tops off and thinly slice them. Shred the mushroom stems using two forks or fingers to pull them apart into thin pieces.
2. Sauté Ingredients: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add olive oil. Add the shredded mushrooms, sliced onion, minced garlic, and tamari. Cook this mixture until the mushrooms and onions have softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Add Juices and Spices: Pour in the freshly squeezed orange juice and lime juice, then add cumin, onion powder, granulated garlic, dried oregano, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine all ingredients and cook until the sauce thickens and coats the mushrooms, approximately 5 to 7 minutes.
4. Bake to Crisp: Transfer the mushroom mixture onto a large sheet pan, spreading it out in a single layer. Bake in the preheated oven until the mushrooms become crispy, about 15 to 20 minutes, flipping once halfway through to ensure even crispiness.
5. Serve: Use the vegan carnitas as a filling for tacos, burritos, nachos, or your favorite dishes. For tacos, warm corn tortillas on the stovetop, spread with guacamole, add the carnitas, and top with diced onion, chopped cilantro, sliced jalapeño, and shredded cabbage for an authentic and vibrant meal.

Notes

• Use king trumpet mushrooms for the best texture and flavor, but other sturdy mushrooms can work as a substitute.
• Adjust the amount of salt and chili powder according to your taste preferences.
• The orange and lime juices add bright acidity and sweetness; fresh juice is preferred for best flavor.
• To make this recipe gluten-free, ensure your tamari or soy sauce is certified gluten-free.
• For extra crispiness, you can broil the mushrooms for the last 2-3 minutes but watch carefully to prevent burning.

Keywords: vegan carnitas, mushroom carnitas, plant-based carnitas, king trumpet mushrooms, vegan tacos, vegan Mexican recipe