One sunny afternoon, Lauren and Cassidy were reminiscing about their favorite Mexican dishes. They fondly remembered the rich flavors of carnitas tacos they used to enjoy during their travels. Determined to recreate that experience in a vegan way, they turned to mushrooms as the star ingredient. As they shredded the mushrooms and infused them with zesty citrus and spices, the kitchen was filled with tantalizing aromas that transported them back to those vibrant street markets.
Since then, these vegan carnitas have become a staple in their home. Lauren loves piling them into tacos with fresh salsa, while Cassidy enjoys them over rice bowls with a squeeze of lime. It's a dish that not only satisfies their cravings but also brings back cherished memories of their adventures.
Most of the recipes we (Lauren and Cassidy) make at home come from this cookbook.
It’s our go-to. That’s why we are happy to recommend it to you too.
Try These RecipesIngredients
For the Vegan Carnitas:
- King oyster mushrooms
- Olive oil
- Onion, diced
- Garlic, minced
- Tamari
- Fresh orange juice
- Fresh lime juice
- Ground cumin
- Smoked paprika
- Chili powder
- Dried oregano
- Salt
- Black pepper
Instructions
Prepare the Mushrooms:
- Trim about ½ inch from the bottom of each king oyster mushroom.
- Thinly slice the caps.
- Using two forks, shred the stems into thin strips.
- For finer pieces, use your fingers to break them apart.
- Aim for thin strips to achieve a crispy texture when baked.
Cook the Mushrooms:
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil.
- Sauté the diced onion and minced garlic until they become translucent and fragrant.
- Add the shredded mushrooms to the skillet and cook until they begin to soften.
- Stir in tamari, fresh orange juice, fresh lime juice, ground cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper.
- Continue cooking until the liquid reduces and the mushrooms are well-coated with the sauce.
Most of the recipes we (Lauren and Cassidy) make at home come from this cookbook.
It’s our go-to. That’s why we are happy to recommend it to you too.
Try These RecipesBake the Carnitas:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Spread the cooked mushrooms evenly on a large baking sheet, ensuring they are not overlapping.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the mushrooms become crispy and slightly browned.
- Stir halfway through the baking time for even crispiness.
Serve:
- Once the vegan carnitas are ready, serve them in tacos, burritos, or over rice bowls.
- Top with your favorite garnishes like fresh cilantro, diced onions, avocado slices, or a squeeze of lime juice.
Creating these vegan carnitas has been a delightful culinary journey for us. The combination of savory mushrooms with zesty citrus and aromatic spices brings a burst of flavor that's both satisfying and nostalgic. It's a versatile dish that fits perfectly into various meals, from tacos to bowls.
We hope this recipe brings the same joy and deliciousness to your kitchen as it does to ours. Whether you're sharing it with friends or enjoying a quiet meal at home, these vegan carnitas are sure to impress and satisfy.
