Vegan Carnitas With Mushrooms (Printer-friendly)

Tender mushrooms spiced and roasted for authentic Mexican flavors. Ideal for tacos and bowls.

# What You Need:

→ Mushrooms

01 - 1.1 lbs 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

→ Spices & Seasonings

06 - 1 tsp ground cumin
07 - 1 tsp smoked paprika
08 - 1 tsp dried oregano
09 - 1/2 tsp ground coriander
10 - 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
11 - 1/2 tsp chili powder
12 - 1/2 tsp salt

→ Liquids

13 - 1/4 cup orange juice, freshly squeezed preferred
14 - 2 tbsp lime juice
15 - 2 tbsp soy sauce or tamari
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 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 Tips:

01 -
  • The shredded mushroom texture creates that perfect pulled meat consistency that even carnivores crave
  • One pan does most of the work, making it ideal for weeknight dinners when you want big flavor without the fuss
02 -
  • Dont skip the baking step, it is what transforms the mushrooms from good to absolutely extraordinary
  • Letting the mushrooms release moisture in the skillet prevents them from becoming soggy in the oven
03 -
  • Pat the mushrooms dry with paper towels before shredding for better browning
  • Spread them in a single layer on the baking sheet, crowded mushrooms will steam instead of crisp

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