How do you get the 'carnitas' texture from maitake mushrooms?

The maitake mushrooms are pressed on a cast iron skillet with another skillet on top, cooked until flat and charred, then shredded to achieve a carnitas-like texture.

What gives these mushroom carnitas their smoky flavor?

The smoky flavor comes from charring the maitake mushrooms on a cast iron skillet and the addition of chipotles in adobo during the marination process.

Can I make the lime crema ahead of time?

Yes, the lime crema, made from lime zest, juice, and cashew cream, can be mixed ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator until ready to assemble the tacos.

What's the purpose of marinating the mushrooms with orange juice?

Marinating the shredded mushrooms and onions with fresh orange juice, chipotles in adobo, and oregano infuses them with a vibrant, tangy, and slightly spicy flavor profile.

How should I store leftover Smoky Mushroom Carnitas tacos?

It's best to store the mushroom carnitas filling and toppings separately. The cooked mushroom and onion mixture can be refrigerated in an airtight container for 2-3 days, and assembled fresh when ready to eat.

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Taco Tuesday: Smoky Mushroom Carnitas
[Vegan]

LA By: Lisa Dawn Angerame

Author Bio

My recipes are easy because I cook for busy people like me. I prep ahead,... Read More

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Two vegan smoky mushroom carnitas tacos, topped with red cabbage, mashed avocado, scallions, and lime crema.

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Taco Tuesday: Smoky Mushroom Carnitas [Vegan]

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Dairy Free

If it’s Tuesday, it’s tacos in my house. If I have said it once, I have said a million times, anything can be a taco. And if I haven’t said it before, I will say this, almost anything can be veganized. So, how about carnitas? Yes, please! To make these... Read More

Ingredients You Need for Taco Tuesday: Smoky Mushroom Carnitas [Vegan]

For the Smoky Mushroom Carnitas:

1 package maitake mushroom
1/4 onion
2 tablespoons freshly squeezed orange juice
1 tablespoon chipotles in adobo
1/4 teaspoon oregano
3 corn tortillas
Red cabbage shredded
Avocado mashed
Scallions sliced
Lime crema drizzled

For the Lime Crema:

1 lime, zested and juiced
1/4 cup cashew cream

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How to Prepare Taco Tuesday: Smoky Mushroom Carnitas [Vegan]

Press the maitakes on a cast iron skillet with another skillet on top. Keep cooking and pressing down until the mushrooms are flat and charred.
Shred the mushrooms and add to a bowl. Thinly slice the onion into half moons and add to the mushrooms. Squeeze the fresh orange juice on top, add the chipotles in adobo and oregano. Stir around until everything is coated. Cover and marinate for 30 minutes (or longer if you have time.)
Mix the lime and cashew cream together to make the lime crema.
Quick sauté the mushrooms and onions just to heat them through.
Char your tortillas.
Assemble your tacos. Add the mushrooms on the bottom and top with cabbage, avocado, scallions and lime crema. Enjoy!

Nutritional Information

Note: The information shown is based on available ingredients and preparation. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.