These portobello mushroom tacos are one of THE BEST vegetarian mushroom recipes you will ever try! Easy, healthy, and with a very authentic Mexican flavor. These savory and meaty mushrooms taste just like carne asada. You’ll want to make them weekly!
Portobello Mushroom Tacos are a Great Meat Substitute
Mexican food is so easy to make vegetarian! All it takes is a few simple swaps like making mushroom tacos instead of beef tacos. I grew up eating carne asada plates with beans, avocado, tortillas, and grilled vegetables all the time. I would make the best tacos from the carne asada plate with fresh lime and salsa. I knew I could never give up that incredible flavor so I had to find a way to enjoy that meaty, umami experience that meat provides and these mushroom tacos are it.
Portobello mushrooms have a dense, firm texture that closely resembles the chewiness of meat. When cooked, especially when grilled or roasted, they maintain their structure and provide a satisfying bite, similar to steak or other hearty meats. These mushroom tacos are also rich in umami flavor, one of the five basic tastes that is often described as savory or meaty. This natural umami flavor makes portobellos a great substitute for meat in dishes where deep, rich flavors are desired. This mushroom taco recipe will satisfy even the biggest meat lovers!
Why are Mushrooms a Great Substitute?
Portobello mushrooms are so meaty but not too meaty that the meat shreds will get stuck in between your teeth. In the meat-eating world, there is an obsession with “tender” meats and how to get meat to be more tender. Well, portobello mushrooms are so deliciously tender and savory! Craving a carne asada-style plate? Use portobello mushrooms. Craving a shredded meat-style bowl? Use shredded king oyster mushroom. There are so many ways to substitute beef in the world of plant-based proteins. You can choose from seitan, soy curls, and much more. However, my favorite meat replacement continues to be mushrooms! To be more specific, portobello and king oyster mushrooms. Portobello mushroom tacos always hit the spot if I’m ever craving something meaty.
Portobello mushrooms are so nutrient dense! They are low in calories and high in fiber, which supports digestion and helps you feel full longer. Rich in B vitamins like niacin and riboflavin, portobellos also provide a small amount of plant-based protein. Their antioxidant content, including selenium, supports immune function, while potassium helps regulate blood pressure. I made this mushroom taco recipe using an authentic carne asada marinade that is used in most Mexican households when we make carne asadas/barbeques! I promise this will be one of the best vegetarian portobello mushroom recipes you will ever try. I hope you LOVE THEM.
Tips to Make the Best Portobello Mushroom Tacos:
- Cook them at high heat and use a heavy item to press them down while cooking so they get a nice sear. I use a molcajete or a cast iron pan.
- I love using portobello mushrooms for this recipe but if you want another type of mushroom to substitute for tacos, I highly recommend using Lion’s Mane or King Oyster mushrooms as great alternatives. Find them at Trader Joe’s, Safeway, Sprouts, and most large markets.
- You can use lime juice instead of orange juice but orange juice is highly recommended. Lime juice is great to add after it is cooked — like squeezing a fresh lime onto your carne asada taco!
- If you want a spicer shroom I recommend using cayenne powder or chili powder from chiles de arbol. Chiles de arbol are small dried red chilis that are spicy but also so delicious.
- If you don’t have tamari or soy sauce you can also use liquid aminos to substitute. These help give the mushrooms more of an umami flavor.
- I highly recommend mixing all the marinade ingredients well before adding them to the zip lock bag or shaking it well after adding them in to make sure it’s evenly distributed.
Different Ways to Serve Portobello Asada:
Carne asada tacos
Fill your corn tortillas with slices of portobello asada, top with cilantro, lime juice, avocado and salsa of choice. Portobello mushroom tacos for the win! Bonus points for making homemade corn tortillas. They’re also super easy to make and can be ready in less than 20 minutes. All you have to do is make the marinade and cook them. Cooking them takes 10 minutes or less.
Carne asada plate
This is very popular in a Mexican household and for a good reason. Pair your portobello asada with Mexican rice, homemade beans, guacamole, grilled onions, bell peppers and some tortillas.
Burrito or burrito bowl
This is a great way to add texture, nutrients, and extra flavor to a plant-based burrito bowl or burrito. I like to dice the portobello slices into smaller pieces when I add them to a burrito or bowl.
Quesadilla
Carne asada quesadillas are oh so delicious! I recommend using mozzarella Follow Your Heart shreds or Miyoko’s pepper jack shreds for a dairy-free option. You can also make your cheese at home by following my vegan mozzarella cheese.
Mushroom Tacos
This mushroom tacos recipe offer a delicious and nutritious twist on traditional tacos, bringing all the rich flavors and satisfying textures you love without the meat. As a Mexican dietitian, I’m passionate about showing that plant-based options can be just as flavorful and fulfilling as their meat counterparts. Portobello mushrooms not only provide a hearty, umami-rich filling but also contribute to a balanced and healthy diet. Whether you’re looking to eat more plant-based meals, reduce your environmental impact, or simply enjoy a new take on a classic dish, these tacos are a fantastic choice. Remember, the key to great Mexican cooking lies in the love and care you put into every dish—so get creative, have fun, and savor every bite of these delicious portobello mushroom tacos!
Other Mexican Recipes for you:
Vegan Baked Flautas (Taquitos)
Print
Mushroom Tacos
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Diet: Vegan
Description
These portobello mushroom tacos make it a whole lot easier to be plant-based. Easy, healthy, and with a very authentic Mexican flavor, these savory and meaty mushrooms taste just like carne asada. You’ll want to make them weekly!
Ingredients
- 2 large portobello mushrooms
- 1 ½ tablespoons tamari or soy sauce, low-sodium
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon of cumin
- 2 tablespoons orange juice
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cut the portobello mushrooms in half and place them inside a ziplock bag.
- Add all other ingredients to the bag. Shake well so all ingredients are well combined. and marinate for 15-30 minutes.
- Turn a large griddle/pan on high heat. Remove mushrooms from the marinade and cook for 5 minutes on each side until slightly charred. Press down using a heavy cast iron pan or molcajete to get sear marks.
- Place on a cutting board and cut into thick strips.
- Add to your tortillas as tacos or enjoy it as a nice carne asada dish!
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 10
- Category: Mexican
- Method: Stove
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8 tacos
Ive been looking for a healthier carne asada substitute that isn’t seitan and this is it! I love how delicious the portobello taste in this recipe.
Looks delicious. Definitely trying.
These were great!!!
I usually don’t comment on recipes, but we made this tonight and it was so good! Our son just turned vegan so we are looking for good recipes to try. The whole family liked it!
So glad to hear! thanks for giving it a try 🙂
Omg thank you so mi h for this new recipe in my new vegetarian habits
I was needed 🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻
Glad you’re loving it 🙂 hope you find more on here that you love!
These are really good, I was iffy but damn I’m glad I made them im going to share the recipe with family now so they can enjoy them also.
thank you for trying these Rose! 🙂 one of my favorites!
Anna
I recently found out I have a beef (red meat) allergy. This recipe is a great substitute for steak! I absolutely loved it! It’s so good!
SO glad you loved it! I also recommend this recipe that is such a great substitute for shredded beef: https://healthysimpleyum.com/king-oyster-mushroom-tacos/
I love these so much I’ve probably made them a dozen times & just keep forgetting to write a review! They’re amazing. I’ve also made them for 4 meat eaters who are as obsessed as I am now!
Aww thank you for sharing!! 🙂 This comment made my entire week! So glad they loved these.