Ingredients
Scale
For the Savory Mushroom Filling:
- 1 pound Mushrooms, Assorted or Cremini: The star of the show! While you can use any type of mushroom you enjoy, cremini mushrooms (also known as baby bellas) are an excellent choice for tacos. They have a robust, earthy flavor that holds up beautifully to spices and cooking. You can also use a mix of mushrooms like shiitake, oyster, or portobello for a more complex flavor profile. For a deeper, more intense mushroom flavor, consider using a combination of dried and fresh mushrooms. Rehydrating dried porcini or shiitake and adding them to the mix will elevate the umami notes significantly.
- 1 Large Onion, Diced: Onion provides a foundational savory base to the mushroom filling. Yellow or white onions are classic choices, offering a balanced flavor that complements the mushrooms without overpowering them. For a sweeter touch, you could use a Vidalia onion. If you prefer a milder onion flavor, soaking diced onions in cold water for 10 minutes before cooking can help reduce their sharpness.
- 2–3 Cloves Garlic, Minced: Garlic is essential for adding aromatic depth and pungency to the mushroom mixture. Freshly minced garlic is always best, but you can use pre-minced garlic in a jar for convenience. For a more roasted garlic flavor, you can roast a whole head of garlic and squeeze out the softened cloves to add to the recipe. Adjust the amount of garlic to your preference – some people love a lot of garlic, while others prefer a more subtle flavor.
- 2 Tablespoons Olive Oil: Olive oil is used for sautéing the vegetables and mushrooms. Its mild flavor allows the other ingredients to shine through. You can also use avocado oil or another neutral cooking oil if you prefer. For a richer flavor, consider using butter or a combination of butter and olive oil for sautéing.
- 1 Tablespoon Taco Seasoning: This is where the taco flavor comes in! Use your favorite store-bought taco seasoning blend, or make your own homemade version. Homemade taco seasoning allows you to control the spice level and ingredients, and it often tastes fresher and more vibrant. Consider adjusting the amount of taco seasoning depending on your spice preference and the intensity of your chosen brand.
- 1 Teaspoon Chili Powder (Optional, for extra heat): If you like a little extra kick, chili powder adds a warm, earthy heat to the tacos. Start with 1 teaspoon and add more to taste. You can also use other chili powders like ancho chili powder for a smoky flavor or chipotle chili powder for a smoky and slightly spicy flavor.
- ½ Teaspoon Cumin: Cumin is a classic taco spice that adds warmth and earthiness. Ground cumin is readily available, but you can also toast whole cumin seeds and grind them fresh for a more intense flavor.
- ½ Teaspoon Smoked Paprika (Optional, for smoky flavor): Smoked paprika adds a wonderful smoky depth that complements the earthy mushrooms and taco seasoning. If you don’t have smoked paprika, regular paprika can be used, but the smoky flavor will be missed.
- Salt and Black Pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning and enhancing the flavors of all the ingredients. Season generously throughout the cooking process. Taste as you go and adjust the salt and pepper to your liking. Remember that salt is crucial for bringing out the flavors of the mushrooms and other ingredients.
- ¼ Cup Vegetable Broth or Water: A little liquid helps to deglaze the pan and create a slightly saucy consistency for the mushroom filling. Vegetable broth adds more flavor than water, but water works just fine. You can also use chicken broth if you are not strictly vegetarian.
For Assembling the Tacos:
- 12 Corn or Flour Tortillas: Choose your preferred tortillas! Corn tortillas are traditional for tacos and offer a slightly nutty flavor. Flour tortillas are softer and more pliable. For a gluten-free option, use corn tortillas or gluten-free flour tortillas. Warm the tortillas before serving to make them more pliable and flavorful. You can warm them in a dry skillet, in the microwave, or over an open flame for a slightly charred flavor.
- Toppings of your choice (see “How to Serve” section for ideas): Toppings are what make tacos truly customizable and fun! Get creative and choose your favorites. Classic taco toppings include shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, salsa, avocado, sour cream, cilantro, and lime wedges.
Instructions
- Prepare the Mushrooms and Vegetables: Begin by cleaning your mushrooms. The best way to clean mushrooms is to gently wipe them with a damp paper towel or a soft brush to remove any dirt. Avoid soaking them in water, as they can absorb moisture and become soggy. Once cleaned, slice the mushrooms. The thickness of the slices is up to you, but aim for slices that are about ¼ to ½ inch thick. Thicker slices will retain more texture, while thinner slices will cook down more. Dice the onion into small, even pieces. Mince the garlic cloves finely. Having all your vegetables prepped and ready to go will make the cooking process smoother and faster.
- Sauté the Onions and Garlic: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or pan over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering (but not smoking), add the diced onions to the pan. Sauté the onions for about 5-7 minutes, or until they become softened and translucent. Stir them occasionally to prevent burning. Add the minced garlic to the pan and sauté for another minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter. Sautéing the onions and garlic first builds a flavorful base for the mushroom filling.
- Add the Mushrooms and Spices: Increase the heat slightly to medium-high. Add the sliced mushrooms to the skillet with the onions and garlic. Stir to combine everything. Cook the mushrooms, stirring occasionally, for about 8-10 minutes, or until they release their moisture and begin to brown and soften. As the mushrooms cook, they will initially release a lot of liquid. Continue cooking until this liquid evaporates and the mushrooms start to caramelize slightly around the edges. This browning process is key to developing a rich, savory flavor. Once the mushrooms have browned and softened, add the taco seasoning, chili powder (if using), cumin, smoked paprika (if using), salt, and black pepper to the pan. Stir well to coat the mushrooms evenly with the spices. Cook for another 1-2 minutes, allowing the spices to bloom and become fragrant. Cooking the spices briefly in the pan enhances their flavor and aroma.
- Simmer and Finish: Pour in the vegetable broth or water into the skillet. Scrape the bottom of the pan with a spatula to deglaze and release any flavorful browned bits that may have stuck to the bottom. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and cover the skillet. Let the mushrooms simmer for about 5-10 minutes, or until the liquid has reduced slightly and the mushrooms are tender and flavorful. Simmering allows the flavors to meld together and the mushrooms to become even more tender. Remove the lid from the skillet and cook for another 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency. If you prefer a drier filling, cook for a bit longer to evaporate more of the liquid. If you like a slightly saucier filling, cook for a shorter time. Taste the mushroom filling and adjust the seasoning as needed. You may want to add more salt, pepper, or taco seasoning to taste.
- Warm the Tortillas: While the mushroom filling is simmering, warm your tortillas. You can warm them in a dry skillet over medium heat, flipping them occasionally until they are heated through and slightly softened. Alternatively, you can warm them in the microwave wrapped in a damp paper towel for about 30-60 seconds, or in the oven wrapped in foil. Warming the tortillas makes them more pliable and enhances their flavor.
- Assemble the Tacos: Once the tortillas are warm and the mushroom filling is ready, it’s time to assemble your tacos! Place a spoonful of the mushroom filling onto each warm tortilla. Top with your favorite toppings (see “How to Serve” section for inspiration).
- Serve and Enjoy! Serve your Easy Mushroom Tacos immediately while they are warm and delicious. Garnish with a squeeze of fresh lime juice just before serving for a bright, zesty finish. Enjoy the flavorful and satisfying vegetarian tacos!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: One Normal Portion
- Calories: 200-250