Vegan carne asada is a plant-based version of the popular grilled Mexican meat dish. Carne asada translates to “grilled meat” and traditionally consists of marinated steak, usually skirt or flank steak, that is grilled and served as tacos, burritos, nachos, or other Mexican dishes. The vegan version replicates the flavors and textures of carne asada using totally plant-based ingredients.
What is carne asada?
Carne asada is a popular Mexican dish consisting of grilled and chopped beef steak, usually skirt or flank steak. The meat is marinated ahead of time in a blend of ingredients like lime juice, garlic, cilantro, chili powder and oregano to infuse it with lots of Mexican flavor. The marinated meat is then grilled, chopped or sliced, and served in tacos, burritos, nachos, salads, and more. It is a staple menu item at Mexican restaurants and taco trucks.
Carne asada translates literally to “grilled meat” in Spanish. It is an easy, fast way to add flavorful grilled steak to Mexican dishes. While it originated in Northern Mexico, carne asada has become popular all over Mexico and the Southern United States as well. It is an essential component of authentic Mexican cuisine.
Traditional Carne Asada Marinade
The essential flavor in carne asada comes from its zesty marinade. While there are many marinade variations, some key ingredients are:
- Lime juice – Provides acidity to help tenderize the meat
- Garlic – Adds aroma and flavor
- Cilantro – Fresh, herbaceous flavor
- Chili powder – Provides a mild heat
- Oregano – Earthy, aromatic flavor
- Salt and pepper – Seasoning
- Olive oil – Adds richness and helps the flavors coat the meat
Other options like orange juice, beer, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and Mexican beer also help build the flavor profile. The meat soaks in the marinade anywhere from 30 minutes to overnight.
What is vegan carne asada made from?
Vegan carne asada sets out to replicate the taste, texture, and mouthfeel of grilled steak using 100% plant-based ingredients. There are a few different ways to achieve this “meaty” effect with vegetables:
Seitan
Seitan is one of the most popular plant-based meat substitutes and makes a great vegan carne asada. It has a chewy texture similar to meat. Seitan is made from vital wheat gluten, the main protein found in wheat. When cooked, it becomes very firm and steak-like.
To make seitan:
- Vital wheat gluten flour is mixed with seasoning
- Liquid is added to form a dough
- The dough is then boiled, steamed, pan-fried or baked
- Flavors like soy sauce, garlic, paprika are added
- It can be chopped or shredded for the carne asada texture
The seitan absorbs the flavors of the carne asada marinade and grills up nicely.
Soy Curls
Soy curls are made from whole non-GMO soybeans. They come dried and need to be rehydrated before using. They soak up liquid and marinades very well.
- Rehydrate soy curls in vegetable broth
- Toss in carne asada marinade
- Cook in skillet to warm through
- The soy curls shred nicely mimicking shredded meat
The soy adds protein and soaks up the bold Mexican flavors.
Jackfruit
Young, unripened jackfruit has a texture remarkably similar to shredded meat or pulled pork. Its neutral flavor allows it to take on the seasonings of the carne asada marinade.
- Drain and rinse jackfruit
- Shred or pull it apart into strands
- Toss in marinade and cook until heated through
- Has a stringy, shreds texture just like shredded beef
Jackfruit makes a convincing vegan substitute for the shredded steak texture of carne asada.
Mushrooms
Meaty mushrooms can also replicate carne asada when marinated and cooked. Good options are portobello, cremini, and maitake mushrooms.
- Slice mushrooms into 1/4 inch thick steaks
- Toss with marinade
- Grill until marks appear and mushrooms cook down
- Chop into bite-sized pieces
The mushrooms soak up the Mexican flavors and char nicely on the grill.
Eggplant
Eggplant has a dense, meaty texture when cooked that can mimic steak. It can be prepared a few ways:
- Slice eggplant into 1/4 inch steaks
- Toss with marinade and grill until tender
- Or bread eggplant cutlets with seasoned breadcrumbs
- Pan fry breaded cutlets until browned and crispy
The eggplant becomes imbued with the smoky, spicy Mexican flavors.
Tempeh
Tempeh is made from fermented soybeans pressed into a dense cake. It has a firm texture and absorbs marinades well.
- Cut tempeh into strips
- Steam or boil briefly to allow better marinade absorption
- Toss with carne asada marinade
- Pan fry or grill until heated through
The tempeh takes on the meaty texture and flavors of carne asada.
Tofu
Tofu on its own is quite bland, which allows it to take on big, bold flavors like carne asada marinade.
- Drain and press firm or extra firm tofu to remove excess moisture
- Cut tofu into 1/4 inch thick steaks
- Marinate for at least 30 minutes, up to overnight
- Grill tofu until heated through and slightly charred
The tofu absorbs the marinade and grills up nicely.
Sample Vegan Carne Asada Marinade
To give plant-based proteins or vegetables that classic carne asada flavor, marinade in a mixture like this:
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Orange juice | 1/2 cup |
| Lime juice | 1/4 cup |
| Olive oil | 3 Tbsp |
| Soy sauce | 2 Tbsp |
| Garlic | 4 cloves, minced |
| Oregano | 1 tsp dried |
| Cumin | 1 tsp ground |
| Chili powder | 1 Tbsp |
| Cilantro | 1/4 cup chopped |
| Salt | 1 tsp |
| Pepper | 1/2 tsp |
Whisk all ingredients together in a bowl orblender. Pour marinade over sliced seitan, jackfruit, mushrooms, tempeh, eggplant, etc. Let soak for 30 minutes up to overnight.
Cook on a hot grill or skillet until heated through and vegetables/plant proteins have nice char marks. Then slice, shred, or chop to mimic the texture of carne asada.
How to Use Vegan Carne Asada
Once you have perfectly seasoned, grilled vegan “steak”, use it to create favorite Mexican dishes:
Tacos
Stuff vegan carne asada into warm corn tortillas along with diced onions, cilantro, salsa, and a squeeze of lime.
Nachos
Pile tortilla chips with shredded vegan carne asada, beans, vegan cheese, salsa, guacamole, and all the fixings.
Burritos
Fill a flour tortilla with rice, beans, grilled vegan carne asada, pico de gallo, avocado, and other favorite toppings.
Tostadas
Top a crunchy corn tortilla with refried beans, shredded vegan carne asada, lettuce, diced tomatoes, cheese, and a drizzle of crema.
Salads
Chop vegan carne asada and add to a taco salad, with shredded lettuce, corn, black beans, avocado, tortilla strips, and salsa dressing.
Bowls
Serve vegan carne asada chopped over rice, beans, sautéed veggies, avocado, and salsa in a bowl.
Quesadillas
Fill a tortilla with shredded vegan carne asada, cheese, and grilled veggies. Cook in a skillet until the cheese melts and tortilla is toasted.
Fajitas
Sauté sliced vegan carne asada and bell peppers. Wrap in tortillas with all the classic fajita toppings.
Top Tips for the Best Vegan Carne Asada
Follow these tips for the most authentic flavor and texture:
- Use a bold marinade and let vegetables/plant proteins marinate for at least 30 minutes.
- Grill over high heat for nice char marks.
- Chop or shred into smaller pieces to mimic shredded meat texture.
- Opt for firmer vegetables like mushrooms, eggplant, jackfruit.
- Squeeze fresh lime juice over the finished dish.
With the right ingredients and spices, you can recreate the taste of carne asada authentically and deliciously with plant-based ingredients.
Benefits of Choosing Vegan Carne Asada
Going for vegan carne asada offers several advantages:
- More healthy – Uses nutritious vegetables and protein sources instead of red meat.
- Lowers cholesterol – Eliminates dietary cholesterol found in animal products.
- Reduces risk of disease – Decreases chances of heart disease, diabetes, and some cancers.
- Eco-friendly – Far less resource intensive than meat production.
- Ethical – Aligns with vegan values by avoiding harm to animals.
- Inclusive – Allows vegans, vegetarians, and flexitarians to enjoy Mexican cuisine.
You can keep enjoying the smoky, zesty flavors of carne asada on a plant-based diet. Vegan carne asada provides the taste and protein without the negative health and environmental impacts of meat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is vegan carne asada healthy?
Yes, vegan carne asada is a very healthy alternative to meat-based carne asada. By using vegetables, mushrooms, tempeh, tofu and other plant proteins instead of steak, it eliminates the saturated fat and cholesterol found in animal products. It’s loaded with fiber, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
What protein sources work best for vegan carne asada?
Seitan, soy curls, jackfruit, and tempeh do the best job of replicating the shredded texture of meat. But mushrooms, eggplant, and extra firm tofu also absorb marinade nicely and give a “meaty” texture when grilled.
What is the vegan substitute for steak in carne asada?
Jackfruit is the most realistic stand-in for grilled steak in terms of fibrous texture. But seitan, portobello mushrooms, and firm tofu also make convincing vegan “steak” options when sliced into steaks, marinated, and grilled.
How do you make vegan carne asada tacos?
Chop or shred your favorite vegan carne asada substitute such as jackfruit, mushrooms, or seitan. Stuff into warm corn tortillas along with onions, cilantro, salsa, lime, and other desired taco toppings for an authentic flavor.
Can you use soy curls for vegan carne asada?
Yes, rehydrated soy curls work extremely well for vegan carne asada. They soak up the flavors of the marinade and shred up nicely just like shredded meat. Simply rehydrate, marinate, cook, then chop into bite-sized pieces to fill tacos, nachos, burritos, etc.
Conclusion
Vegan carne asada allows you to enjoy the flavors of traditional carne asada made from marinated, grilled steak while adhering to a plant-based diet. By using ingredients like seitan, jackfruit, soy curls, mushrooms, and tofu marinated in a flavorful Mexican marinade, you can mimic the texture and smoky, spicy taste of carne asada without the meat. Serve your vegan carne asada in tacos, burritos, bowls, salads, nachos, and more for an authentic and delicious Mexican meal. With some creativity, carne asada can be just as satisfying and flavorful without any steak required.