California ‘Carne Asada’ Tacos Recipe

Introduction

These California ‘Carne Asada’ Tacos offer a flavorful and satisfying plant-based twist on the classic meat taco. Using vital wheat gluten, this recipe creates a hearty, chewy texture that mimics traditional carne asada perfectly. Enjoy them loaded with guacamole, salsa, and fresh cilantro for a delicious meal.

Ingredients

• 6 cups water
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 2 tbsp hoisin sauce
• 2 garlic cloves (crushed)
• 2 bay leaves
• 2 tbsp thyme
• 1/2 onion
• 1/2 tbsp liquid smoke
• 2 cups vital wheat gluten
• 1 tbsp cumin
• 1 tbsp garlic salt
• 2 tbsp olive oil (for sautéing)
• Guacamole (for serving)
• Salsa (for serving)
• Cilantro (for garnish)
• Corn tortillas (for serving)

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a pot, combine the water, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, crushed garlic cloves, bay leaves, thyme, half an onion, and liquid smoke.
2. Step 2: Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat.
3. Step 3: While the broth heats, mix the vital wheat gluten, cumin, and garlic salt in a large bowl.
4. Step 4: Slowly add one cup of water to the dry ingredients, stirring to form a sponge-like dough that is not too wet.
5. Step 5: Knead the dough for a few minutes until elastic.
6. Step 6: Cut the dough into chunks and place them carefully into the boiling broth.
7. Step 7: Let the dough cook in the broth for about one hour over medium heat.
8. Step 8: Once cooked, remove the chunks and cut them into smaller pieces resembling carne asada strips.
9. Step 9: Heat a skillet on medium-high and add olive oil. Sauté the pieces until they become crispy on the outside.
10. Step 10: Serve the crispy pieces in warmed corn tortillas topped with guacamole, salsa, and fresh cilantro.

Tips & Variations

• For extra smoky flavor, increase the liquid smoke slightly or add smoked paprika to the dough mix.
• If you prefer spicier tacos, add chopped jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to your toppings or dough.
• Try serving with a side of crispy French fries for a classic California touch.
• To make the dough easier to handle, dampen your hands while kneading.

Storage

Store any leftover cooked wheat gluten pieces in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat by sautéing in a skillet until warmed through and crispy again. You can also freeze the cooked pieces for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Is vital wheat gluten gluten-free?

No, vital wheat gluten is a concentrated form of gluten and is not suitable for a gluten-free diet.

Can I prepare the broth ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the broth in advance and refrigerate it. Reheat it before adding the dough chunks for cooking.

California ‘Carne Asada’ Tacos Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 149 reviews

• Author: anna
• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegan

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Description

These California ‘Carne Asada’ Tacos offer a plant-based twist on the classic carne asada, using vital wheat gluten simmered in a flavorful broth to create a chewy, savory protein that’s sautéed to crispy perfection. Served in warm corn tortillas with guacamole, salsa, cilantro, and crispy French fries on the side, these tacos are a delicious, hearty vegan meal inspired by California street food.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Broth Ingredients

• 6 cups water
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 2 tbsp hoisin sauce
• 2 garlic cloves, crushed
• 2 bay leaves
• 2 tbsp thyme
• 1/2 onion, sliced
• 1/2 tbsp liquid smoke

Vegan Protein Dough

• 2 cups vital wheat gluten
• 1 tbsp cumin
• 1 tbsp garlic salt
• 1 cup water (plus additional as needed)

Taco Assembly

• Corn tortillas
• Guacamole
• Salsa
• Cilantro
• 2 tbsp olive oil (for sautéing)
• French fries (for serving)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Broth: In a pot, combine 6 cups of water with soy sauce, hoisin sauce, crushed garlic cloves, bay leaves, thyme, sliced onion, and liquid smoke. Bring the mixture to a boil to infuse all the flavors.
2. Make the Dough: While waiting for the broth to boil, mix vital wheat gluten, cumin, and garlic salt in a large bowl. Gradually add 1 cup of water, stirring continuously, until a sponge-like dough forms that is moist but not too wet.
3. Knead the Dough: Knead the dough for a few minutes until it becomes elastic and smooth, preparing it for cooking.
4. Cook the Dough in Broth: Cut the kneaded dough into chunks and carefully place them into the boiling broth. Reduce heat to medium and simmer the dough pieces in the broth for about an hour, allowing them to absorb the flavors and firm up.
5. Prepare the ‘Carne Asada’ Pieces: Once cooked, remove the dough chunks from the broth and cut them into smaller, thin pieces resembling carne asada strips.
6. Sauté for Crispiness: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the dough slices and sauté until they become golden and crispy on the edges, enhancing the texture and flavor.
7. Assemble Tacos: Warm the corn tortillas, then layer with the sautéed ‘carne asada’ pieces. Top with guacamole, salsa, and fresh cilantro. Serve with a side of crispy French fries for a complete meal.

Notes

• Vital wheat gluten is essential for the chewy texture, making this a great vegan alternative to traditional carne asada.
• Adjust seasoning in the dough mixture to your preference; adding more garlic salt or cumin can intensify flavors.
• If you prefer a spicier kick, add chopped jalapeños or hot sauce to the salsa or guacamole.
• The cooking time for simmering the dough can be extended slightly if a firmer texture is desired.
• Use fresh corn tortillas for the best authentic taco experience.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Mexican

Keywords: carne asada tacos, vegan tacos, vital wheat gluten recipe, plant-based carne asada, California tacos, vegan Mexican food