Fresh & Spicy Flavors
Mexican cuisine is spicy, flavorful, and ever evolving. Authentic Mexican recipes are derived from a blend of Aztec, Mayan, and Spanish cuisine and are not to be confused with American Tex-Mex, which is a related but separate culinary tradition. The building blocks of Mexican food are corn, beans, and chili peppers – these have been eaten in the area for generations, spanning back to a time before colonization influenced the local cuisine. When Spanish colonists arrived, they introduced rice along with certain oils and spices. Over time, these ingredients were adopted as new staples and blended with existing indigenous recipes to create the Mexican cuisine we know and love today. Modern Mexican recipes take advantage of a variety of ingredients to create fresh yet enticing flavors, many of which are spicy-hot! The ingredients most often used in Mexican recipes include onion, garlic, cumin, chili powder, epazote (an herb native to Central America), cocoa, lime, cilantro, and more. Traditionally, Mexican food is cooked using lard, but vegetable oil is sometimes substituted today. Well-known toppings like salsa, avocado, and cheese are often added to finish off a Mexican dish and add an extra boost of flavor. Interested in trying your hand at Mexican cuisine? Join us as we walk you through some of the best Mexican recipes to try at home!
#1 Enchiladas Rojas
It wouldn’t be a list of the best Mexican recipes without enchiladas! These Mexican staples date all the way back to Aztec and Mayan times, when people would consume corn tortillas wrapped around other foods, such as small fish. Authentic enchiladas rojas rely on a mix of peppers and spices to create their quintessential flavorful sauce. Once you’ve made the sauce, you can play with the fillings. Feel free to choose the ones that best suit your dietary needs – many people include shredded beef, pork, or chicken, but you can also use a vegetable filling if you prefer. Ready to try your hand at this classic Mexican dish?
#2 Salsa Roja
No roundup of the best Mexican recipes would be complete without salsa. It’s one of the first things people think of when Mexican cuisine is mentioned, and for good reason – since it’s made using fresh, whole ingredients with a focus on flavor and spice, salsa truly epitomizes authentic Mexican cuisine. You may be surprised to learn that there are actually many different salsa recipes used in Mexican cuisine, but salsa roja – red salsa – is probably the one you are most familiar with. It tastes great paired with tortilla chips, but it can also be used as a component in other Mexican recipes, such as huevos rancheros. It’s a common accompaniment to meals in Mexican homes and is also available in many Mexican restaurants in America, making it an authentic, yet familiar choice for those who are new to Mexican cuisine. If you’re looking for the perfect Mexican recipe for beginners, this is it! Ready to make your own salsa?
#3 Huevos Rancheros
Huevos rancheros, or “rancher’s style eggs,” is a popular Mexican breakfast dish. American versions often include avocado, sour cream, and other add-ons, but the traditional version is intensely flavorful all on its own. Sunnyside up eggs are served over a lightly fried corn tortilla and slathered with fiery salsa and refried beans. All these components work extremely well together, creating a satisfying, filling, and delicious dish. While assembling this Mexican breakfast dish may sound complicated, but it comes together quickly and is well worth the effort. If you’re looking for an authentic Mexican recipe to try for breakfast or brunch, you can’t go wrong with huevos rancheros! Ready to give it a try?
#4 Elote
Elote, or Mexican street corn, is found on street corners all across Mexico. Charred corn is slathered in a tangy, creamy, and salty sauce, creating an irresistible combination of flavors. It’s a unique taste that you have to experience to appreciate! But you won’t have to travel far – elote is pretty easy to recreate at home using your grill and a few specialty items from the grocery store. Elote is the perfect snack on a warm summer day and fits into any Mexican feast perfectly! Want to try out this authentic Mexican snack for yourself?
#5 Mexican Rice
This deceptively simple dish is a Mexican staple for a reason. It’s simple, filling, and very tasty. It’s also the perfect way to round out any Mexican meal and takes less than an hour to prepare! This mild yet flavorful dish is also ideal for those who don’t like too much spice but still want to try cooking an authentic Mexican recipe. Instead of relying on chili peppers, the flavor in this rice dish comes from tomato, onion, and garlic. In addition to contributing to the fresh taste, the use of tomato also gives the rice a distinct reddish hue that looks great on a table filled with delicious Mexican food! Want to give this authentic Mexican recipe a try?