Mexico is known for its rich culture, beautiful landscapes, and most importantly, its delicious food. If you’re planning a trip to Mexico or just curious about the country’s cuisine, you’re in for a treat. Mexican food is flavorful, colorful, and filled with unique spices and ingredients. These are some of the top dishes you must try in Mexico.
Tacos
Tacos are one of the most popular and beloved Mexican dishes around the world. These are soft or crunchy tortillas filled with a variety of ingredients such as beef, chicken, pork, and vegetables. You can add toppings like onions, cilantro, salsa, and guacamole to enhance the flavor. Street tacos, especially, are a must-try when you’re in Mexico. Each region has its own twist on this classic dish.
Tamales
Tamales are another traditional Mexican dish that you will find in almost every corner of the country. They are made from corn dough and filled with different ingredients like chicken, pork, cheese, or beans. The tamales are wrapped in corn husks and then steamed. The result is a warm, flavorful dish that is perfect for breakfast or lunch.
Quesadillas
Quesadillas are tortillas filled with cheese and other ingredients like mushrooms, chicken, or beef. The tortilla is folded and grilled until the cheese melts. It’s a simple yet tasty dish. In Mexico, you can find quesadillas made with fresh corn tortillas, which gives them an authentic flavor.
Guacamole
Guacamole is a popular Mexican dip made from mashed avocados mixed with lime juice, onions, tomatoes, and cilantro. It’s often served with tortilla chips or as a side for tacos and other dishes. Guacamole is fresh, creamy, and bursting with flavor. You will likely find it as a side dish in many Mexican meals.
Enchiladas
Enchiladas are tortillas rolled around fillings such as chicken, beef, or cheese and then covered with a rich sauce. The sauce can be green (made from tomatillos) or red (made from tomatoes or chilies). Enchiladas are usually topped with cheese, sour cream, and lettuce. They are often served with rice and beans on the side, making them a hearty and delicious meal.
Chilaquiles
Chilaquiles are a popular breakfast dish in Mexico. They are made by frying tortilla chips and then simmering them in green or red salsa. The dish is topped with cheese, sour cream, and sometimes chicken or eggs. Chilaquiles are perfect if you’re looking for something flavorful to start your day. The combination of crispy tortilla chips and tangy salsa is simply irresistible.
Pozole
Pozole is a traditional Mexican soup made from hominy (corn kernels), meat (usually pork), and chili peppers. It’s typically garnished with lettuce, radishes, onions, lime, and avocado. Pozole has a rich and comforting flavor, making it a great choice for lunch or dinner. It’s often enjoyed during special occasions and holidays in Mexico.
Mole
Mole is a famous Mexican sauce that is used in various dishes. It’s made from a blend of spices, chilies, chocolate, and other ingredients. Mole has a complex, rich flavor that is both spicy and slightly sweet. One of the most popular dishes with mole is “Mole Poblano,” which is often served over chicken. If you’re looking for a dish with deep flavors, mole is a must-try.
Tostadas
Tostadas are fried or toasted tortillas topped with beans, cheese, lettuce, sour cream, and meat like chicken or beef. They are crispy and loaded with toppings, offering a perfect combination of textures and flavors. You can also add salsa or guacamole for an extra burst of flavor. Tostadas are a fun and delicious dish that you can eat with your hands.
Elote
Elote is Mexican street corn, and it’s a popular snack sold by street vendors. The corn is grilled and then slathered with mayonnaise, chili powder, lime, and cheese. It’s smoky, spicy, and incredibly flavorful. If you’re looking for a quick snack while exploring Mexico, elote is a great option.
Authentic Mexican foods Recipe Step by Step
Tacos recipe
Ingredients: – Corn or flour tortillas – Cooked beef, chicken, or pork (shredded or chopped) – Diced onions – Chopped cilantro – Salsa – Lime wedges
Steps: 1. Warm the tortillas on a griddle or skillet. 2. Add your choice of meat to the center of each tortilla. 3. Top with diced onions, chopped cilantro, and salsa. 4. Serve with lime wedges on the side for extra flavor.
Tamales recipe
Ingredients: – Corn husks (soaked in water) – Masa dough (made from masa harina and water) – Filling of choice (chicken, pork, beans, or cheese)
Steps: 1. Spread a thin layer of masa dough on each soaked corn husk. 2. Add a spoonful of your chosen filling in the center. 3. Fold the sides of the husk over the filling, then fold the bottom up. 4. Steam the tamales for about 1 to 1.5 hours until the dough is firm and cooked through.
Quesadillas recipe
Ingredients: – Corn or flour tortillas – Shredded cheese (like Oaxaca or cheddar) – Optional fillings (mushrooms, chicken, beef)
Steps: 1. Heat a tortilla on a skillet over medium heat. 2. Sprinkle cheese evenly on one half of the tortilla, adding optional fillings if desired. 3. Fold the tortilla in half and cook until the cheese melts. 4. Flip to cook both sides until golden brown, then serve warm.
Guacamole recipe
Ingredients: – 2 ripe avocados – 1 lime (juiced) – 1 small onion (diced) – 1 tomato (diced) – Fresh cilantro (chopped) – Salt to taste
Steps: 1. Mash the avocados in a bowl using a fork. 2. Add lime juice, diced onion, tomato, and cilantro to the mashed avocado. 3. Mix everything well, and season with salt to taste. 4. Serve fresh with tortilla chips or as a side dish.
Enchiladas recipe
Ingredients: – Corn tortillas – Filling (shredded chicken, beef, or cheese) – Red or green enchilada sauce – Shredded cheese
Steps: 1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). 2. Fill each tortilla with the filling of your choice and roll them up. 3. Place the filled tortillas in a baking dish, seam side down. 4. Pour enchilada sauce over the rolled tortillas, and sprinkle cheese on top. 5. Bake for about 20 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Chilaquiles recipe
Ingredients: – Tortilla chips – Red or green salsa – Shredded cheese – Sour cream – Optional toppings (chicken, eggs)
Steps: 1. Heat salsa in a pan over medium heat. 2. Add tortilla chips to the pan and toss them in the salsa until coated. 3. Top with shredded cheese and optional toppings like chicken or eggs. 4. Serve with a drizzle of sour cream on top.
Pozole recipe
Ingredients: – 2 lbs pork (cut into chunks) – 1 can of hominy – 1 onion (chopped) – Garlic (minced) – Red chili sauce
Steps: 1. Boil pork in a pot with water, onion, and garlic until tender. 2. Add hominy and red chili sauce to the pot. 3. Simmer everything together for 30 minutes. 4. Serve with fresh toppings like lettuce, radishes, and lime wedges.
Mole recipe
Ingredients: – Mole paste (store-bought or homemade) – Chicken (cooked and shredded) – Chicken broth
Steps: 1. Heat mole paste in a pan over medium heat. 2. Slowly stir in chicken broth to thin out the mole until it reaches a sauce-like consistency. 3. Add shredded chicken to the mole and let it simmer for about 10 minutes. 4. Serve with rice or tortillas on the side.
Tostadas recipe
Ingredients: – Tostada shells – Refried beans – Shredded lettuce – Shredded cheese – Optional toppings (chicken, beef, salsa, sour cream)
Steps: 1. Spread refried beans on each tostada shell. 2. Top with shredded lettuce, cheese, and optional toppings like chicken or beef. 3. Add salsa or sour cream to taste and enjoy!
Elote recipe
Ingredients: – 4 ears of corn (grilled or boiled) – Mayonnaise – Chili powder – Lime wedges – Cotija cheese
Steps: 1. Grill or boil the corn until tender. 2. Spread a layer of mayonnaise over each ear of corn. 3. Sprinkle chili powder and cotija cheese on top. 4. Serve with lime wedges on the side for extra flavor.
FAQs
What is a popular food in Mexico?
Tacos are one of the most popular foods in Mexico.
What is the best Mexican breakfast?
Chilaquiles are a popular breakfast in Mexico.
What are tamales made from?
Tamales are made from corn dough and filled with various ingredients.
What is elote?
Elote is Mexican street corn, often served with chili, lime, and cheese.
What is mole?
Mole is a Mexican sauce made from a mixture of spices, chilies, and chocolate.