20 Mexican Recipes That Will Make Your Taste Buds Dance With Joy

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I’ve attached a video for every recipe below from my favorite home cooks.

Mexican food is full of rich flavors and vibrant ingredients. You can bring the taste of Mexico to your own kitchen with easy recipes that use common items. By making Mexican dishes at home, you can enjoy fresh, tasty meals that are often healthier than restaurant versions.

These recipes let you try classic Mexican foods like tacos, enchiladas, and guacamole. You’ll learn to use spices and herbs that give Mexican cooking its unique taste. Many dishes can be made quickly for weeknight dinners. Others are perfect for parties or special meals with family and friends.

Tacos Al Pastor

Here’s what you’ll need to make delicious tacos al pastor:

Ingredients:

  • 2 lbs pork shoulder, thinly sliced
  • 3 dried guajillo chiles
  • 2 dried ancho chiles
  • 1/4 cup pineapple juice
  • 1/4 cup white vinegar
  • 3 cloves garlic
  • 1 tablespoon achiote paste
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Corn tortillas
  • Diced pineapple, onion, and cilantro for topping

Directions:

  1. Soak the dried chiles in hot water for 15 minutes. Remove stems and seeds.

  2. Blend the softened chiles with pineapple juice, vinegar, garlic, achiote paste, oregano, and cumin until smooth.

  3. Season the pork with salt and pepper, then marinate in the chile mixture for at least 4 hours or overnight.

  4. Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).

  5. Cook the marinated pork in a Dutch oven for about 2-3 hours until tender.

  6. Shred the pork and broil for a few minutes to crisp up the edges.

  7. Warm your tortillas and fill with the pork. Top with diced pineapple, onion, and cilantro.

Enjoy your homemade tacos al pastor! They’re packed with flavor and sure to be a hit at your next taco night.

Guacamole

Ready to make some tasty guacamole? Here’s what you’ll need:

  • 3 ripe avocados
  • 1 lime
  • 1/4 cup diced onion
  • 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro
  • 1 diced tomato
  • 1 minced jalapeño (optional)
  • Salt to taste

Now, let’s get cooking!

  1. Cut the avocados in half and remove the pits.

  2. Scoop the avocado flesh into a bowl.

  3. Mash the avocados with a fork, leaving some chunks for texture.

  4. Squeeze the lime juice over the mashed avocados.

  5. Add the diced onion, cilantro, tomato, and jalapeño (if using).

  6. Mix everything together gently.

  7. Taste and add salt as needed.

  8. Serve right away with tortilla chips or use as a topping for your favorite Mexican dishes.

Enjoy your fresh, homemade guacamole!

Enchiladas

Ready to make some tasty enchiladas? Here’s what you’ll need:

Ingredients:

  • 12 corn tortillas
  • 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
  • 2 cups red enchilada sauce
  • 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
  • 1/4 cup vegetable oil
  • Salt to taste

Directions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

  2. Warm the tortillas in the microwave for about 30 seconds to make them pliable.

  3. Heat the oil in a skillet over medium heat. Dip each tortilla in the oil for a few seconds to soften it.

  4. Dip the softened tortilla in enchilada sauce, coating both sides.

  5. Place some chicken and cheese in the center of the tortilla. Roll it up and place it seam-side down in a baking dish.

  6. Repeat with the remaining tortillas.

  7. Pour the remaining sauce over the enchiladas and sprinkle with extra cheese.

  8. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Your enchiladas are now ready to enjoy! Serve them hot with your favorite toppings like sour cream, chopped cilantro, or sliced avocado.

Chiles Rellenos

Ready to make some tasty chiles rellenos? Here’s what you’ll need:

Ingredients:

  • 6 large poblano peppers
  • 2 cups shredded cheese (Oaxaca or Monterey Jack)
  • 4 eggs, separated
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • Salt to taste
  • Oil for frying

Directions:

  1. Roast the peppers under the broiler until charred. Place them in a plastic bag to steam for 10 minutes.

  2. Peel off the skins and make a small slit in each pepper. Remove seeds and stuff with cheese.

  3. Separate the eggs. Beat the whites until stiff peaks form.

  4. Mix egg yolks with flour, baking powder, and salt. Gently fold in the egg whites.

  5. Heat oil in a large skillet. Dip each stuffed pepper in the egg mixture and fry until golden brown on both sides.

  6. Drain on paper towels and serve hot. Enjoy your homemade chiles rellenos!

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Remember, practice makes perfect. Don’t worry if your first batch isn’t picture-perfect – they’ll still taste great!

Pozole

Ready to make a tasty Mexican soup? Let’s cook up some pozole! Here’s what you’ll need:

Ingredients:

  • 2 lbs pork shoulder, cubed
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 tsp oregano
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 4 cups hominy
  • 4-6 dried guajillo chilies
  • Salt to taste

Directions:

  1. Put the pork in a big pot with half the onion, garlic, bay leaves, oregano, and cumin. Cover with water and boil.

  2. Lower heat, cover, and simmer for 45 minutes until the meat is tender.

  3. While that’s cooking, soak the chilies in hot water for 15-20 minutes.

  4. Blend the soft chilies with some of their soaking water to make a smooth sauce.

  5. Add the chili sauce and hominy to the pot. Simmer for another 15-20 minutes.

  6. Taste and add salt as needed.

Your pozole is ready! Serve it hot with toppings like shredded cabbage, sliced radishes, and lime wedges. Enjoy your tasty Mexican soup!

Mole Poblano

You’ll need these ingredients for your mole poblano:

  • 4 dried ancho chiles
  • 2 dried pasilla chiles
  • 2 dried mulato chiles
  • 1/4 cup raisins
  • 1/4 cup sesame seeds
  • 1/4 cup pumpkin seeds
  • 2 corn tortillas
  • 2 tomatoes
  • 1 onion
  • 3 garlic cloves
  • 1 cinnamon stick
  • 2 oz dark chocolate
  • 2 tbsp peanut butter
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • Salt to taste

Here’s how to make it:

  1. Toast the dried chiles in a dry skillet. Remove seeds and soak in hot water for 30 minutes.

  2. In the same skillet, toast the seeds, tortillas, and cinnamon stick.

  3. Roast the tomatoes in a 400°F oven for 20-30 minutes.

  4. Blend the soaked chiles, seeds, tortillas, tomatoes, onion, and garlic with some chicken broth until smooth.

  5. Heat oil in a large pot. Pour in the blended mixture and cook for 5 minutes, stirring constantly.

  6. Add the remaining broth, chocolate, and peanut butter. Simmer for 30 minutes, stirring often.

  7. Season with salt to taste. Your mole is ready to serve over chicken or turkey!

Tamales

Ready to try your hand at making tamales? Here’s what you’ll need:

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups masa harina
  • 1 cup lard or vegetable shortening
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
  • 24 corn husks
  • Your choice of filling (pork, chicken, beef, or vegetables)

Directions:

  1. Soak the corn husks in warm water for 30 minutes.

  2. Mix masa harina, baking powder, and salt in a bowl.

  3. Beat lard until fluffy, then mix in the masa mixture and broth until smooth.

  4. Spread masa on corn husks, add filling, and fold.

  5. Steam the tamales for about 1 hour.

  6. Let them cool slightly before unwrapping and enjoying!

Remember, making tamales can be a fun group activity. Get your family or friends involved in the process!

Quesadillas

Ready to make tasty quesadillas? Here’s what you’ll need:

  • Large flour tortillas
  • Shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend)
  • Cooked chicken, beef, or veggies (optional)
  • Oil or butter for cooking

Now, let’s get cooking!

  1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.

  2. Add a tiny bit of oil or butter to the pan.

  3. Place a tortilla in the hot skillet.

  4. Sprinkle cheese over half the tortilla. Add your other fillings if using.

  5. Fold the empty half over the filled side.

  6. Cook for about 2 minutes until golden brown.

  7. Flip carefully and cook the other side for 1-2 minutes.

  8. Remove from the pan and let it cool slightly.

  9. Cut into wedges and enjoy your crispy, cheesy quesadilla!

Feel free to get creative with your fillings. Try different cheeses, meats, or veggies to make it your own. Serve with salsa, guacamole, or sour cream for extra yumminess!

Chilaquiles

Ready to make some tasty chilaquiles? Here’s what you’ll need:

Ingredients:

  • 12 corn tortillas, cut into triangles
  • 2 cups red salsa
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 4 eggs
  • 1/4 cup crumbled queso fresco
  • 1/4 cup diced onion
  • 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro

Directions:

  1. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add tortilla triangles and fry until crispy, about 5 minutes. Remove and drain on paper towels.

  2. Pour salsa into the skillet and bring to a simmer. Add fried tortillas and toss to coat. Cook for 2-3 minutes until tortillas soften slightly.

  3. In a separate pan, fry eggs to your liking.

  4. Divide chilaquiles among plates. Top each serving with a fried egg, queso fresco, diced onion, and cilantro.

  5. Serve hot and enjoy your homemade chilaquiles!

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This quick and easy recipe gives you a classic Mexican breakfast in no time. Feel free to adjust the toppings to your taste!

Cochinita Pibil

Ready to try a tasty Mexican dish? Cochinita pibil is a yummy pork recipe from Yucatán. Here’s what you’ll need:

Ingredients:

  • 3 lbs pork shoulder
  • 1/2 cup achiote paste
  • 1/2 cup orange juice
  • 1/4 cup lime juice
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • Salt and pepper
  • Banana leaves (optional)

Directions:

  1. Mix achiote paste, orange juice, lime juice, garlic, oregano, and cumin in a bowl.

  2. Cut pork into chunks and add to the mix. Let it sit in the fridge for 4-8 hours.

  3. Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).

  4. If using banana leaves, wrap the pork in them. If not, put the pork in a baking dish.

  5. Cover with foil and bake for about 3 hours until the pork is very tender.

  6. Shred the pork with two forks.

  7. Serve in tacos with pickled red onions and enjoy your homemade cochinita pibil!

This dish is great for parties or family dinners. The pork comes out juicy and full of flavor. You’ll love the mix of spices and citrus in every bite!

Elote

Ready to try a tasty Mexican street food favorite? Elote is grilled corn on the cob topped with yummy toppings. Here’s what you’ll need:

Ingredients:

  • 4 ears of corn, husked
  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup Mexican crema or sour cream
  • 1/2 cup cotija cheese, crumbled
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 lime, cut into wedges
  • Salt to taste

Directions:

  1. Grill your corn over medium-high heat for about 10 minutes. Turn it often so it cooks evenly.

  2. Mix the mayo and crema in a small bowl.

  3. Once the corn is done, spread the mayo mixture all over each ear.

  4. Sprinkle the cotija cheese and chili powder over the corn.

  5. Squeeze fresh lime juice on top and add a pinch of salt.

Now you’re ready to dig in! Enjoy your homemade elote just like you’d find on the streets of Mexico.

Tostadas

Ready to make some tasty tostadas? Here’s what you’ll need:

Ingredients:

  • 8 corn tortillas
  • Vegetable oil for frying
  • 1 can refried beans
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • Lettuce, shredded
  • Cheese, shredded
  • Tomatoes, diced
  • Sour cream
  • Salsa
  • Avocado, sliced

Directions:

  1. Heat oil in a skillet. Fry tortillas until crispy, about 30 seconds per side. Drain on paper towels.

  2. Cook ground beef in a pan until browned. Add your favorite taco seasoning.

  3. Warm up the refried beans in a small pot or microwave.

  4. Spread beans on each tostada. Top with beef, lettuce, cheese, and tomatoes.

  5. Add a dollop of sour cream and salsa. Finish with avocado slices.

Enjoy your homemade tostadas! They’re perfect for a quick meal or fun party food. You can mix up the toppings to suit your taste. Try adding jalapeños for extra kick or swap the beef for chicken.

Carne Asada

Hey there! Ready to make some tasty carne asada? Here’s what you’ll need:

Ingredients:

  • 2 lbs flank steak
  • 1/4 cup orange juice
  • 1/4 cup lime juice
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Now, let’s get cooking!

  1. Mix orange juice, lime juice, olive oil, garlic, chili powder, cumin, and cilantro in a bowl.

  2. Place the steak in a large dish and pour the marinade over it. Make sure it’s well-coated.

  3. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, but overnight is even better!

  4. Take the steak out of the fridge 30 minutes before cooking. Season with salt and pepper.

  5. Grill the steak on high heat for about 5-7 minutes per side for medium-rare.

  6. Let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing against the grain.

Enjoy your carne asada in tacos, burritos, or on its own. Don’t forget to add your favorite toppings!

Chiles En Nogada

Ready to make a tasty Mexican dish? Here’s what you’ll need for Chiles En Nogada:

Ingredients:

  • 6 poblano peppers
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1/2 cup chopped fruit (apples, pears, peaches)
  • 1/4 cup raisins
  • 1/4 cup chopped nuts
  • 1 cup walnuts
  • 1 cup cream
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • Pomegranate seeds

Directions:

  1. Roast and peel the poblano peppers.

  2. Cook the ground beef with fruit, raisins, and nuts.

  3. Stuff the peppers with the meat mixture.

  4. Blend walnuts, cream, milk, and sugar to make the sauce.

  5. Pour the walnut sauce over the stuffed peppers.

  6. Sprinkle pomegranate seeds on top.

  7. Serve and enjoy your Chiles En Nogada!

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This dish mixes sweet and savory flavors. The green peppers, white sauce, and red pomegranate seeds match the colors of the Mexican flag. It’s a fun way to celebrate Mexican culture through food!

Flan

Want to make a creamy Mexican dessert? Try flan! Here’s what you’ll need:

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup sugar
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
  • 1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions:

  1. Melt sugar in a pan over medium heat until it turns golden brown. Pour into a baking dish.

  2. Mix eggs, condensed milk, evaporated milk, and vanilla in a bowl.

  3. Pour the mixture over the caramel in the baking dish.

  4. Place the dish in a larger pan filled with hot water.

  5. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 1 hour until set.

  6. Let it cool, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours.

  7. Run a knife around the edge and flip onto a plate to serve.

Enjoy your homemade flan!

Pico De Gallo

Want to make fresh, zesty pico de gallo? Here’s what you’ll need:

  • 2 ripe tomatoes
  • 1/2 onion
  • 1 jalapeño pepper
  • 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • Salt to taste

Now let’s make it!

First, dice the tomatoes into small cubes. Remove the seeds to keep your pico from getting watery.

Finely chop the onion and jalapeño. For less heat, remove the jalapeño seeds.

Mix the tomatoes, onion, jalapeño, and cilantro in a bowl. Squeeze in the lime juice and add a pinch of salt.

Stir everything together gently. Taste and add more salt if needed.

That’s it! Your pico de gallo is ready to enjoy. Serve it right away or chill it for a bit to let the flavors blend.

It’s perfect with tacos, burritos, or just as a dip with tortilla chips. Enjoy your homemade Mexican salsa!

Huevos Rancheros

Ready to make a tasty Mexican breakfast? Let’s whip up some huevos rancheros!

Here’s what you’ll need:

  • 4 corn tortillas
  • 4 eggs
  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained
  • 1 cup salsa
  • 1/4 cup vegetable oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional toppings: cheese, avocado, cilantro

Now, let’s get cooking:

  1. Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

  2. Fry the tortillas one at a time until crispy, about 30 seconds per side. Set aside on paper towels.

  3. In the same skillet, fry the eggs sunny-side up. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.

  4. While the eggs cook, warm the beans in a small pot.

  5. Place a tortilla on each plate. Top with warm beans and a fried egg.

  6. Spoon salsa over the eggs.

  7. Add any extra toppings you like.

Enjoy your homemade huevos rancheros! It’s a quick and easy way to start your day with a bit of Mexican flair.

Carnitas

Ready to make some tasty carnitas? Here’s what you’ll need:

Ingredients:

  • 4 lbs pork shoulder, cut into chunks
  • 1 onion, quartered
  • 4 cloves garlic, crushed
  • 2 oranges, juiced
  • 2 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1 bay leaf

Directions:

  1. Put the pork in your slow cooker. Add the onion, garlic, orange juice, salt, cumin, and bay leaf.

  2. Cook on low for 8-10 hours until the meat is very tender.

  3. Remove the pork from the cooker and shred it with two forks.

  4. Spread the shredded pork on a baking sheet. Broil for 5-10 minutes until crispy on top.

  5. Flip the meat and broil the other side until crispy.

Your carnitas are now ready to serve! Try them in tacos, burritos, or on their own. The meat will be juicy inside with crispy edges.

Churros

Ready to make some crispy, sweet churros? Here’s what you’ll need:

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup water
  • 1/2 cup butter
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 3 eggs
  • Vegetable oil for frying
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon

Directions:

  1. Heat water and butter in a saucepan until it boils. Add flour and salt, stirring until a dough forms.

  2. Remove from heat and let it cool for 5 minutes. Beat in eggs one at a time.

  3. Fill a piping bag with the dough. Heat oil to 375°F in a deep pot.

  4. Pipe 4-inch strips of dough into the hot oil. Fry until golden brown, about 2 minutes per side.

  5. Mix sugar and cinnamon in a shallow dish. Roll hot churros in this mixture.

  6. Serve your churros warm and enjoy the crispy, sweet goodness!

Remember, be careful with hot oil. You can dip your churros in chocolate sauce or dulce de leche for extra yumminess!