We can't get enough Mexican food. It's spicy and flavorful, and often it's super easy to make. Ready to dig into this cuisine at home? Check out some of our favorite Mexican recipes.
Fresh Salsa
Salsa in a jar is absolutely fine — we use it all the time. But when we want fresh, spicy flavors, we like to make this easy homemade salsa instead.
Ingredients
- 1 small yellow onion, chopped
- 2 ripe tomatoes, diced
- 1 large bell pepper, chopped
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro
- Juice of ½ fresh lime
Instructions
- Place all ingredients in a large bowl.
- Mix well to combine.
- Add a squeeze of fresh lime juice and stir to combine.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least an hour.
If you prefer a spicier salsa, add in hot chili peppers for some kick. To cut out a lot of the heat of chili peppers, remove the seeds and veins inside the pepper before you chop it.
Mexican Rice
Many Mexican meals contain a side of rice. Rice can also be used inside of burritos. For a main meal, serve rice with grilled chicken or steak. For a boost of protein, add in red beans.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil
- 1 cup of long-grain rice
- 2½ cups cold water
- 2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ¾ cup of tomato sauce
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- In a large skillet, heat oil over medium heat.
- Add the rice and cook until lightly browned.
- Slowly add the water and remaining ingredients.
- Bring everything to a boil.
- Reduce heat and cover.
- Simmer until rice is tender.
- Remove from heat and fluff with a fork.
- Transfer to a bowl and garnish with cilantro.
Enchiladas
Enchiladas feature corn tortillas, savory sauce, and a flavorful filling, and they're pretty easy to make. But if you're looking for something even easier, you're going to love our vegan enchilada casserole.
Guacamole
We love creamy, vibrant guac as an accompaniment to all sorts of Mexican foods, from rice to tacos.
Ingredients
- 3 ripe avocados
- 1 clove of garlic, minced
- ½ red onion, chopped
- ½ cup tomatoes, seeded and diced
- ½ cup cilantro, finely chopped
- 1 jalapeño pepper, minced
- Juice of 1 lime
- 1 tablespoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon of sea salt
Instructions
- Cut the avocados in half and remove the pits. Reserve one pit and set aside.
- With a spoon, scoop avocado from skins and mash with a fork.
- Add the remaining ingredients and mix to combine.
To keep avocado from browning, add the pit to the guacamole.
Related: How to Make Guacamole: Classic Recipe + Endless Variations
Camarones Mojo de Ajo (Shrimp With Garlic Mojo)
This recipe isn't hard, but it does take a little bit of non-attentive time to make the garlic mojo. But it's such a tasty meal, and you can use the garlic shrimp in tacos, on top of rice, or to top a salad.
Ingredients
For the mojo:
- 2 cups extra-virgin olive oil
- 10-15 garlic cloves, crushed
- Pinch of salt
- Pinch of cayenne
For the shrimp:
- ¼ cup mojo
- 1 yellow onion, chopped
- 8 ounces of button mushrooms, halved
- 1 pound medium-sized shrimp, peeled and deveined with tails removed
- Juice of 1 lime
- ¼ cup chopped, fresh cilantro
Instructions
For the mojo:
- In a slow cooker, combine all ingredients.
- Cover and cook on low for four hours, until the garlic is golden and infuses the oil.
- You can save the infused oil in the fridge for up to one week.
For the shrimp:
- In a large skillet, heat the mojo on medium-high until it shimmers.
- Add the onion and mushrooms and cook, stirring occasionally, until soft, about five minutes.
- Add the shrimp and cook, stirring, until they turn pink, 2-3 minutes.
- Squeeze in the lime juice and cilantro and remove from the heat.
Regional Cuisine
Due to the large size of the country, different regions of Mexico feature specific cuisines. You will find regional differences in the food. For example:
- The Yucatan region has dishes with Asian and Arabic influences. Expect to find recipes that use ingredients such as honey, eggs, deer, and chaya.
- The Baja California Peninsula is where the Caesar salad originated. In addition, you will find dishes with Spanish influence such as paella.
- Northern Mexico is where the dishes best known to Mexico originate. Find dishes such as tacos, burritos, and refried beans from this region. Recipes feature plenty of grilled meats, as well as marinades with sea salt and olive oil.
- In southern Mexico, many dishes are vegetable-based dishes, unlike the meat dishes found in the North. Corn tortillas and black beans are staples in this region.
Have Fun With Cooking
Don't be afraid to experiment. Combine your favorite ingredients and add the spices you like to create a dish that your entire family will enjoy. Knowing the basics of Mexican cooking can help you prepare a variety of recipes that will add some flair to your weekly menu.
