Mexican cuisine is rich and varied, with something to please everyone. Here are 6 must-try dishes from Mexico that will tantalize your taste buds. From flavorful tacos to hearty enchiladas, you won’t be disappointed.
Tacos al pastor
Tacos al pastor are a delightfully flavorful variation on the traditional taco. Originating in Mexico, these tacos get their unique flavor from the way they are cooked. The meat is marinated in pineapple juice, lime juice, and other spices before being thinly sliced and cooked on a vertical rotisserie. The juicy slices of meat then get served stuffed inside a warm corn tortilla with toppings, such as fresh onions and cilantro, which add bursts of flavor to each bite. Plus, tacos al pastor are especially great for sharing since the vertical rotisserie makes it easy to pile up the delicious prepped meat for everyone enjoy.
Huevos Rancheros
Originating in rustic kitchens, it has evolved into a global culinary gem. The huevos rancheros popularity stems from its ability to encapsulate the essence of Mexico’s diverse and vibrant food culture.
This dish harmoniously merges cultural traditions and flavors by uniting eggs, tortillas, and ranchero sauce. To prepare, layer fried eggs over warm corn tortillas and generously top with flavorful ranchero sauce, black beans, cheese, and cilantro – a true celebration of authentic Mexican flavors that captivate both heart and palate.
Pozole
Pozole is a traditional Mexican stew consisting of hominy, pork or chicken, and various spices. This flavorful dish has a long history that dates back to pre-Columbian times when it was believed to possess mystical properties. Nowadays, pozole is made by simmering pork and hominy in a broth flavored with chilis, garlic, and bay leaf until the flavors meld together. Its preparation usually involves hours of nurturing until it reaches its characteristic delicious taste. Enjoyed throughout Mexico as well as Latin America, pozole remains one of the most iconic and beloved dishes of Latin cuisine.
Carnitas
Carnitas is a traditional Mexican cooking style that results in succulent and flavorful pork. This dish requires the pork to be cooked for several hours so that it is incredibly tender and juicy. The key to preparing carnitas lies in the unique combination of herbs, spices, garlic, and citrus which gives it its delightful flavor. When done correctly, carnitas should have a slightly crisp edge that pairs perfectly with warm soft tacos or tortillas. While carnitas won’t take you long to make, the results are always worth it and guaranteed to be the star of any meal!
Enchiladas
Enchiladas are a festive Mexican dish that have become increasingly popular in both casual and fine dining cuisine. An enchilada consists of a tortilla stuffed with an array of flavorsome fillings such as cheese, beans, veggies, or even meats like chicken or beef. The stuffed tortillas are then wrapped in a flavorful sauce such as chili pepper and spices to create the classic enchilada taste. Enchiladas are served hot straight from the oven and can be garnished with fresh herbs, lime juice, crema, or even queso fresco for added flavor. This easy-to-make crowd pleaser adds zest to any family gathering or party and is sure to leave its guests wanting more! It’s relatively easy to find served at Mexican restaurants, like El Indio Mexican Restaurant.
Chiles en nogada
Chiles en nogada is a traditional dish of Mexican cuisine made with poblano chiles, stuffed with a mixture of picadillo (a mix of ground beef, fruits, nuts, and spices), topped with walnut-based cream sauce and pomegranate seeds. The combination of the colors green, white, and red represent the colors of Mexico’s flag – ultimately resulting in its iconic status. Its incomparable taste has allowed it to become a beloved Mexican dish seen not only across the country but also worldwide for festival celebrations and special occasions such as Independence Day. Chiles en nogada is an essential piece of Mexican culture that can be enjoyed on any day!
Mexican cuisine is a rich and varied tradition, with dishes that are both comforting and flavorful. Whether you’re looking for tacos al pastor, pozole, carnitas, enchiladas, or chiles en nogada, you won’t be disappointed by the incredible flavor. So what are you waiting for? Dig in!