10 Signs You Haven’t Tried Authentic Mexican Food

The high popularity of Mexican food has increased imitations and innovations that don’t make the dish authentic. So, if you’re a Mexican food lover and you want the real flavors of authentic Mexican dishes, watch out for the signs you’ve never had real Mexican food.

Because of the increasing Mexican-American population in the country and the growing interest in foreign cuisines, Mexican cuisine is now the third most popular type of cuisine in America.

Now, you can eat your favorite Mexican food at traditional sit-down locations, fast-casual restaurants, food trucks, and almost anywhere you want.

Some restaurants have incorporated American culture in the traditional ways that most authentic Mexican food is prepared, which is dubbed “Tex-Mex”.

These 10 signs you’ve never had real Mexican food will help you determine if what you’re eating is authentically Mexican or not:

1. Everything is meat-based

   Genuine Mexican food is not all meat. You may be expecting ground beef or carne asada for very Mexican cuisine, but many Mexican dishes are prepared with seafood, beans, and fresh vegetables.

   Tacos, for example, aren’t just for meat-eaters. They are prepared in many variants, using many ingredients like shrimp and vegetables. Authentic Mexican tacos are small and soft because they are grilled or steamed, what a tiny bowl of salsa and avocado on the side.

2. The Food is Always Spicy

   Not all Mexican dishes are spiced up. Many Mexican foods are prepared with light flavors showcasing mild ingredients like bell peppers. Some common everyday fare that is usually not hot by a long shot are:

   1. Quesadillas
   2. Pasta in tomato sauce
   3. Fried fish
   4. Flautas or tacos dorados salpicón
   5. Albondigon
   6. Garlic shrimp
   7. Cochinita pibil
   8. Buñuelos
   9. Frozen fruit pops

3. You Expect Differently From a Real Taco

   One of the signs you’ve never had real Mexican food is when you have no idea what a real taco is. Most Mexican food lovers expect to have sour cream, cheddar cheese, flour tortilla or corn shell, and lettuce in a taco. However, real traditional Mexican tacos will not have these ingredients together.

   Another sign that you are not eating authentic Mexican taco is when it is prepared with a hard shell. If you prefer hard shell tacos, that is not a real Mexican taco. Try a tostada if you crave the crunch.

4. You Think Mexican Food is Not Healthy

   Many of the Tex-Mex dishes are made with greasy fried meats and melted cheese. This has changed the authenticity of Mexican food that is made with fresh, healthy ingredients.

   There are hundreds of authentic Mexican dishes prepared with nutrition-packed herbs, vegetables, fresh fish, fruits, and other ingredients that are full of nutrients.

   Here are some favorites:

   1. Burrito bowl with brown rice, black beans, grilled chicken or lean steak, and topped with lettuce and salsa, with guacamole on the side.
   2. Tacos made with grilled chicken, lean steak, or grilled fish on a corn tortilla.
   3. Black or pinto beans that are slow-cooked with onion, garlic, and spices.
   4. Ceviche is made of raw fish marinated in lime and lemon juice, onion, tomatoes, and cilantro.
   5. Fajitas, a sizzling dish with grilled chicken, fish, or shrimp, and piled on with veggies.

5. You Think Fajitas are Mexican