7 Authentic Mexican Recipes You Need to Try at Home

If you’re a foodie and love trying out different cuisines, then Mexican food must be on your list. Mexican cuisine is known for its bold flavors, spices, and fresh ingredients. The best part about Mexican food is that it’s easy to make at home and can be adjusted to your taste buds. If you’re wondering where to start, here are seven authentic Mexican recipes that you need to try at home.

1. Enchiladas Verdes

If you’re a fan of enchiladas, then this recipe is a must-try. Enchiladas Verdes or green enchiladas are a classic Mexican dish that consists of rolled tortillas stuffed with chicken or cheese and topped with a tangy green sauce made with tomatillos and green chilies.

Ingredients

• • 1 lb chicken breast, cooked and shredded
  • 12-16 corn tortillas

• 1 cup of grated cheese
• 1 lb tomatillos, husked and washed
• 2-3 jalapenos
• 1/2 cup of chopped onion
• 2 cloves of garlic
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 350F.
• In a blender, blend tomatillos, jalapenos, onion, garlic, salt, and pepper until smooth.
• In a skillet, heat up the sauce until it starts to boil. Add the shredded chicken and cook for 2-3 minutes.
• In another skillet, heat up the tortillas until they are soft.
• Place some chicken in the center of each tortilla and roll it up.
• Place the rolled tortillas in a baking dish.
• Pour the green sauce over the tortillas and sprinkle cheese on top.
• Bake in the preheated oven for 10-15 minutes or until the cheese is melted.

2. Tacos al Pastor

Tacos al Pastor is one of the most popular street foods in Mexico. It’s a simple yet delicious recipe that consists of marinated pork meat cooked on a vertical spit and served with onions, cilantro, and pineapple.

Ingredients

• 1 lb pork shoulder, sliced thinly
• 1/2 cup of pineapple juice
• 1/4 cup of orange juice
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 tsp of dried oregano
• 1 tsp of ground cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Corn tortillas
• Diced onions and cilantro for serving
• Pineapple chunks for serving

Instructions

• In a large bowl, mix together pineapple juice, orange juice, garlic, oregano, cumin, salt, and pepper.
• Add the sliced pork to the bowl and marinate for at least 2 hours.
• Preheat a skillet over high heat.
• Add the marinated pork and cook until it’s browned and crispy on both sides.
• Warm up the corn tortillas and assemble the tacos with pork, diced onions, cilantro, and pineapple chunks.

3. Guacamole

Guacamole is a classic Mexican dip that’s perfect for parties, gatherings, or as a snack. It’s made with ripe avocados, onions, jalapenos, tomatoes, and lime juice. It’s simple, easy to make, and packed with flavors.

Ingredients

• 2 ripe avocados
• 1/4 cup of chopped onions
• 1/4 cup of chopped tomatoes
• 1 jalapeno, seeded and minced
• 2 tbsp of chopped cilantro
• 1 lime, juiced
• Salt

Instructions

• Cut the avocados in half, remove the pit, and scoop the flesh into a bowl.
• Mash the avocados with a fork until they are chunky.
• Add the chopped onions, tomatoes, jalapeno, cilantro, lime juice, and salt.
• Mix all the ingredients until they are well combined.
• Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
• Serve immediately with tortilla chips or use it as a topping for tacos, burritos, or tostadas.

4. Chiles Rellenos

Chiles Rellenos or stuffed peppers are a traditional Mexican dish that’s perfect for dinner or lunch. It consists of roasted poblano peppers stuffed with cheese or meat and coated in a fluffy egg batter.

Ingredients

• • 6 poblano peppers
  • 1 cup of shredded cheese (queso fresco or Monterey Jack)

• 3 eggs, separated
• 1/2 cup of flour
• 1/2 tsp of baking powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Oil for frying

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 375F.
• Roast the poblano peppers on the stove or in the oven until the skin is charred and blistered.
• Place the roasted peppers in a plastic bag and let them steam for 15 minutes.
• Peel off the skin and make a slit on one side of the pepper to remove the seeds and membranes.
• Stuff each pepper with shredded cheese or meat and close the opening with a toothpick.
• In a bowl, beat the egg whites until they are stiff.
• In another bowl, beat the egg yolks until they are light and fluffy.
• Mix the egg yolks with flour, baking powder, salt, and pepper until they form a batter.
• Gently fold the beaten egg whites into the batter.
• In a skillet, heat up oil over medium-high heat.
• Dip each stuffed pepper into the egg batter and coat it evenly.
• Place the peppers in the skillet and fry them until they are golden brown on both sides.
• Transfer the peppers to a baking dish and bake in the preheated oven for 10-15 minutes or until the cheese is melted.

5. Sopaipillas

Sopaipillas are a sweet Mexican dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. They are fried dough pillows that are crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside. They are usually served with honey or powdered sugar.

Ingredients

• 2 cups of all-purpose flour
• 2 tsp of baking powder
• 1/2 tsp of salt
• 2 tbsp of sugar
• 2 tbsp of vegetable shortening
• 3/4 cup of warm water
• Oil for frying
• Honey or powdered sugar for serving

Instructions

• In a bowl, mix together flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar.
• Add the vegetable shortening and mix until it forms a crumbly texture.
• Slowly add the warm water and mix until the dough comes together.
• Knead the dough for 5-10 minutes or until it’s smooth and elastic.
• Cover the dough with a damp towel and let it rest for 15 minutes.
• On a floured surface, roll out the dough until it’s about 1/4 inch thick.
• Cut the dough into 3-inch circles.
• In a skillet, heat up oil over medium-high heat.
• Fry the sopaipillas until they are golden brown on both sides.
• Transfer them to a paper towel to drain excess oil.
• Serve hot with honey or sprinkle powdered sugar on top.

6. Tamales

Tamales are a traditional Mexican dish that’s perfect for celebrations and family gatherings. They consist of masa dough stuffed with meat, cheese, or vegetables and wrapped in corn husks. Tamales can be steamed or boiled and are usually served with salsa or guacamole.

Ingredients

• 2 cups of masa harina
• 2 cups of warm water or chicken broth
• 1/2 cup of lard or vegetable shortening
• 1 tsp of baking powder
• 1 tsp of salt
• Corn husks
• Filling (shredded chicken, pork, beef, cheese, or vegetables)

Instructions

• Soak the corn husks in warm water for at least an hour or until they are soft and pliable.
• In a bowl, mix together masa harina, baking powder, and salt.
• In another bowl, cream the lard or vegetable shortening until it’s fluffy.
• Gradually add the masa harina mixture and warm water or chicken broth to the creamed lard.
• Mix until it forms a smooth dough.
• Cover the dough with a damp towel and let it rest for 30 minutes.
• In a separate bowl, mix together the filling of your choice.
• Take a corn husk and spread a thin layer of masa dough on it, leaving about 1/2 inch of space on the sides.
• Add a spoonful of filling in the center of the dough.
• Roll the corn husk and fold the bottom end up.
• Place the tamales in a steamer or pot with a steaming basket.
• Steam the tamales for 1-2 hours or until the dough is cooked and separates easily from the corn husk.
• Serve hot with salsa or guacamole.

7. Horchata

Horchata is a refreshing Mexican drink that’s perfect for hot summer days. It’s made from rice, cinnamon, and vanilla and is usually served cold over ice. Horchata can be easily customized with different flavors like almond, coconut, or chocolate.

Ingredients

• • 1 cup of long-grain white rice
  • 5 cups of water

• 1 cinnamon stick
• 1/2 cup of sugar
• 1 tsp of vanilla extract
• Ice cubes

Instructions

• In a blender, pulse the rice until it’s coarsely ground.
• Add the water and cinnamon stick to the blender.
• Blend until the mixture is smooth.
• Pour the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a pitcher.
• Discard the solids.
• Add the sugar and vanilla extract to the pitcher and stir until the sugar is dissolved.
• Chill the horchata in the refrigerator for at least an hour.
• Serve cold over ice.

Bring Authentic Mexican Flavor to Your Home Kitchen

In conclusion, these 7 authentic Mexican recipes from El Rincon are a great way to bring some Mexican flavor to your home kitchen. These dishes are not only delicious but also easy to make with simple ingredients.

Whether it’s the classic guacamole or the sweet and refreshing horchata, these recipes are perfect for any occasion. So why not give them a try and impress your friends and family with your newfound culinary skills? Visit El Rincon at Carrollton and Addison to experience the authentic taste of Mexico and discover more mouth-watering recipes.

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