By Introduction
Mexican cuisine is one of the most popular food choices around the world. From tacos and burritos to salsas and guacamole, Mexican flavors have become a favorite in many households. And while there are countless dishes to explore, here’s a list of some of the most popular Mexican foods that you need to try out! From street food recipes to hearty home-cooked meals, check out these traditional Mexican delicacies that will tantalize your taste buds.
Popular Mexican Foods
There are many delicious and popular Mexican foods enjoyed by people all over the world. Some of the most popular include tacos, enchiladas, burritos, quesadillas, tamales, and fajitas.
Tacos are typically made with a corn or wheat tortilla and filled with various meats, vegetables, and cheeses. Enchiladas are tortillas that are rolled up and filled with meat or cheese before being covered in a chili sauce. Burritos are similar to enchiladas but are usually larger and contain additional ingredients such as rice or beans. Quesadillas are flour tortillas that are grilled and stuffed with cheese, meats, and vegetables. Tamales are corn husks that are filled with a variety of fillings including meats, cheeses, vegetables, and sauces before being steamed. Fajitas consist of grilled meats and vegetables served on a flour tortilla.
These are just some of the many popular Mexican foods enjoyed by people all over the world. So next time you’re in the mood for something tasty, be sure to try one of these dishes!
1. Chilaquiles
There are few things more comforting than a warm plate of chilaquiles. This beloved Mexican dish is traditionally made with tortilla chips, red or green salsa, eggs, and cheese. While the ingredients may seem simple, the flavors come together to create a complex and satisfying meal.
Chilaquiles are often served for breakfast or brunch, but they can be enjoyed at any time of day. The dish can be as simple or as elaborate as you like, making it a versatile option for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy weeknight dinner or a show-stopping brunch dish, chilaquiles are always a good choice.
2. Tacos
Tacos are one of the most popular Mexican foods and can be found in almost any restaurant or home. They are made with a variety of fillings, including chicken, beef, pork, and vegetables, and are typically served with a side of rice and beans.
There are many different types of tacos, but the most common are the soft taco and the hard taco. The soft taco is made with a soft tortilla and is filled with meat, cheese, and lettuce. The hard taco is made with a hard shell and is typically filled with ground beef, cheese, and lettuce.
Tacos can be topped with a variety of sauces, including salsa, sour cream, and guacamole. They can also be served with a side of refried beans or black beans.
3. Machaca
Machaca is a popular Mexican dish made from shredded beef that has been dried and then rehydrated. The beef is usually cooked with onions, tomatoes, and chili peppers, and often served with tortillas and beans. Machaca can also be made with chicken or pork.
4. Burritos
There are few foods more Tex-Mex than the burrito. This dish is a flour tortilla filled with beans, rice, meat, and cheese, then rolled up and served with salsa on the side. Burritos can be made with chicken, beef, or pork, and are often served as breakfast dishes with eggs inside.
5. Huevos Rancheros
There are few breakfast dishes more mouthwatering than huevos rancheros. This dish typically consists of eggs, tortillas, and salsa, but there are endless variations on the classic recipe. Whether you like your eggs sunny side up or scrambled, huevos rancheros is a delicious way to start your day.
If you’re looking for a heartier breakfast, some versions of huevos rancheros include beans or meat. For a truly authentic experience, try making your own tortillas from scratch. However you enjoy them, huevos rancheros is a dish not to be missed!
6. Discada
Discada is a type of Mexican food that consists of meat, vegetables, and spices all cooked together in one dish. It is typically made with chicken or pork, but beef can also be used. The meats are first cooked over an open fire, then the vegetables and spices are added to the pan and everything is cooked together until the vegetables are soft and the meat is cooked through. Discada is typically served with tortillas or rice on the side.
7. Cochinita Pibil
This dish is a slow-roasted pork that originates from the Yucatán Peninsula in Mexico. It is traditionally made with achiote, which gives it its characteristic red color, as well as orange juice, garlic, and other spices. The pork is often served with tortillas and beans, and is a popular choice for Mexican street food.
8. Pozole de Pollo o Guajolote
Pozole is a traditional Mexican soup made with hominy, chicken or pork, and a variety of spices. It is often served with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and a squeeze of lime. Guajolote is the Nahuatl word for turkey, and pozole de guajolote is a variation of the dish made with turkey instead of chicken or pork.
9. Quesadilla
A quesadilla is a Mexican dish that consists of a tortilla filled with cheese and other ingredients, then grilled or fried. Quesadillas are usually served with salsa, sour cream, and guacamole.
There are many different ways to make a quesadilla, but the most common way is to fill a soft tortilla with shredded cheese and chopped vegetables, then grill or fry it until the cheese is melted and the tortilla is crispy. Quesadillas can also be made with meats such as chicken, beef, or pork, and they can be served plain or with various sauces.
No matter how you make them, quesadillas are always delicious! So if you’re in the mood for some Mexican food, be sure to give them a try.
10. Chile en Nogada
Chile en nogada is a traditional Mexican dish that consists of a roasted poblano pepper stuffed with a picadillo made of ground meat, fruits, and spices. The pepper is then covered with a white walnut sauce and garnished with pomegranate seeds. This dish is typically served during the month of September, which is when pomegranates are in season.
The history of this dish dates back to the 18th century when it was created by nuns at a convent in Puebla. The dish was originally created to celebrate the independence of Mexico from Spain. The colors of the dish (green, white, and red) represent the Mexican flag.
If you’re looking to try something new and festive this September, be sure to give chile en nogada a try!
11. Menudo
Menudo, a traditional Mexican soup made with tripe, is one of the most popular Mexican foods. This soup has a long history in Mexico and is said to date back to the Aztec people. Menudo is typically made with a red chili pepper broth and can be served with tortillas or rice.
12. Tamales
Tamales are a Mexican food made from cornmeal dough that is steamed or boiled in a leaf wrapper. The dough is usually filled with meat, cheese, or vegetables. Tamales are typically served with salsa, sour cream, or guacamole.
Tamales are a popular Mexican food that can be found at many restaurants and street vendors. They are made from cornmeal dough that is wrapped in a corn husk or banana leaf and steamed or boiled. The dough can be filled with various meats, cheeses, or vegetables. Tamales are usually served with salsa, sour cream, or guacamole on the side.
If you’re looking to try something new, Tamales might be the perfect dish for you!
13. Enchiladas
There are many different types of enchiladas, but the most popular are chicken, cheese, and bean. Enchiladas are usually made with corn tortillas, but flour tortillas are also common.
Enchiladas are typically served with rice and beans, but there are many variations. Some people like to add sour cream or avocado to their enchiladas, while others prefer to keep it simple with just the sauce and cheese.
No matter how you like your enchiladas, they’re sure to be a hit at your next Mexican-themed party!
14. Alegria de Amaranto
Alegria de Amaranto is a traditional Mexican dish that is typically made with pork, chicken, or beef. The dish is often served with a side of rice and beans, and it can also be made with vegetables such as carrots, potatoes, and onions. Alegria de Amaranto is typically flavored with a variety of spices, including cumin, chili powder, and garlic.
15. Frijoles Puercos
There’s nothing quite like a big bowl of Frijoles Puercos. This dish is made with pinto beans, pork, and a variety of spices. It’s usually served with tortillas on the side.
This dish is hearty and filling, and it’s perfect for a winter night. The beans are packed with protein and the pork adds a richness to the dish. The spices give it a nice kick, and the tortillas help soak up all the deliciousness.
Whether you’re looking for a comfort food or just something to warm you up, Frijoles Puercos is the perfect dish. Give it a try next time you’re in the mood for Mexican food!
16. Pipián
Pipián is a traditional Mexican sauce made from ground pumpkin seeds, chili peppers, and spices. It is typically used as a condiment for chicken or pork dishes. Pipián can also be used as a filling for tacos or enchiladas.
17. Aguachile
Aguachile is a traditional Mexican dish that consists of raw, marinated seafood. The seafood is typically shrimp or fish, and it is marinated in a sauce made from chili peppers, lime juice, and other spices. Aguachile is traditionally served with tortillas and salsa.
18. Esquites
Esquites are a Mexican street food made with corn that’s been roasted on the cob, then cut off and mixed with mayonnaise, chili powder, lime, and Cotija cheese. Sometimes they’re served in a cup or glass, but more often they’re served on a small plate or in a plastic bag.
Esquites are a popular snack all over Mexico, but they’re especially popular in the state of Guerrero, where they originated. In Guerrero, esquites are often sold from stands along the side of the road. They’re also popular in other parts of Latin America, including Puerto Rico and Cuba.
19. Mole
There are many different types of mole, but the most popular is mole poblano. Mole poblano is a sauce made from chili peppers, nuts, seeds, and chocolate. It is typically served over chicken or turkey.
Mole poblano originates from the state of Puebla, Mexico. The name “mole” comes from the Nahuatl word “molli,” which means “sauce.” There are many different stories about the origin of mole poblano, but the most likely story is that it was created by nuns in the 16th century.
Mole poblano is a very complex sauce, and there are many different recipes for it. The ingredients list for mole poblano can be quite long, but some of the most common ingredients include chili peppers (ancho, pasilla, and mulato), tomatoes, onions, garlic, cinnamon, chocolate, and nuts (peanuts and almonds).
The best way to eat mole poblano is with chicken or turkey. The sauce can also be used as a dip for tortillas or as a filling for tamales. Mole poblano is usually served with rice and beans on the side.
20. Chile en Nogada
Chile en nogada is one of the most popular Mexican dishes. It is made with poblano peppers, ground beef, fruits, and nuts. The dish is usually served during the fall and winter months.
21. Ceviche
Ceviche is one of Mexico’s most popular dishes, and it’s no wonder why – this fresh and zesty seafood dish is absolutely delicious. Made with fresh fish or shrimp that is cooked in citrus juice, ceviche is typically served with chopped onions, tomatoes, and cilantro. It’s the perfect dish for a hot summer day, and it’s sure to please even the pickiest of eaters.
22. Tlayuda
A tlayuda is a large, thin, and crispy Mexican tortilla that is typically made with a locally sourced corn tortilla as its base. It is then covered with a variety of toppings, which can include refried beans, shredded chicken or beef, lettuce, tomatoes, avocado, queso fresco, and salsa.
The origins of the tlayuda are unclear, but it is believed to have originated in the Mexican state of Oaxaca. Tlayudas are especially popular in the city of Oaxaca de Juárez, where they are sold by street vendors and in restaurants. They are also popular in the neighboring state of Guerrero.
Tlayudas can be either soft or crispy. The soft version is made with a softer tortilla and typically only has one or two toppings, while the crispy version is made with a fried tortilla and can be topped with anything from refried beans to chorizo sausage. No matter what toppings you choose, a tlayuda is sure to be a delicious and filling meal.
23. Camarones a la Diabla
Camarones a la Diabla, or “Deviled Shrimp,” is a popular Mexican dish made with shrimp in a spicy chili sauce. The dish is often served with rice and beans, and can be found on the menus of many Mexican restaurants.
Camarones a la diabla is a classic Mexican dish that typically features large shrimp cooked in a spicy chili sauce. The sauce is usually made with a combination of dried chili peppers, fresh tomatoes, garlic, and onions. The finished dish is often garnished with cilantro and served with rice and beans.
If you’re looking for a delicious and fiery seafood dish, look no further than camarones a la diabla. This popular Mexican entrée will leave your taste buds tingling and begging for more!
24. Pescado Zarandeado
Pescado zarandeado is a whole grilled fish that originates from the state of Guerrero. The name of the dish comes from the Spanish word “zarandear,” which means to “shake” or “sift.” This refers to the cooking method, in which the fish is placed on a wire mesh over an open flame and cooked until it’s slightly charred all over.
Pescado zarandeado is often served with a side of rice, beans, and tortillas. It’s a popular choice for seafood lovers, as it’s packed with flavor. The dish can be made with any type of fish, but most commonly, you’ll see red snapper used. If you’re looking for a truly authentic experience, order pescado zarandeado the next time you’re at a Mexican restaurant.
25. Birria de Chivo
Birria de chivo, or goat birria, is a popular Mexican dish that originated in the state of Jalisco. The dish is made with stewed goat meat that is traditionally cooked in a clay pot over an open fire. The goat is marinated in a mixture of dried chili peppers, onions, and spices before it is cooked. Birria de chivo is often served with tortillas and salsa verde, and it can also be made into a soup or tacos.
Final Words
Mexican food is some of the most popular cuisine in the United States. There are many different types of Mexican food, but some of the most popular include tacos, burritos, enchiladas, and quesadillas. Mexican food is usually made with fresh ingredients and is very flavorful. If you’re looking for a delicious meal, try one of these popular Mexican dishes.
