Cinco de Mayo is just around the corner, and what better way to celebrate than by enjoying some delicious Mexican dishes, made right in your own kitchen?
I love searching out and trying authentic recipes from around the world, and always feel like I'm left with a deeper appreciation of the incredible culture that created such delicious and flavorful dishes.
From crispy chalupas, to unbelievably flavorful birria, and saucy, cheesy enchiladas (you're going to want to try all three versions!), here are 21 different dishes that would make a perfect addition to your Cinco de Mayo table!
1. Authentic Mexican Chalupas
If your idea of chalupas comes from a popular fast food chain, the one in the photo might seem sparse. These are actual, authentic Mexican chalupas, and their flavor and texture will make anything else you've tasted pale by comparison.
Crisp and delicious, you can top those crispy shells however you like, with shredded pork or chicken, lettuce, queso fresco and fresh cilantro. These are the chalupas you're going to crave from now on.
Get the recipe here.
2. Enchiladas Rojas
If making enchiladas feels a little intimidating, rest assured that is recipe is actually incredibly easy and nearly fail-proof.
Enchiladas Rojas (red enchiladas) consist of warm corn tortillas dipped in a savory red sauce, filled with your choice of shredded meat, and topped off with queso fresco, and cilantro. This is a weeknight favorite your family will ask for again and again.
Get the recipe here.
3. Chicken Enchiladas Suizas Verdes
Not in the mood for red? How about green? While we may be more familiar with the red variety, enchiladas also are can be made within a delicious green (verde) sauce, that livens things up, and offers a nice change of routine.
Sweet tomatillos give that sauce the lovely color, and mounds of cheese are what make this easy recipe such perfect comfort food. This is a classic Mexican recipe that may be lesser known, but definitely deserves a spot on the table.
Get the recipe here.
4. Tinga de Pollo
This traditional Chicken Tinga Recipe is made with tender shredded chicken, stewed in a spicy tomato and chipotle chile sauce.
It's so easy to make, and just bursting with smoky and spicy flavor. Serve it atop tostadas, in tacos, or as a heavenly filling for quesadillas.
Get the recipe here.
5. Huevos Ahogados
It's springtime on the homestead right now, so "my girls" are providing us an endless supply of eggs, and I've been looking for ways to incorporate them into more dinner recipes. This one is going on the must-try list!
Huevos Ahogados consists of fresh eggs braised in a simple tomato salsa, and it's a classic Mexican dish that's flavor-packed, easy, and frugal.
Get the recipe here.
6. Chicken Birria Tacos
The word birria means “braised meat”, and these heavenly little crunchy tacos are just packed with it. While goat might be the meat the comes to mind when you hear the word "barria" the cooking method works its flavorful magic on chicken as well.
Don't be intimidated by the idea of frying these. The recipe has great tips for making sure you end up with perfect, crisp tacos, not ones dripping in grease. It's easier than you think!
Get the recipe here.
7. Rich Beef Birria
Speaking of birria, how about a delicious beef version? This rich, slow-braised Mexican stew is spiced with chiles, in a deeply flavorful consommé.
If you have goat meat locally available and want to be truly authentic, by all means feel free to swap it out in the recipe, but it's delicious made with chuck roast as well. The chili peppers in this give it just the perfect amount of heat, without being overwhelming.
Get the recipe here.
8. Ceviche de Camaron
The light and bright notes of lime and cilantro really shine through in this recipe that's just perfect for summer. Flavorful shrimp is marinated in lime juice, and topped with a colorful array of jalapeno, cucumber, and onion.
Don't be scared off by the idea of making your own ceviche at home, because you're really missing out. It's easier than you think, and such a treat. This novice-friendly recipe will walk you right through it.
Get the recipe here.
9. Elote Dip
Here'a snack dip just perfect for that Cinco de Mayo party!
This easy version does truthfully have a bit of a "Tex-Mex" bent and is made super easy with cream cheese, while celebrating the traditional flavors of charred corn, cilantro, and fresh lime.
Get the recipe here.
10. Rajas Con Crema
Here's another dip with flavor that's sure to just blow your guests away. Rajas Con Crema features fire-roasted poblanos in a smooth and gooey queso-style sauce.
This creamy, heavenly concoction has just the right amount of heat, while fresh corn and onions balance it with a hint of sweetness. It's easy to whip up in under and hour, and your friends will thank you!
Get the recipe here.
11. Pollo Asado: Mexican Style Grilled Chicken
Pollo Asado offers a perfect blend of smoky, tangy, and savory flavors. Serve it as the center of a meal, or shred it and use it to fill over-the-top delicious tacos.
The chicken in this recipe is first marinated in a citrusy chipotle marinade, which gives it an incredible flavor, before being grilled to perfection. The result is a crispy, flavorful exterior, and a juicy, tender interior.
Get the recipe here.
12. Pico De Gallo
Once you've had good fresh pico de gallo, you're never going to want to go back to jars of salsa again. All those fresh flavors together are just going to blow you away.
Thankfully, this classic side dish is easy to whip up, and works beautifully as a topping for tacos, with chalupas, or even to slather on top of that grilled chicken!
Get the recipe here.
13. Steak Picado
Also known as bistec picado or carne picado, this Mexican steak picado recipe is a true one pot dish. Tender braised beef, green bell peppers, onion, and fresh tomatoes all come together for an easy and authentic comfort meal that you're going to want to make on repeat.
Get the recipe here.
14. Chicken Mole Enchiladas
Tradition mole is an incredibly complex and flavorful sauce that can take a long list of ingredients, and sometimes is made over the course of several days. Let me just start by saying this is not that.
You don't need a dozen ingredients and three days to make this pared down version. The sauce in this recipe is stripped down to the essentials and takes far less time and effort, but still produces a rich, robust flavor. Slathered over those delicious enchiladas, this is a recipe that tastes like southern Mexico, but easy to put on the table in your own kitchen.
Get the recipe here.
15. Pastel Azteca (Mexican Chicken Casserole)
This delicious dish is also called layered chicken enchiladas, enchilada casserole, or Mexican lasagna.
Layers of tortillas, corn, chicken, and tomatoes, all come together under a creamy sauce that ties it all together. This is a great way to use any leftover chicken, and it actually hold up well in the freezer, so it's a fantastic make-ahead meal.
Get the recipe here.
16. Tamales
Mexican tamales are a such a treat, and worth every minute of work that does into preparing them. These are a true celebration dish.
If you've ever had really good, authentic tamales, it's an experience you don't forget, and this straightforward recipe walks you though putting this delicious, celebratory dish on your own table. This is a fun one to let the kids help with!
Get the recipe here.
17. Pozole Verde de Pollo
This Pozole Verde de Pollo is an authentic recipe, full of fresh ingredients and vibrant flavors. Plus, just look at that fresh, bright color!
This is actually an easy soup that you can make ahead and freeze, so it's a great one to reach for if you like to meal prep.
Get the recipe here.
18. Pork Carnitas
Made right in a Dutch oven, these delicious pork carnitas are delicious, and easy.
Seasoned with authentic Mexican flavors, cooked low and slow until that meat is fall-apart tender, and then popped under a broiler until perfectly crispy and golden...this is an easy recipe that doesn't skimp on flavor!
Get the recipe here.
19. Chilaquiles Rojos
This delicious and comforting dish is guaranteed to be a new favorite! A spicy tomato and chili sauce covers corn chips, which are then piled up with cream, queso Fresco, avocado, and onion.
This is one of those flavorful comfort dishes that works for both breakfast or dinner. The recipe author suggests that you can actually serve these with eggs in them, or a fried egg on top, for a delicious and protein-packed breakfast.
Get the recipe here.
20. Sopa de Lima
This Mexican Chicken Soup recipe comes from Isla Mujeres, a city in the Yucatan area of Mexico.
Renowned for it's beauty and beaches, this lovely Island also boasts a vibrant and unforgettable cuisine. This delicious soup is just one example! Packed with warm and comforting flavors and topped with bright fresh cilantro, this is a soup to make again and again.
Get the recipe here.
21. One-Pan Mexican Quinoa
This version of Mexican Quinoa is simple and tasty, ideal for a weekday dinner that will satisfy the whole family.
Black beans, onion, corn, and quinoa create a warm and hearty dish, while fresh veggies like red peppers, tomatoes, avocado, and cilantro, bring it all together beautifully.
Get the recipe here.
22. Buñuelos Mexicanos
You can't put on a celebratory Mexican meal without a sweet ending! These authentic buñuelos would be just the thing!
This traditional treat is a must during the holiday season, but it's a special and delicious recipe to enjoy all year round. Topped with cinnamon and sugar, serve these with honey so everyone can drizzle on as much as they like!
Get the recipe here.
23. Arroz con Leche
Arroz con Leche (or Mexican Rice Pudding) is a sweet and creamy dessert made from rice. Cooked with milk, cinnamon, and sugar, this is smooth, delicious perfection.
You can serve this hot or cold, and it's bound to be a hit either way. For anyone who grew up with rice pudding, this is a recipe to give you serious nostalgia!
Get the recipe here.
24. Polvorones Cookies (Mexican Wedding Cookies)
For a taste of authentic Mexican sweetness at your Cinco de Mayo party, a batch of Polvorones cookies would be just the thing!
These delicious little cookies are just downright addictive, and the way that powdered sugar coats your fingers as you eat them is so satisfying. Truly a classic cookie, these are definitely a must.
Get the recipe here. Looking for a gluten-free, dairy free version? This is a good one.
21 Tempting Worldwide Street Foods to Make at Home
When you dream of traveling, do delicious street foods play a starring role? Truly, there's nothing more enticing than a hot and fragrant snack, devoured right after buying it from a street cart.
Thankfully, so many of these iconic street food favorites can be made right in a home kitchen.
From street tacos and foods on a stick, to doughnuts and pastries, this collection of recipes from around the world is just the thing to inspire your next culinary adventure!
21 Island Recipes That Offer an Authentic Taste of the Caribbean
A taste of the Caribbean right at the dinner table is sure to lift everyone's spirits, with flavors that taste like they've come straight from a seaside island kitchen.
Here are 21 easy recipes that are just the ticket.
They're authentically flavorful and robust, packed with fruity sweetness and warming spices. From Jamaican Jerk Pork, to Seafood Stew, to fluffy Caribbean Johnny Cakes, these recipes make it easy to put a taste of the islands on your table, even on a busy weeknight!
Anna Chesley
Anna Chesley is a freelance writer living a homestead lifestyle, with a special love for family travel, old books, vintage skills, and seaside living. In addition to founding Salt In My Coffee, she runs the website, New England Family Life, as well as The 1800's Housewife, a website devoted to re-creating authentic 1800's recipes.
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