51 Mexican Recipes (and Mexican-Inspired Recipes) to Make Tonight
This collection of delicious Mexican recipes—and dishes inspired by Mexican cuisine—can solve pretty much any meal conundrum. Not sure what to make for brunch? Chilaquiles can do no wrong. Looking for ideas for dinner tonight? Fill tacos with crispy mushrooms, chile-marinated grilled fish, or silky poblano peppers and plump shrimp. Found a local masa purveyor and want to do the good stuff justice? Scroll down to find recipes for gorditas, memelas, chochoyotes, and tlacoyos. Want a big pot of soup to satisfy a crowd? You’ve got multiple options below, including vegetarian-friendly versions of menudo and pozole verde. Whatever you serve, a pitcher of agua fresca and a towering tres leches cake will make your feast even better.
Photo by Joseph De Leo, Food Styling by Micah Marie Morton1/51Tacos de Gobernador (Shrimp, Poblano, and Cheese Tacos)
Let's kick off this list of the best Mexican recipes on Epicurious with chef David Castro Hussong's version of a classic taco. In addition to the juicy shrimp, mild chiles, and creamy cheese often found in Tacos Gobernador, he adds bacon to the mix.
Photo by Joseph De Leo, Food Styling by Christopher Barsch2/51Shrimp With Chochoyotes in Smoky, Herby Broth
“I will definitely make this over and over again,” writes one reviewer of this recipe from Epi contributor Christian Reynoso. The dimpled masa dumplings in the broth have a soft, rich, corn-filled flavor. Check out our guide if you're looking for fresh masa sources near you.
Photo by Joseph De Leo, Food Styling by Christopher Barsch3/51Esquites con Salsa de Totopos
The salsa on this summer corn brings the crunch. It's filled with tortilla chips, salted dry-roasted peanuts, and toasted sesame seeds, then layered with creamy ingredients like crema mexicana or crème fraîche, mayo, and crumbled Cotija cheese, plus fresh lime juice.
Photo by Joseph De Leo, Food Styling by Micah Marie Morton4/51Homemade Corn Tortillas
Wondering how to make tortillas so good they don't need filling? Grab a tortilla press, and start with this recipe.
Photo by Travis Rainey, Food Styling by Stevie Stewart6/51Chiles Rellenos (Cheese-Stuffed Poblano Peppers)
Photo by Joseph De Leo, Food Styling by Rebecca Jurkevich7/51Pulled Mushroom Tacos With Salsa Guille
Really crispy mushrooms make a fantastic taco filling, especially when topped with this savory, creamy peanut butter and serrano salsa.
Photo by Joseph De Leo, Food Styling by Judy Haubert10/51Breakfast Burritos With Bacon, Egg, and Cheese
There's no better way to start a weekend than Epi contributor Alan Delgado's breakfast burrito with bacon, egg, cheese, and creamy beans. Hop over here for tips on how to roll a burrito, too.
Photo by Joseph De Leo, Food Styling by Micah Marie Morton11/51Sonoran-Style Potato, Cheese, and Tomato Soup
This luscious caldo de queso-inspired soup is a great way to use some garden zucchini or summer squash.
Photo and Styling by Joseph De Leo13/51Plátanos Horneados con Crema y Queso (Baked Banana With Crema and Cheese)
You can bake these plantains—or put them on the grill while you eat dinner. Drizzle with crema and fresh cheese for a dessert that tastes like banana crème brûlée.
Photo by Alex Lau14/51Charro Beans
Cooking the beans with a generous mixture of dried spices, including cumin and coriander, yields an intensely flavorful broth that’s just as delicious as the beans themselves. These beans can be cooked to five days ahead; serve as a side dish for your next barbecue, or heat them up with rice and veggies for a quick lunch.
