12 Delicious Mexican Dishes to Try Instead of Just Tacos This Cinco de Mayo
This Cinco de Mayo, skip the tacos and dive into a vibrant array of authentic Mexican dishes that will transport your taste buds straight to the heart of Mexico!
- Alyana Aguja
- 4 min read
From the sinful opulence of Mole Poblano to the crisp liveliness of Ceviche de Camarón, these foods introduce a culinary exploration of Mexico to your taste. If you are yearning for the cozy heartiness of Tamales or the explosive excitement of Enchiladas Verdes, these 12 recipes will provide a flavorful celebration for your day.
1. Chiles en Nogada
Image from Food & Wine
This patriotic recipe is a specialty in Puebla. It consists of poblano chilies filled with picadillo (a mixture of ground meat, fruits, and spices) and covered in a rich walnut sauce. The green, white, and red colors represent the Mexican flag, making it ideal for a celebratory meal. It’s usually garnished with pomegranate seeds for added color and flavor.
2. Enchiladas Verdes
Image from The Pioneer Woman
Enchiladas are a versatile Mexican dish, but the verdes variant, with zesty salsa verde based on tomatillos, provides a delectable twist. Chicken or cheese is stuffed into corn tortillas, rolled, and soaked in the green sauce before baking. Sprinkle crumbled queso fresco and a dollop of sour cream over this filling meal.
3. Tamales
Image from The Spruce Eats
Tamales are a favorite Mexican comfort food, steamed in corn husks to perfection. They can be stuffed with an assortment of ingredients, ranging from the savory, such as shredded beef or chicken with red sauce, to the sweet, such as pineapple and cinnamon. A spread of tamales can provide a sampling of regional diversity—there’s a special version for each state.
4. Mole Poblano
Image from Serious Eats
Mole Poblano is a complex and rich sauce produced from a combination of chilies, chocolate, and spices. It’s typically served over chicken or turkey. From the city of Puebla, it’s a dish that takes patience and a keen eye for detail to achieve the right flavor balance. The classic dish represents Mexican food sophistication and tradition.
5. Sopes
Image from Delish
Sopes are thick, round masa cakes topped with refried beans, meat (such as carnitas or chicken), lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, and crema. The lightly fried edges provide a satisfying crunch, and the toppings add layers of flavor. Sopes are ideal for a Cinco de Mayo party because they’re easy to serve and flavorful.
6. Pozole
Image from Delish
Pozole is a rich, robust soup prepared from hominy and your preferred chicken or pork. The broth often has chilies and garlic seasonings, and it’s also served with accompaniments like radishes, lettuce, lime, and oregano. This is conventionally consumed while celebrating and will warm up an entire crowd easily.
7. Quesadillas de Flor de Calabaza
Image from Healthy Simple Yum
These quesadillas are constructed using tender, warm tortillas that contain squash blossoms, cheese, and perhaps mushrooms or a hint of epazote for a scented touch. The blossoms add a light flavor that pairs wonderfully with the melty cheese. They are a beautiful and seasonal delicacy, traditionally eaten in the summer.
8. Tostadas
Image from Tastes Better From Scratch
Tostadas are fried tortillas that have been crunched up and topped with a range of ingredients such as refried beans, shredded beef or chicken, lettuce, tomatoes, avocado, and salsa. They’re a playful, build-your-own dish, so everyone gets to create their ideal bite. Light and vegetarian or meaty, they’re never not a crowd favorite.
9. Carnitas
Image from RecipeTin Eats
Carnitas, or “little meats,” are slow-cooked pork shoulder braised in lard until it becomes incredibly tender and juicy. Once cooked, the pork is shredded and sometimes crisped up in a pan for a caramelized crunch. Serve it with fresh tortillas, onions, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime for an unforgettable experience.
10. Chiles Rellenos
Image from Allrecipes
Chiles rellenos are large, mild peppers (typically poblano) stuffed with cheese, meat, or vegetables and battered and fried to perfection. When cut into, the gooey cheese oozes out, making for a comforting and indulgent dish. A rich tomato-based sauce often accompanies them, enhancing the flavors of the stuffed peppers.
11. Tlayudas
Image from Piquant Post
Commonly called “Mexican pizza,” Tlayudas originate in Oaxaca. They are made with huge, thin, crunchy tortillas covered with refried beans, Oaxacan cheese, avocado, and a range of meats such as grilled steak or chorizo. The dish is baked, permitting the cheese to melt and flavors to combine. It’s an interesting, rich choice for whoever wants something distinctive.
12. Ceviche de Camarón
Image from Simply Sated
This cool dish uses shrimp marinated in raw lime juice, then combined with chopped tomatoes, onions, cilantro, cucumber, and avocado. The acidity “cooks” the shrimp so they are firm and tart, and the vegetables provide a refreshing crunch. Serve it with tortilla chips or on tostadas for a light, refreshing appetizer to start your Cinco de Mayo celebration.