A variety of colorful Mexican dishes, including tacos, nachos, burritos, salad bowls, and a bowl of chili beans.

19 Authentic Mexican Recipes to Make When You Can’t Travel

If you are anything like me, you sometimes (ok, pretty often) get in the mood for good Mexican food. It would be nice if we all lived somewhere where authentic Mexican food was easily accessible, but that’s not always the case.

Here are 19 authentic Mexican recipes to try the next time you’re ready for a good meal.

Lamb Tacos

Lamb Tacos, Photo Credit: Greedy Gourmet

These incredible Mexican lamb tacos are unbelievably delicious! Enjoy tender, smoky, and spicy slow-cooked lamb that dissolves on your tongue, neatly tucked into a warm tortilla, and topped with your choice of garnishes.

Get the recipe: Lamb Tacos

Adobo Sauce

Adobo Sauce: Photo Credit Greedy Gourmet

Crafted with dried ancho and guajillo chilies, vinegar, garlic, herbs, and a mix of spices, this rich sauce serves as an excellent meat marinade or a powerful flavor enhancer in your favorite Mexican dishes.

With its earthy, spicy taste and bold flavors, this adobo sauce recipe represents authentic Mexican cuisine at its best!

Get the Recipe: Adobo Sauce

Sopapilla Cheesecake

Sopapilla Cheesecake, Photo Credit: Greedy Gourmet

This sopapilla cheesecake is delightfully creamy! If you enjoy sopapilla pastries, you’ll adore this cheesecake variation. It features multiple layers, each providing a unique flavor with every bite. The top layer is a crispy cinnamon crust that pairs beautifully with the cheesy filling and the sopapilla base. If preferred, you can skip the cinnamon crust and replace it with a fruity layer instead.

Get the Recipe: Sopapilla Cheesecake

Caldo de Mariscos

Caldo de Mariscos, Photo Credit: Greedy Gourmet

Caldo de Mariscos is a sensational seafood soup known for its rich and smoky taste. This traditional dish, which has been enjoyed for centuries, will comfort your soul and excite your taste buds from the very first spoonful.

Get the Recipe: Caldo de Mariscos

Instant Pot Chicken Tacos

Instant Pot Chicken Tacos, Photo Credit: Binkys Culinary Carnival.

These Instant Pot Chicken Tacos provide a quick, effortless dinner option for busy weeknights. Perfect after a long day, you can cook the chicken, whether it’s fresh or frozen!

Get The Recipe: Instant Pot Chicken Tacos

Chorizo Tacos

Chorizo Tacos, Photo Credit: Blinkys Culinary Carnival

Chorizo Tacos offers a quick, simple, and tasty option for any weeknight meal!

Get the Recipe: Chorizo Tacos

Shrimp Tacos

Shrimp Taco, Photo Credit: Blinkys Culinary Carnival.

Shrimp tacos will become your new go-to for “Taco Tuesday.” They’re a fantastic 30-minute meal and pack a flavorful punch for your taste buds.

Get the Recipe: Shrimp Tacos

Chipotle Salsa Recipe

Chipotle Salsa, Photo Credit: Blinkys Culinary Carnvial.

This Chipotle Salsa Recipe features a rich, smoky flavor that brings a delightful depth and mellowness to the salsa. It’s ideal for canning, allowing you to savor the fresh taste of summer throughout the year!

Get the Recipe: Chipotle Salsa Recipe

Easy Pork Carnitas

Pork Carnitas, Photo Credit: xoxo Bella


This Mexican pulled pork, infused with lime and orange juice and slow-cooked for hours, consistently turns out perfect. Enjoy it as street tacos in corn tortillas, burrito bowls, or served over rice. It even works well as a filling for baked potatoes. You can’t miss with this crispy pork carnitas recipe.

Get the Recipe: Easy Pork Carnitas

Steak Picado with Pickled Onions

Steak Picado, Photo Credit: xoxo Bella

Steak picado with pickled onions is a moderately spiced beef dish from Mexico that offers a robust, comforting meal. Unlike carne asada, which is grilled, bistec picado is sautéed and braised in a cast iron skillet. This Mexican steak dish allows you to tailor the spices to your liking, making it as mild or as spicy as you desire.

Get the Recipe: Steak Picado with Pickled Onions

Mexican Rice Pudding- Arroz con Leche

Rice Pudding, Photo Credit: xoxo Bella

This comforting traditional Spanish dish can be served as either breakfast or dessert and is truly exceptional. Known as arroz con leche and typically topped with cinnamon, this recipe is incredibly satisfying and tasty.

Get the Recipe: Mexican Rice Pudding

Smoked Elote- Mexican Street Corn

Smoked Elote, Photo Credit: xoxo Bella

Mexican street-style corn combines lime juice, chili lime powder, herbs, and cheese to create a flavor everyone will surely adore. This simple recipe is perfect for an outdoor cookout.

Get the Recipe: Mexican Street Corn

Fresh Mexican-Style Shrimp Ceviche with Avocado

Shrimp Ceviche, Photo Credit: xoxo Bella

Shrimp ceviche is a refreshing appetizer or light lunch that I absolutely love! This South American dish comes in various styles from different countries, but the Mexican version is especially renowned. You’re sure to enjoy this Mexican shrimp ceviche with avocado.

Get the Recipe: Fresh Mexican-style shrimp Ceviche with Avocado

Pico De Gallo

Pico de Gallo, Photo Credit: Corrie Cooks

Prepare to whip up your own Pico de Gallo in just 10 minutes! Brimming with fresh vegetables, this snack is something your guests will eagerly consume without any guilt. It’s loaded with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, which taste great and promote good health.

Get the Recipe: Pico De Gallo

Guacamole

Guacamole, Photo Credit: Corrie Cooks

This quick and easy dip can be made in just 10 minutes using simple ingredients such as ripe avocados, lime, and a few spices. Get ready for a delicious snack!

Get the Recipe: Guacamole

Birria Quesadillas

Birria Quesadillas, Photo Credit: Corrie Cooks.

This recipe puts a twist on the classic Mexican birria. It features succulent beef seasoned with aromatic spices, shredded, and nestled in corn tortillas with melted cheese. The quesadillas are pan-fried until golden, resulting in a crispy outside and a delightfully cheesy inside.

Get the Recipe: Birria Quesadillas

Mexican Sopa De Conchas

Sopa de Conchas, Photo Credit: Six Hungry Feet

Mexican Sopita or Sopa de Conchas is an easy and satisfying soup that requires just four ingredients and is a hit with the whole family. If you’re looking to quickly and effortlessly bring those delightful Mexican flavors to life in your kitchen, this is the perfect recipe for you!

Get the Recipe: Mexican Sopa De Conchas

One-Pan Mexican Quinoa

Mexican Quinoa, Photo Credit: Six Hungry Feet

Our version of Mexican Quinoa is straightforward and delicious, making it the perfect choice for a satisfying weekday meal for the entire family.

Get the Recipe: One-Pan Mexican Quinoa

Oyster Mushroom Tacos

Oyster Mushroom Tacos, Photo Credit: Six Hungry Feet

Add these smoky, irresistible Oyster Mushroom Tacos to your weekly meal plan immediately! These vegan tacos’ ease and delightful flavors are not to be missed. For extra enjoyment, top them with your favorite additions like fresh salsa, avocado, pickled onions, or jalapeños.

Get the Recipe: Oyster Mushroom Tacos

Author: Chantelle Kincy

Title: Journalist

Expertise: Travel, Food

Chantelle is a passionate traveler interested in discovering and savoring new food and drinks from diverse locales. She seeks out unique, local culinary experiences off the beaten path, often favoring food trucks and small establishments over Michelin-starred restaurants. Her engaging and insightful writing shares Chantelle's enthusiasm for these hidden gems.

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