There are some dishes that make you wonder why they’ve been hiding all your life, and these Mexican recipes fall squarely in that category. You’ll probably start thinking, “Where have you been all my taco nights?” These 15 dishes are like that long-lost mixtape from high school — they hit the spot, and you didn’t even know you needed them.
Camarones al Mojo de Ajo
We can’t believe we missed out on Camarones al Mojo de Ajo for so long. It’s one of those dishes that’s incredibly simple but delivers bold, unforgettable flavors. If you’re looking for a way to make shrimp exciting again, this is it, and you’ll wonder why it wasn’t on your radar sooner. It’s definitely something we wish we’d added to our regular meals a long time ago!
Get the Recipe: Camarones al Mojo de Ajo
Instant Pot Tortilla Soup
We really should’ve discovered Instant Pot Tortilla Soup earlier—it’s a total game-changer. This soup brings all the heartiness you expect from tortilla soup, but with way less hassle thanks to the instant pot. It’s a perfect dish for any night, combining the comfort of traditional flavors with modern convenience. Once you try it, you’ll wonder how you ever made soup without this method!
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Tortilla Soup
Camarones a la Diabla
The heat and depth in Camarones a la Diabla are something we regret not finding sooner. It’s a spicy dish that’s just right, without being overwhelming, and makes shrimp anything but boring. If you like your meals with a little kick, this one will definitely do the trick. Seriously, this should have been on our menu a long time ago!
Get the Recipe: Camarones a la Diabla
Quesabirria Tacos
Quesabirria Tacos are something we should have been making from the start. They’ve got everything—a crispy shell, rich fillings, and flavors that stick with you long after the meal’s over. These tacos take taco night to a whole new level and will have you questioning why you waited so long. If you haven’t had them yet, you’re missing out on some serious taco joy!
Get the Recipe: Quesabirria Tacos
Enchilada Sauce
Making your own Enchilada Sauce is one of those kitchen moves we wish we’d known about ages ago. It’s a total upgrade from anything you can buy, and it instantly makes your enchiladas stand out. Plus, it’s not just for enchiladas—it’s a versatile sauce you’ll find yourself using in all sorts of dishes. You’ll wonder how you got by without making this at home!
Get the Recipe: Enchilada Sauce
Air Fryer Carnitas
Discovering Air Fryer Carnitas is one of those moments where you feel like you’ve been missing out. It gives you all the crispiness and flavor of traditional carnitas, but in a fraction of the time. The air fryer makes it so much easier, without sacrificing any of the goodness. After trying this, you’ll never look at pork the same way again!
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Carnitas
Salsa Verde
We’re seriously wondering how we overlooked Salsa Verde for so long. It’s one of those sauces that adds a whole new dimension to your dishes with very little effort. The freshness and tanginess it brings are hard to beat, and you’ll want to keep it on hand for everything. We’re definitely making up for lost time with this one!
Get the Recipe: Salsa Verde
Pickled Jalapeños
The fact that we hadn’t been making Pickled Jalapeños ourselves is almost embarrassing. These little guys bring the perfect balance of heat and acidity, and you’ll want to put them on everything. They’re surprisingly easy to make and take your meals up a notch without much effort. Now that we’ve found them, there’s no turning back!
Get the Recipe: Pickled Jalapeños
Instant Pot Black Beans
If you’ve ever spent hours cooking black beans on the stove, you’ll kick yourself for not finding Instant Pot Black Beans sooner. They come out perfect every time, with way less effort and time involved. These beans are a great base for so many dishes and will quickly become a staple in your kitchen. We honestly can’t believe it took us this long to try this method!
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Black Beans
Elote
Why did we ever eat plain corn when Elote was a thing? This isn’t just corn on the cob—it’s a flavor-packed experience that you’ll crave after just one bite. It’s messy in the best way possible and a great way to take your BBQs or dinners to a whole new level. We really wish we’d known about this sooner because now regular corn just doesn’t compare!
Get the Recipe: Elote
Guacamole
Everyone loves this, but homemade Guacamole is on a whole other level, and we’re kicking ourselves for not making it from scratch sooner. It’s fresher, more delicious, and totally customizable to your preferences, which makes it so much better than anything store-bought. Once you start making it at home, you’ll never go back. This one’s an absolute must-have for your snack game!
Get the Recipe: Guacamole
Pickled Onions
Pickled Onions should’ve been on our radar ages ago. They’re so simple to make, yet they add an amazing crunch and tang that takes any meal up a notch. Whether it’s tacos, sandwiches, or salads, these onions just seem to make everything better. Now that we’ve tried them, we’re adding them to pretty much everything!
Get the Recipe: Pickled Onions
Pollo Pibil
There’s so much flavor in Pollo Pibil that it’s hard to believe we hadn’t tried it before now. This dish brings a smoky richness that really transforms chicken into something special. It’s one of those meals that makes you excited about chicken again, and we wish we’d discovered it years ago. Now it’s a regular in our dinner rotation!
Get the Recipe: Pollo Pibil
Beef Birria
Beef Birria is one of those dishes you’ll wish you found sooner, no question. The slow-cooked beef is so tender and flavorful that it can be used in everything from tacos to soups. It’s the kind of meal that sticks with you, and once you’ve had it, it’s hard to forget. We’re making sure we don’t miss out on this one again!
Get the Recipe: Beef Birria
Instant Pot Refried Beans
We can’t believe it took us this long to make Instant Pot Refried Beans. They’re so simple, yet the flavor is miles ahead of anything from a can. Whether as a side or a filling, these beans are a versatile addition that you’ll want to keep on hand. This is one of those recipes you’ll wonder how you lived without!
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Refried Beans