19 Mexican recipes you don’t want to skip

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Who says weeknight dinners have to be boring? With these 19 Mexican recipes, you’re all set to shake things up. From savory sides to main dishes that steal the show, each recipe is straightforward and seriously satisfying. No fancy ingredients or complicated steps here, just good food that’s fun to make and even more fun to eat. So why not give your meal plan a little love with a taste of Mexico? Trust me, your dinner table will thank you.

Overhead shot of quesabirria tacos with lime wedges.
Quesabirria Tacos. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Air Fryer Carnitas

Low angle shot of 3 carnitas tacos on a white plate with lime wedges.
Air Fryer Carnitas. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Crispy edges with tender insides, these carnitas come out perfectly in the air fryer, making them a must-have for your Mexican-themed dinner. They effortlessly fit into tacos and burritos or can be enjoyed on their own. This recipe is a nod to tradition with a modern twist.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Carnitas

Instant Pot Tortilla Soup

Low angle shot of a white bowl filled with tortilla soup. There is an instant pot in the background.
Instant Pot Tortilla Soup. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

A steaming bowl of this soup brings the essence of Mexican flavors to your table, effortlessly combining spices, chicken, and tortilla strips with the press of a button. Instant Pot Tortilla Soup is your go-to for a comforting and quick meal that doesn’t skimp on taste.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Tortilla Soup

Beef Birria

Overhead shot of a bowl of shredded beef birria with cilantro and chopped onions.
Beef Birria. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Slow-cooked to perfection, this dish brings a symphony of spices and tender beef together in a way that’s hard to forget. Beef Birria can be enjoyed on its own or as an unforgettable taco filling, bridging tradition and taste with every bite.
Get the Recipe: Beef Birria

Arepas con Queso

close up shot of an arepa con queso split open to show the cheesy filling.
Arepas con Queso. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Imagine biting into a warm, cheese-stuffed cornmeal cake that’s crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. Arepas con Queso are a delicious way to start your day or enjoy as a snack, embodying the comforting flavors of Latin American cuisine.
Get the Recipe: Arepas con Queso

Salsa Verde

Salsa verde in a bowl with cilantro leaves on top.
Salsa Verde. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

This vibrant, tangy sauce made from green tomatillos and chili peppers adds a fresh kick to any dish. Salsa Verde is a versatile addition to your culinary arsenal, perfect for drizzling over tacos or enhancing the flavors of your favorite Mexican recipes.
Get the Recipe: Salsa Verde

Camarones a la Diabla

shrimp in red chile sauce on a white plate with lime wedges in the background.
Camarones a la Diabla. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

This dish combines the sweetness of shrimp with a fiery sauce that’s sure to ignite your palate. Camarones a la Diabla is a bold choice for seafood lovers looking to add some heat to their meal, showcasing the depth of Mexican cuisine’s flavors.
Get the Recipe: Camarones a la Diabla

Instant Pot Black Beans

Low angle shot of two bowls of Mexican black beans garnished with crumbled cheese and lime wedges.
Instant Pot Black Beans. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Say goodbye to overnight soaking and hours of cooking with this recipe that turns simple beans into something special. Instant Pot Black Beans are the unsung heroes of the Mexican table, ready to fill your tacos or top your salads with creamy, flavorful goodness.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Black Beans

Enchilada Sauce

Overhead shot of a pot of enchilada sauce witih a spoonful of enchilada sauce above it.
Enchilada Sauce. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

With a depth of flavor that can only come from a blend of chilies, tomatoes, and spices, this sauce is the secret to making authentic Mexican enchiladas. Homemade Enchilada Sauce elevates your dishes from good to unforgettable, with every spoonful packed with flavor.
Get the Recipe: Enchilada Sauce

Elote

metal baking pan with elote, Mexican grilled corn cobs with mayonnaise, spices, and cheese.
Elote. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Street food at its best, elote is grilled corn on the cob coated in a creamy sauce and cheese, making every bite a delightful mix of sweet, savory, and spicy. This dish is a summer favorite, capturing the essence of Mexican street food culture in every kernel.
Get the Recipe: Elote

Quesabirria Tacos

Overhead shot of quesabirria tacos with lime wedges.
Quesabirria Tacos. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

A delicious mash-up, these tacos combine the juicy, spiced meat of birria with the gooey goodness of melted cheese, all encased in a crispy tortilla. Quesabirria Tacos are a trendy twist on traditional flavors, offering a mouthwatering experience that’s hard to beat.
Get the Recipe: Quesabirria Tacos

Mexican Corn Salad

Mexican corn salad in bowls, garnished with parmesan cheese and lime wedges, with forks on the side.
Mexican Corn Salad. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

This salad takes the beloved elements of elote and turns them into a spoonable feast, complete with the zesty flavors of lime and chili powder. Mexican Corn Salad is a refreshing side that brings a bit of Mexican street food flair to any meal.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Corn Salad

Flour Tortillas

Flour tortillas stacked on a plate.
Flour Tortillas. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Nothing beats the soft, warm embrace of homemade Flour Tortillas. Whether wrapping up your favorite fillings or simply enjoyed with a bit of butter, they’re a testament to the simple pleasures of Mexican cooking, showing that sometimes, the basics are the best.
Get the Recipe: Flour Tortillas

Mango Habanero Salsa

Overhead shot of a bowl of mango habanero salsa with a hand lifting a spoonful of the salsa.
Mango Habanero Salsa. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

For those who dare, this salsa offers an irresistible mix of sweet mango and fiery habanero, proving that flavor contrasts can be a match made in heaven. Mango Habanero Salsa is a vibrant, daring addition to the table, perfect for those looking to spice up their meal.
Get the Recipe: Mango Habanero Salsa

Pollo Pibil

Pollo pibil on a grey plate with limes and shredded lettuce.
Pollo Pibil. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Tender chicken marinated in a rich blend of achiote and citrus juices, then slow-cooked until perfectly succulent. Pollo Pibil is a flavorful homage to Yucatán cuisine, inviting you to explore the depths of Mexican culinary traditions with each savory bite.
Get the Recipe: Pollo Pibil

Chilaquiles

A bowl of nachos with avocado, radishes and an egg.
Chilaquiles. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

This breakfast classic transforms yesterday’s tortillas into today’s feast, soaked in salsa and sprinkled with cheese. Chilaquiles prove that Mexican cuisine is masterful at reimagining simple ingredients into dishes that are comforting, delicious, and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Chilaquiles

Air Fryer Enchiladas

A hand holding a n empanada that is broken open so you can see the inside filling.
Air Fryer Enchiladas. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Enchiladas made in the air fryer emerge with perfectly crispy edges and a warm, gooey center, proving that traditional dishes can get a modern makeover without losing their soul. This recipe is a fuss-free way to enjoy a Mexican classic, with less oil and more flavor.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Enchiladas

Camarones al Mojo de Ajo

Shrimp stuffed into soft corn tortillas with lime wedges on the side.
Camarones al Mojo de Ajo. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Camarones al Mojo de Ajo is a garlic lover’s dream, featuring shrimp sautéed in a rich garlic sauce. This dish highlights the simplicity and elegance of Mexican seafood dishes, where the quality of ingredients shines through. It’s a mouthwatering example of how less can indeed be more in the world of cooking.
Get the Recipe: Camarones al Mojo de Ajo

Pickled Jalapeños

Two canning jars filled with pickled jalapenos on a wooden board with fresh jalapenos on the side.
Pickled Jalapeños. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

These tangy, spicy peppers are a staple in Mexican cuisine, adding a quick heat to any dish. Pickled Jalapeños are easy to make and can transform a meal, offering a balance of flavor that elevates your favorite recipes with just a slice.
Get the Recipe: Pickled Jalapeños

Guacamole

Guacamole in a white bowl with limes, cilantro, and tortilla chips on the side.
Guacamole. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

A bowl of freshly made Guacamole is a celebration of simple, fresh ingredients coming together to create something extraordinary. It’s a staple of Mexican cuisine, perfect for dipping, spreading, or simply enjoying by the spoonful, showcasing the rich flavors of avocado.
Get the Recipe: Guacamole

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