5 Authentic Mexican Recipes You Can Master at Home Today

Did you know that Mexican food has a long and deep history with many influences starting from the Mayans and Aztecs to the Spanish and French? I found out this interesting tidbit during my first cooking trip to Oaxaca, and it completely opened my eyes in how I view Mexican cuisine. After years of Mexican cooking in my home kitchen, I’ve realised that authentic Mexican recipes are not only easier to make but also more flavourful than their commercialised versions – you just need to learn the right techniques!

Today, I’m excited to share five traditional authentic Mexican recipes that have become essential in my kitchen. These aren’t your usual Anglo-inspired meals – these are the genuine articles, handed down through generations and refined in home kitchens all over Mexico. Believe me, once you get the hang of these, you’ll never look at store-bought sauce packets the same way again!

What Makes Mexican Food Authentic?

I remember the time I attempted to whip up “authentic” enchiladas using a jar of store-bought sauce and some pre-shredded cheese. The reality is that cooking authentic Mexican recipes begins with the right fresh ingredients and techniques.

What Spices are Used in Mexican Cooking?

• Dried chiles (ancho, guajillo, and chipotle are my go-to trio)
• Masa harina (I always use Maseca brand, but Bob’s Red Mill works in a pinch)
• Mexican oregano (it’s quite different from the Mediterranean variety you might have in your spice cabinet)
• Fresh cilantro/coriander (I know some of you think it tastes like soap – I’ll suggest alternatives!)
• Queso fresco (though cotija is a fantastic substitute too)

What are Essential Mexican Cooking Tools?

How Do I Make Real Mexican Tortillas?

I still remember my first attempt at making corn tortillas—they turned out more like amoebas than actual circles! However, I finally figured out how to make perfect fresh tortillas.

The Basic Recipe:

• 2 cups masa harina
• 1.5 to 1.75 cups warm water
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Step-by-Step Process:

1. Combine masa harina and salt in a large bowl.
2. Slowly add warm water while mixing with your hands.
3. Knead the mixture until it reaches a play-dough-like consistency.
4. Let the dough rest for 30 minutes, covered.
5. Divide the dough into portions the size of golf balls.
6. Press each ball between plastic sheets.
7. Cook on a hot comal for 45-60 seconds on each side.

Common Problems Solved:

• Are your tortillas cracking? Your dough might be too dry.
• Not puffing up? The comal probably isn’t hot enough.
• Sticking to the press? You might have forgotten the plastic sheets (I’ve been there!).

What’s The Secret to Perfect Mexican Rice?

Here’s the best technique I have found for this authentic Mexican recipes.

Essential Ingredients:

• Long-grain white rice
• Fresh tomatoes (or high-quality canned tomatoes)
• White onion
• Garlic
• Chicken stock (or vegetable stock for a vegetarian option)
• Oil for toasting

The Perfect Mexican Rice Method:

1. Rinse the rice until the water runs clear.
2. Toast the rice in oil until it turns golden.
3. Blend the tomatoes, onion, and garlic until smooth.
4. Add the puree to the toasted rice.
5. Pour in hot stock.
6. Cook covered on low heat for 20 minutes.
7. Let it rest for 10 minutes before fluffing.

Pro Tips:

• Never skip the toasting step.
• Use a 1:2 ratio of rice to liquid
• Don’t peek while it’s cooking!

How Do I Make Authentic Mexican Salsa?

I used to think salsa only came from jars, but now I whip up fresh salsa at least twice a week, and my family won’t touch the store-bought versions anymore. The secret lies in charring the ingredients—those charred bits bring an amazing depth of flavour.

Restaurant-Style Salsa Roja Recipe:
Ingredients:

• 6 ripe tomatoes
• 2-3 serrano chiles (adjust to your preference)
• 1 white onion
• 4 garlic cloves
• Salt to taste
• Fresh cilantro/coriander
• Lime juice

Method:

1. Char the tomatoes, chiles, onion, and garlic on a comal.
2. Blend everything until you reach your desired consistency.
3. Season with salt and lime juice.
4. Stir in fresh cilantro.
5. Let it sit for a bit to allow the flavors to meld.

Storage Tips:

• It will keep in the fridge for up to 5 days.
• You can freeze it in small portions for up to 3 months.
• Always use clean utensils when serving.

What Makes Good Mexican Beans?

Here’s a little secret: the best frijoles refritos I’ve ever made came from a bag of beans that had been sitting in my pantry for months! Contrary to popular belief, older beans actually work better for this dish.

The Perfect Refried Beans Recipe:
Ingredients:

• 2 cups dried pinto beans
• 1 white onion
• 4 garlic cloves
• Lard (or oil for a vegetarian version)
• Salt to taste
• Epazote (optional but traditional)

Method:

1. Soak the beans overnight.
2. Cook them with the onion and garlic until they’re very tender.
3. Reserve the cooking liquid.
4. Heat lard in a large pan.
5. Mash the beans while frying.
6. Add the cooking liquid as needed.
7. Season to taste

Pro Tips:

• Don’t add salt until the beans are tender.
• Save the cooking liquid—it’s liquid gold!
• Don’t rush the frying process.

Traditional Enchiladas Rojas: The Heart of Mexican Comfort Food

This was the first authentic Mexican recipes I learned to prepare, and it remains my favorite comfort food. The secret lies in the sauce—skip the canned varieties; we’re making it from scratch!

The Red Sauce:

• 4 dried ancho chiles
• 2 dried guajillo chiles
• 2 garlic cloves
• 1/4 onion
• Salt to taste

Assembly Ingredients:

• Corn tortillas (homemade from above!)
• Shredded chicken (or cheese for a vegetarian option)
• Queso fresco
• Crema mexicana
• Shredded lettuce
• Sliced onions

Method:

1. Lightly toast the chiles on a comal
2. Soak them in hot water for 30 minutes
3. Blend with garlic, onion, and the soaking liquid
4. Strain the sauce
5. Dip the tortillas in the sauce
6. Fill with your choice of filling
7. Roll them up and arrange in a dish
8. Top with extra sauce and garnishes

Tips for Perfect Enchiladas:

• Avoid oversoaking the chillies
• Briefly fry the sauce for enhanced flavour
• Warm the tortillas before dipping
• Don’t overfill them.

Your Journey to Authentic Mexican Cooking Starts Here!

Well, there you have it, amigos! These five authentic Mexican recipes are just the start of your Mexican cooking adventure. Remember when I shared that my first attempt at making tortillas looked like amoebas? Now I can whip them up with my eyes closed (though I wouldn’t recommend trying that at home!).

Begin your journey with these recipes:

1. Start with mastering corn tortillas – they’re the foundation.
2. Next, move on to the salsa – it’s forgiving and fun.
3. Try your hand at the rice – patience is essential.
4. Tackle the beans – they require time but are definitely worth it.
5. Finally, bring everything together with enchiladas.

Don’t be afraid to make mistakes – they’re the best teachers in the kitchen. And please, don’t worry if your first few attempts don’t look Instagram-worthy. What truly matters is the authentic flavor and the joy of creating real Mexican food in your own kitchen.

Remember: Mexican cooking is about patience, practice, and passion. Start with one authentic Mexican recipes, master it, then move on to the next. Before you know it, you’ll be cooking like an abuela!

I’d love to hear about your Mexican cooking adventures – drop a comment below and let me know how these recipes turn out in your kitchen!

External Resources:

• [Link to detailed chile guide]
• [Link to Mexican cooking techniques video series]
• [Link to traditional Mexican cookware guide]
• [Link to ingredient sourcing guide]