![Lamb Tacos with Tomato Salsa Braised lamb tacos on a wooden plank with with tomato salsa](https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/2/2018/07/Lamb-Tacos-9bf986f.jpg?quality=90&resize=556,505)
40 Mexican recipes
Create a Mexican-style feast at home with some of our favourite recipes, from slow-cooked pulled pork carnitas to tacos al pastor and frozen margaritas
Looking for Mexican recipes? Want to make the best tacos? Try our ideas and twists here, and scroll down for Mexican-style desserts and cocktails to try.
Create your own Mexican feast with the help of some of our favourite Mexican chefs and restaurants. Our barbacoa lamb carnitas make the ideal centrepiece, along with enchiladas, fajitas and tacos. Whip up vibrant sides such as lime and paprika elotes (corn on the cob) and get the Mexican-themed cocktails flowing (think frozen margaritas and mezcal cocktails). Don't forget the guacamole! For a mid-week Mexican dinner, try charred sweetcorn soup, Tex-Mex-style burritos or our easy quesadilla filling ideas.
40 Mexican recipes
Esquites (Mexican corn salad)
Bring comforting Mexican flavours to the table with esquites, a charred sweetcorn side dish topped with jalapeño mayonnaise and cool mozzarella. This recipe comes from Soho’s El Pastor restaurant.
Birria tacos
Birria tacos, a speciality of Jalisco, Mexico, feature beef braised in a flavorful charred tomato sauce with three types of chilli. After pulling the meat, it's stuffed in tortillas, fried with onion, coriander and mozzarella for a balance of flavours. Dip in the smoky juices for a perfect taco night.
Pork pibil (cochinita pibil)
Pork pibil is a slow-cooked Mexican dish that’s great for the weekend, it may take a bit of time but it’s super easy. This spicy, low-calorie one-pot dish can feed up to eight people and is suitable for freezing to give your midweek meals some Mexican zing.
![24 Easy Mexican recipes | Mexican Food Ideas Cochinita Pibil With Pork Cochinita Pibil With Pork](https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/2/2017/07/Pork-pilbil.jpg?quality=90&resize=700,466)
Crab tostadas
Check out Edson Diaz-Fuentes' crisp crab tostadas for a crowd-pleasing savoury snack. Edson says: “In Coyoacán in Mexico City, my local market has become famous for (among other things) a tostadas stand that has expanded and become hugely popular. The stand offers a wide variety of tostadas: chicken tinga, prawn cocktail or pata (cow’s hooves), which is one of my favourites. I like to pair fresh crab with the simple, raw freshness of a jalapeño and lime mayonnaise, and serve this with crispy tostadas and avocados.”
Tacos al pastor
This dish was developed by Lebanese immigrants in Mexico who combined the cooking style of shawarma with Mexican ingredients such as achiote and chillies. It’s usually cooked on a spit but this is a simplified version, which is very easy to make at home.
More like this
![Tacos Al Pastor Recipe Tacos Al Pastor recipe containing pork, pineapple, onion and coriander](https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/2/2019/07/Tacos-149a62f.jpg?quality=90&resize=700,466)
Classic nachos
For a homemade Mexican-style feast, you can’t go wrong with a tray of classic nachos loaded with beef, beans, cheese and chilli.
Beef burritos
Tuck into these beefy burritos for a Tex-Mex weekend feast. Depending on the size of tortilla wraps, the recipe can serve up to six.
![Beef-burrito Halved burritos on a wooden board next to limes and a bowl of salsa](https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/2/2023/02/Beef-burrito-df843b7.jpg?quality=90&resize=700,466)
Tikin xic (sea bream cooked in banana leaves)
Tuck into this Mexican-style tikin xic, where sea bream is marinated in a blend of garlic, cinnamon, cloves, achiote paste and orange juice, then baked in banana leaves.
Chicken enchiladas
Pack plenty of protein into your midweek family meal with smoky chipotle chicken, crunchy peppers and black beans.
![Chicken enchiladas Chicken enchiladas in a baking tray and on a dish](https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/2/2019/08/OLI-0919-Healthy-ChickenEnchiladas_32648-6128294.jpg?quality=90&resize=700,466)
Spicy Mexican rice
This vegan rice dish can be eaten on its own or, if you want to add some protein, it’s good with beans, crumbled feta, cooked chicken or prawns stirred through. Ready in 30 minutes, it's a great dinner to have up your sleeve, midweek.
![Spicy Mexican Rice Recipe Spicy Mexican rice](https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/2/2020/06/Steven-Joyce-JOS2020026D00012-FS_preview-7786183.jpg?quality=90&resize=700,466)
Chiles en escabeche
Try Edson Diaz-Fuentes' chiles en escabeche – Mexican-style pickle – for your next weekend project. Edson says: “you’ll see big jars of these pickles in torterías and fondas. You can really taste all the flavours from the spices but they’re not too spicy. When preparing my pickles, I like combining layers of flavours by using aromatics such as coriander seeds, honey and smoky dried chillies. Enjoy them in your favourite torta or sandwich with a cold beer.”
Refried beans
You can’t have a Tex-Mex feast without a side of refried beans. Sprinkle over coriander, pickled jalapeños and feta for extra oomph.
![Refried beans Bowl of refried beans topped with coriander, chilli and feta, with tortilla chips and lime wedges](https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/2/2022/11/Refried-beans-37337e8.jpg?quality=90&resize=700,466)
Pibil-style pork ribs
Try Edson Diaz-Fuentes' peppery pork ribs for a crowd-pleasing Friday night dinner. Edson says: “Cochinita pibil is the emblematic dish of Yucatán. The whole suckling pig, known as cochinita, is doused in achiote marinade, wrapped in banana leaves and slow-roasted in a pit. Achiote paste, a mix of crushed annatto seeds and spices, has a deep, vibrant red colour and unique peppery, musky flavour that pairs beautifully with pork.”
![Pibil-style pork ribs two racks of pork ribs on baking parchment in a roasting tray with a pot of salsa](https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/2/2021/06/51_PorkRibs_032_f-2970582.jpg?quality=90&resize=700,466)
Thomasina Miers' Mexican pork chops
Ancho is a dried poblano chilli with a sweet earthy flavour. These Mexican pork chops from Thomasina Miers make for an impressive main and prove that Mexican food doesn't mean Tex Mex!
![Thomasina Miers’ Mexican pork chops in a lime and ancho marinade Thomasina Miers’ Mexican pork chops in a lime and ancho marinade](https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/2/2017/08/1778.jpg?quality=90&resize=700,466)
Short rib suadero
This recipe comes from Tacos Padre, a stall at London's Borough Market. It takes a little effort and time to make, but it's so worth it for those meltingly tender beef short ribs.
Mooli and pomegranate ceviche
In this vibrant ceviche from Mexican restaurant Cavita, mooli – a mellow-flavoured type of radish – is paired with sweet and juicy pomegranate seeds.
Red guacamole
If you don't fancy salsa macha, top your guacamole with toasted seeds, some chilli flakes, desiccated coconut and a drizzle of rapeseed oil. This recipe comes from Tacos Padre, a stall at London's Borough Market.
Mexican elotes
This classic Mexican street food is so easy to make at home. It's topped with crema, a saltier, creamier Mexican soured cream which pairs well with the fiery chilli powder in this easy recipe.
![Mexican Elotes Recipe Mexican Elotes Recipe](https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/2/2016/06/23931.jpg?quality=90&resize=600,400)
Pulled pork carnitas
Fill soft tacos with tender pulled pork cooked in smoky chipotle and oregano, and top with zingy red cabbage, chillies and coriander for an easy way to feed a crowd.
![Pork Carnitas Recipe Pork Carnitas Recipe](https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/2/2019/07/Slow-cooked-pulled-pork-ce5b2c5.jpg?quality=90&crop=14px,1144px,2972px,1980px&resize=700,466)
Mexican-style sweetcorn soup
Spice up your soup with punchy ancho chillies in this Mexican-inspired recipe.
![Vegan Mexican Sweetcorn Soup Recipe with Ancho Chillies Vegan Mexican Sweetcorn Soup Recipe with Ancho Chillies](https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/2/2019/08/Olive_Seasonal_MexicanSweetcornSoup-6b22dc0.jpg?quality=90&resize=700,466)
Tajín cauliflower bites
Tajín is a classic Mexican seasoning made from lime, chilli and salt. It works so well on these moreish cauli bites with the cooling soured cream.
![Roasted Cauliflower Florets with Tajín Recipe A silver tray topped with orange roasted cauliflower with a pot of white sauce in the corner](https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/2/2019/07/Buffalo-Cauliflower-df315d5.jpg?quality=90&resize=700,466)
Queso fundido
Layers of melting cheese and spicy chorizo make up this seriously OTT hot Mexican dip. Be prepared to fight over this one. We also have a recipe video to check out how to make this Mexican dish properly.
Easy chicken mole
Mole – the best easy Mexican food! This recipe for cheat's chicken mole uses a clever product to mean it's ready in less than an hour and is under 300 calories – perfect for a midweek treat. Try our best low-calorie chicken recipes here.
![Bowl Food Recipes For A Wedding Easy Chicken Mole Recipe](https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/2/2017/01/MOLE_FINAL.jpg?quality=90&crop=3px,683px,1765px,1176px&resize=700,466)
Barbacoa lamb carnitas
If you're a fan of Mexican food, you'll love carnitas. These gluten free, slow-cooked lamb tortillas are great for a Mexican feast between friends. It's easy to make and everyone can get stuck in and make their own.
![Barbacoa lamb carnitas Barbacoa lamb carnitas](https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/2/2015/04/Lamb12331.jpg?quality=90&crop=2px,233px,597px,398px&resize=600,400)
Mexican-style salad tortilla bowls
Try our vibrant vegan Mexican-style salad bowls. This quick and easy recipe is super fresh and has just the right amount of spice and zing – ready in 20 minutes.
![OLI0318-Healthy-MexicanSaladTortillaBowls OLI0318-Healthy-MexicanSaladTortillaBowls](https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/2/2021/06/OLI0318-Healthy-MexicanSaladTortillaBowls-10918d6.jpg?quality=90&resize=700,466)
Mexican-style breakfast corn muffins
Check out our moist and cheesy corn muffins. Packed with Mexican flavours these easy muffins are ready in less than an hour and make a simple and healthy breakfast.
![OLI0618-Healthy-BreakfastMuffins OLI0618-Healthy-BreakfastMuffins](https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/2/2021/06/OLI0618-Healthy-BreakfastMuffins-a3be831.jpg?quality=90&resize=700,466)
Huevos rancheros
Eat your eggs Mexican-style today! That means piling on smoky beef chilli and a fiery homemade salsa made from tomatoes, green chillies, coriander and lime.
![Huevos rancheros Recipe Huevos rancheros](https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/2/2014/12/2728.jpg?quality=90&crop=2px,238px,596px,397px&resize=600,400)
Mini charred sweetcorn tacos with feta avo crema and quick pickled onions
Pack in heaps of colour and flavour to your vegetarian entertaining with these vibrant tacos.
![Sweetcorn Tacos with Avocado Cream and Quick Pickled Onions Sweetcorn Tacos with Avocado Cream and Quick Pickled Onions](https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/2/2019/09/Olive_SweetcornTacos-af20a6e.jpg?quality=90&resize=700,466)
Taquitos dorados de papa (crispy potato tacos)
Enjoy these tacos with your favourite fillings, such as broad beans, refried beans, cheese or curd cheese. Make them ahead and simply warm before serving.
Mexican dessert ideas
Pan de elote (Mexican corn cake)
For a dinner party dessert with a difference, try these Mexican-style pan de elote from restaurant Cavita. These cakes can be eaten straight from the ramekins, but if you want to turn them out, make sure the ramekins are well-buttered and lined.
Chocoflan
Edson Diaz-Fuentes's festive flan cake, featuring chocolate, caramel and cinnamon, is known as 'flan imposible' and combines two popular Mexican desserts.
![Mexican Chocoflan Recipe Mexican Chocoflan Recipe on a platte with a gold serving knife](https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/2/2021/11/NEFF-chocoflan-d0feb71.jpg?quality=90&resize=700,466)
Orange and tequila crème caramel
Crème caramel is really popular in Mexico. Orange zest sharpens the flavour in this recipe from Thomasina Miers, which a little tequila in the caramel gives it a richer, deeper flavour.
![Orange Creme Caramel Recipe Orange Creme Caramel Recipe](https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/2/2014/12/1785.jpg?quality=90&crop=2px,324px,596px,397px&resize=600,400)
Manzanas bicolor (wine-poached apples)
Poach apples in rich red malbec and leave overnight with sugar, cinnamon and orange and lemon zest to absorb the flavours. Serve with your choice of ice cream.
Get the chillies right with our quick how-to video (plus we have an expert chilli guide so you can find the right chillies to buy for your recipe).
Mexican-inspired cocktail recipes
Largartija
You can prep this drink in advance by mixing all the ingredients without ice and refrigerating until serving. Simply double the ingredients to make two drinks.
Bacalar cocktail
This Mexican-style cocktail balances Mezcal Amores with its smooth, smoky notes, with chardonnay and ginger ale.
Mezcal, pineapple and jalapeño smash
The smoky notes of the mezcal work wonderfully with the grilled pineapple and gentle heat from the chilli in this spicy drink. It’s simple to make and can easily be made into a jug cocktail for a crowd.
![Mezcal smash Mezcal smash](https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/2/2015/04/Screen-Shot-2017-03-06-at-12.52.06.png?quality=90&crop=679px,0px,1216px,810px&resize=700,466)
Margarita cocktail
You can't get more classic than a delicious margarita. Shake up this simple, punchy and citrussy tequila cocktail then check out our refreshing twists for summer.
![Classic Margarita Recipe Margarita in a glass with copper cocktail shaker and a plate of limes behind](https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/2/2020/06/Classic-Margarita-Recipe-afa781e.jpg?quality=90&resize=700,466)
Frozen mango and lime margaritas
Margaritas are great party cocktail and make a great accompaniment to Mexican dishes. Our frozen margarita is the perfect refresher for a hot day, with sweet mango and a dash of lime.
![Frozen margaritas recipe Frozen margaritas recipe](https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/2/2015/04/4895.jpg?quality=90&resize=700,466)
Make it a Mexican fiesta with our pick of the best tequilas, click here to try...
![Best Tequila To Buy For Best Tequila Brands Best Tequila To Buy For Best Tequila Brands](https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/2/2019/07/tequila-250aa7b.jpg?quality=90&resize=700,466)
Comments, questions and tips
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