21 simple Mexican eats that totally wow!

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Are you craving the irresistible flavors of Mexican cuisine? Look no further! I’ve got you covered with this collection of 21 simple and delicious recipes. Each one is proof of the bold, fresh flavors that have put Mexican cuisine on the map. Forget about complicated cooking techniques or hard-to-find ingredients; these dishes are about making authentic Mexican food accessible to everyone. From tangy salsas to hearty mains, get ready to dive into a world of taste that will change how you think about home-cooked meals.

What sets these recipes apart is their ability to turn everyday ingredients into something extraordinary. With a few basic spices and some fresh produce, you’ll be on your way to creating dishes that pack a punch of flavor. Perfect for anyone looking to spice up their meal routine, these Mexican eats are guaranteed to bring a smile and leave you reaching for seconds.

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

Elote

This classic street food turns corn on the cob into a mouthwatering treat with a slather of creamy sauce, cheese, and spices. It’s a simple pleasure that combines sweet, savory, and tangy flavors in every bite. Perfect for outdoor gatherings, elote brings the essence of Mexican street food right to your backyard.
Get the Recipe: Elote

Instant Pot Black Beans

Say goodbye to canned beans with this Instant Pot method that delivers flavorful black beans in a fraction of the time. These beans are versatile, perfect as a side dish or as a filling for burritos and tacos. It’s an effortless way to add protein and fiber to your meals.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Black Beans

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.

Mexican Corn Salad

This salad is a deconstructed version of elote, offering all the same delicious flavors in a bowl. It’s easy to make and serves as a vibrant side dish or a light meal. The combination of sweet corn, creamy dressing, and a hint of lime is irresistible.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Corn Salad

Salsa Verde

This tangy green sauce, made from tomatillos and green chilies, adds a bright kick to any dish. It’s surprisingly simple to make and can transform ordinary meals into something special. Use it as a dip, a topping, or a marinade to bring a burst of flavor to your table.
Get the Recipe: Salsa Verde

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

Flour Tortillas

Homemade flour tortillas are softer and more flavorful than store-bought ones, and making them at home is easier than you might think. They’re the perfect base for tacos, burritos, and wraps, adding a homemade touch that’s sure to impress. Plus, they make any meal feel a bit more special.
Get the Recipe: Flour Tortillas

Air Fryer Carnitas

Get all the crispy deliciousness of traditional carnitas without the hassle of slow cooking or deep frying. This air fryer version is quick and easy and yields perfectly tender meat with a crispy exterior. It’s a game-changer for taco nights and meal prep alike.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Carnitas

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.

Mango Habanero Salsa

This salsa strikes the perfect balance between mango sweetness and habanero peppers’ heat. It’s a vibrant addition to fish tacos, grilled chicken, or simply as a dip with chips. The bold flavors are sure to wake up your taste buds.
Get the Recipe: Mango Habanero Salsa

Blackened Fish Tacos

These tacos feature fish with a spicy, flavorful crust tucked into soft tortillas with fresh toppings. They’re a lighter option that doesn’t skimp on taste, perfect for a quick and satisfying meal. The combination of spices and fresh flavors makes these tacos a crowd-pleaser.
Get the Recipe: Blackened Fish Tacos

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

Beef Birria

This savory, slightly spicy stew is deeply flavorful, with tender meat that falls apart beautifully. It’s great on its own, or use the meat and broth to make incredible birria tacos. This dish is a labor of love that’s worth the effort.
Get the Recipe: Beef Birria

Camarones a la Diabla

Shrimp cooked in a fiery sauce, this dish is bold and spicy, making it a standout meal. It’s surprisingly quick to make, offering a restaurant-quality dish in the comfort of your own home. Serve it with rice or tortillas to balance the heat.
Get the Recipe: Camarones a la Diabla

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

Pickled Jalapeños

These are a staple in Mexican cuisine, adding a spicy tang to any dish. Making them at home allows you to customize the level of sweetness and heat. They’re perfect for topping tacos, nachos, or even just snacking on their own.
Get the Recipe: Pickled Jalapeños

Guacamole

This creamy, rich dip combines ripe avocados with fresh herbs and a kick of lime. It’s a favorite for a reason: It’s easy to whip up and perfect for sharing. Guacamole is the go-to choice for adding a fresh touch to any Mexican meal.
Get the Recipe: Guacamole

Overhead shot of a jar of pink pickled onions with lime halves on the side.
Pickled Onions. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Pickled Onions

Adding a pop of color and flavor, pickled onions are the perfect tangy complement to rich Mexican dishes. They’re simple to make and can elevate tacos, sandwiches, and salads. Their bright acidity cuts through the richness of meats and beans beautifully.
Get the Recipe: Pickled Onions

Arepas con Queso

These cornmeal cakes filled with cheese are a delicious snack or side dish. Soft on the inside and crispy on the outside, arepas are a comforting, cheesy treat. They’re versatile and can be served with various fillings, making them a favorite for any time of day.
Get the Recipe: Arepas con Queso

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

Garlic lovers, rejoice! This dish features shrimp sautéed in a rich garlic sauce, offering a simple yet luxurious meal. It’s quick to prepare, making it an ideal choice for a weeknight dinner that feels like a treat.
Get the Recipe: Camarones al Mojo de Ajo

Air Fryer Enchiladas

Who knew you could make enchiladas in an air fryer? This method crisps up the tortillas while keeping the filling juicy and delicious. It’s a quick, less messy way to enjoy a favorite dish, and it adds a nice texture you can’t get from baking.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Enchiladas

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

Chilaquiles

This traditional breakfast dish is a delicious way to start your day, featuring lightly fried tortillas simmered in salsa and topped with eggs. It’s a comforting, satisfying meal that’s as versatile as it is delicious. Chilaquiles prove that simple ingredients can create something truly special.
Get the Recipe: Chilaquiles

Instant Pot Refried Beans

Forget the canned version and easily make creamy, flavorful refried beans with an Instant Pot. These beans are a heart-healthy addition to any Mexican feast, serving as a great dip or filling. Plus, they’re customizable to your preferred level of spice.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Refried Beans

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

Quesabirria Tacos

These tacos are a trendy twist on the traditional, featuring juicy, spiced meat and a crispy, cheese-lined tortilla. Dipped in a rich consommé, they’re an indulgent treat that’s hard to resist. It’s a flavor-packed dish that’s sure to wow anyone who tries it.
Get the Recipe: Quesabirria Tacos

Enchilada Sauce

Making your own enchilada sauce is easier than you think, and the rich, complex flavors are so much better than store-bought. This sauce can transform simple ingredients into a comforting, hearty meal. It’s the backbone of any enchilada dish and can be customized to your heat preference.
Get the Recipe: Enchilada Sauce

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

Pollo Pibil

This Yucatan-inspired dish marinates chicken in a citrusy, achiote-based sauce, then slow cooks it to perfection. The result is tender, flavorful chicken that’s great for tacos, bowls, or on its own. It’s a simple way to bring a taste of the Yucatan Peninsula to your kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Pollo Pibil

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