Mexican cuisine has some of the most flavorful and vibrant dishes around the world. Mexican food is amongst one of the most popular cuisines, along with Chinese and Italian. Mexican food offers a variety of food that covers a wide range of flavors. Much of this is due to the shared border with the United States. Mexican recipes are bursting with rich flavors that reflect their tropical climate.

We compiled a list of popular Mexican dishes that are easy enough to make for a quick weeknight dinner and impress your guests.


Birria

Birria
Flickr/Adam Goldberg

Birria is a spicy meat stew that typically uses goat or mutton meat. The meat is marinated and simmered in a chili-based broth rich with spices to give the stew the savory flavor followed by a fiery bite.

This stew is often served on occasions such as weddings and festivities and is usually accompanied by bread. Birria is best eaten in the Mexican state of Jalisco where it is a household dish.


Tamales

Tamales
Pixabay/Lawdawgmon

Tamales are a traditional wrap that's well-loved by the Mexican people. The wrap is made of steamed corn dough filled with a variety of ingredients such as meats, cheeses, vegetables, fruits, and peppers.

The tamales are wrapped inside dried corn husks and steamed. These pockets are eaten by discarding the corn husks and are a great pair to side dishes and sauces.

Tacos

Taco
Unsplash/Spencer Davis

People all around the globe know tacos for their versatility. Tacos are made with crunchy tortillas filled with meats, beans, or vegetables and topped with various cheeses and sauces. Mexican tacos are simple in that it has no fancy additions such as cream or guacamole. Mexicans say the secret to a good taco lies in the preparation of the meat and spices.


ALSO READ: Essential Mexican Spices to Elevate Taco Tuesday


Mole

Mole
Flickr/Bionicgrrrl

Mole is one of Mexico's most treasured dishes. It is typically referred to as Mexican curry. The flavor profiles of this recipe are just as diverse as its variations in color. Mole can be bitter, spicy, sweet, or chocolatey. It can even be a combination of many flavors. Mole heriloom recipes are intricate and call for more than 32 ingredients. It is usually made using chocolate, pumpkins, peanuts, and animal crackers and is served atop poultries or enchiladas.

Elote

Corn
Pixabay/Rickbella

Elote is the Mexican name for corn on the cob. You can find someone selling elote on nearly every street corner. The corn is coiled and served on a stick, or in cups with the kernels cut off the cob. The corn is usually flavored with butter, salt, chili powder, and cheese. However, some recipes use lime, mayonnaise, and sour cream.

Arroz Con Leche

Arroz Con Leche
Flickr/Ronald Tacuchi

Arroz con Leche is a well-known Mexican pudding that's made from rice, sugar, milk, and cinnamon. This dessert is extremely easy to make. The traditional dish can be made in less than an hour. Arroz con Leche is rich and velvety, making it the perfect 'ending dish.'

Fruit With Chili Powder

Mexican Fruit salad
Pixabay/Barakamonday

This food isn't specific to Mexico, but it is found in many street vendors in the nation. Fresh fruits such as pineapples, kiwis, mangoes are best used for these mini fruit bowls. A dash of chili powder adds a kick that contrasts the fruits' tangy and sweet flavor. This recipe is easy to make and will offer a bite of freshness after a heavy meal.