10 Best Mexican Side Dishes

Mexican Street Corn (Elote)

Mexican Street Corn, or Elote, is a popular street food that combines creamy, spicy, and tangy flavors for a delectable experience.

Ingredients:

• 4 ears of corn, husked
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/2 cup crumbled cotija cheese
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 lime, cut into wedges
• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro (optional)

Cooking method:

1. Grill the corn over medium-high heat until it is charred and cooked through, about 10 minutes.
2. Spread mayonnaise evenly over each ear of grilled corn.
3. Sprinkle cotija cheese and chili powder generously over the mayonnaise-covered corn.
4. Serve with lime wedges on the side and top with cilantro if desired.

Mexican Rice

Mexican Rice is a flavorful and colorful side dish that complements any Mexican meal perfectly.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1/2 cup tomato sauce
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• Salt to taste

Cooking method:

1. Heat oil in a pan over medium heat and sauté onion and garlic until translucent.
2. Add rice and cook until light golden brown.
3. Stir in chicken broth, tomato sauce, cumin, and salt.
4. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes or until rice is tender.

Refried Beans

Refried Beans are a classic Mexican side dish that are both comforting and protein-packed.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked pinto beans
• 3 tablespoons lard or vegetable oil
• 1/2 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Cooking method:

1. Heat lard or oil in a skillet over medium heat.
2. Sauté onion and garlic until soft.
3. Add beans and mash until smooth.
4. Season with salt and stir until thoroughly heated.

Guacamole

Guacamole is a creamy and refreshing avocado-based dip that brings zesty flavor to any meal.

Ingredients:

• 3 ripe avocados
• 1 lime, juiced
• 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking method:

1. Mash avocados in a bowl with lime juice.
2. Fold in tomatoes and cilantro.
3. Season with salt and pepper, and mix well.

Pico de Gallo

Pico de Gallo is a fresh and zesty salsa that adds brightness to any dish.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups diced tomatoes
• 1/2 cup diced onion
• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
• 1 jalapeño, seeded and diced
• 1 lime, juiced
• Salt to taste

Cooking method:

1. Combine tomatoes, onion, cilantro, and jalapeño in a bowl.
2. Add lime juice and salt, and mix thoroughly.

Chiles Rellenos

Chiles Rellenos are deliciously stuffed peppers that are often filled with cheese and fried to perfection.

Ingredients:

• 6 poblano peppers
• 1 cup shredded cheese
• 4 eggs, separated
• 1/2 cup flour
• 1/2 cup oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking method:

1. Roast and peel poblano peppers, then make a small slit to remove seeds.
2. Stuff peppers with cheese.
3. Beat egg whites until stiff peaks form, then fold in yolks.
4. Coat each pepper in flour, then dip in egg mixture.
5. Fry in hot oil until golden brown.

Nopales Salad

Nopales Salad is a healthy and vibrant dish made with cactus paddles.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups diced nopales (cactus paddles)
• 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
• 1/4 cup chopped onion
• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
• 1/4 cup crumbled queso fresco
• 1 lime, juiced

Cooking method:

1. Boil diced nopales in salted water until tender, then drain.
2. In a bowl, combine nopales, tomatoes, onion, and cilantro.
3. Add lime juice and queso fresco, and mix well.

Mexican Black Beans

Mexican Black Beans are richly flavored with spices and perfect as a side or taco filling.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked black beans
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion, minced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking method:

1. Heat oil in a pan over medium heat and sauté onion and garlic.
2. Add beans, cumin, salt, and pepper.
3. Cook and stir until heated through.

Calabacitas

Calabacitas is a savory vegetable dish featuring zucchini and corn, seasoned with spices.

Ingredients:

• 2 zucchinis, diced
• 1 cup corn kernels
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• Salt to taste

Cooking method:

1. Sauté onion and garlic in a pan until soft.
2. Add zucchini, corn, chili powder, and salt.
3. Cook until vegetables are tender.

Mexican Cabbage Slaw

Mexican Cabbage Slaw is a crunchy and tangy side that adds freshness to any meal.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups shredded cabbage
• 1 carrot, shredded
• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking method:

1. In a large bowl, combine cabbage, carrot, and cilantro.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together vinegar, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
3. Pour dressing over the slaw and toss to combine.