17 Best Mexican Side Dishes
Mexican Street Corn (Elote)
Mexican Street Corn, also known as Elote, is a delightful and popular street food that brings vibrant flavors to your table.
Ingredients:
- 4 ears of corn, husked
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup cotija cheese, crumbled
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 lime, cut into wedges
- 1 tablespoon chopped cilantro
Cooking method:
- Grill the corn over medium-high heat, turning occasionally, until charred and cooked through, about 10 minutes.
- Mix mayonnaise and sour cream in a bowl.
- Brush the cooked corn with the mayo mixture.
- Sprinkle cotija cheese and chili powder on top.
- Garnish with cilantro and serve with lime wedges.
Guacamole
Guacamole is a creamy avocado-based dip that adds a refreshing touch to any meal.
Ingredients:
- 3 ripe avocados
- 1 lime, juiced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 3 tablespoons chopped cilantro
- 2 roma tomatoes, diced
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
Cooking method:
- Mash avocados in a bowl using a fork.
- Stir in lime juice and salt.
- Mix in onion, cilantro, tomatoes, and garlic.
- Adjust seasoning to taste and serve chilled.
Mexican Rice
Mexican Rice is a savory and slightly spicy side dish that perfectly complements any Mexican entree.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups white rice
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce
- 1/4 cup chopped onion
- 1/4 cup peas
- 1/4 cup diced carrots
- 1 teaspoon cumin
Cooking method:
- Sauté onion in a pan until translucent.
- Add rice and toast for 2-3 minutes.
- Stir in chicken broth, tomato sauce, peas, carrots, and cumin.
- Bring to a boil, then simmer covered for 20 minutes.
Refried Beans
Refried Beans are a creamy and flavorful staple in Mexican cuisine, perfect for spreading on tortillas or as a side dish.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups pinto beans, cooked
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- Salt to taste
Cooking method:
- Heat oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Add garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- Add beans and mash while stirring in cumin and salt.
- Cook until beans are creamy and heated through.
Pico de Gallo
Pico de Gallo is a fresh and zesty salsa that adds a burst of flavor to any dish.
Ingredients:
- 4 roma tomatoes, chopped
- 1/2 onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
- 2 limes, juiced
- 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced
- Salt to taste
Cooking method:
- Combine tomatoes, onion, cilantro, lime juice, and jalapeño in a bowl.
- Stir well and season with salt.
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Queso Fundido
Queso Fundido is a delightful melted cheese dish often served as an appetizer.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1/2 cup chorizo, cooked and crumbled
- 1/4 cup diced onion
- 1/4 cup chopped green bell pepper
Cooking method:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Sauté onion and green bell pepper until soft.
- In a baking dish, layer cheese and top with chorizo and vegetable mix.
- Bake until cheese is bubbly, about 15 minutes.
Salsa Verde
Salsa Verde is a tangy green sauce made with tomatillos and fresh herbs, perfect for drizzling over tacos.
Ingredients:
- 10 tomatillos, husked and rinsed
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1/4 cup cilantro leaves
- 1 jalapeño, seeded
- Salt to taste
Cooking method:
- Boil tomatillos until soft.
- Blend with garlic, cilantro, and jalapeño until smooth.
- Season with salt and let cool before serving.
Black Bean Salad
Black Bean Salad is a hearty and nutritious side dish bursting with vibrant colors and flavors.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups black beans, cooked
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, chopped
- 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
- 1 lime, juiced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking method:
- In a bowl, combine black beans, red bell pepper, onion, and cilantro.
- Drizzle with lime juice and season with salt and pepper.
- Toss to combine and serve chilled.
Chiles Rellenos
Chiles Rellenos are stuffed peppers, typically filled with cheese, and offer a comforting and rich flavor.
Ingredients:
- 4 poblano peppers
- 1 cup queso fresco
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 3 eggs, separated
- 1/2 cup flour
- Oil for frying
Cooking method:
- Roast peppers over an open flame until charred, then peel and deseed.
- Stuff with a mixture of queso fresco and cheddar cheese.
- Beat egg whites until stiff peaks form, then fold in yolks.
- Dip stuffed peppers in flour, then coat in egg mixture.
- Fry in hot oil until golden and crispy.
Tortilla Chips
Homemade Tortilla Chips are crispy and perfect for dipping into salsas and guacamoles.
Ingredients:
- 8 corn tortillas
- Oil for frying
- Salt to taste
Cooking method:
- Cut tortillas into wedges.
- Heat oil in a pan and fry wedges until golden brown.
- Drain on paper towels and sprinkle with salt.
These delicious and creative Mexican side dishes are sure to enhance any meal, providing a mix of textures and flavors that will delight your taste buds. Enjoy the vibrant taste of Mexico right at your dining table!