Traditional Mexican Recipes

Discover our collection of must-try traditional Mexican starters, mains and side dishes. Featuring authentic Mexican recipes with humble, fresh ingredients and flavours. These traditional Mexican recipes have been personally selected by Gran Luchito’s chef, Susy, as iconic celebratory and hard-working everyday dishes you will find in kitchens all over Mexico.
Mexican Coleslaw finished dish - Traditional Mexican

GRAN LUCHITO's FAVOURITE

Traditional Mexican
RECIPES

Our traditional Mexican recipes are the authentic dishes you will find bubbling away in the kitchens of Mexican homes. They are steeped in history, full of fresh ingredients and lots of flavour. There are some recipes that take centre stage at special occasions and others that are perfect for the everyday. Here are a few of our favourites we make time and time again!

Starters

Main Dishes

Side Dishes

 

Everything you need to make traditional Mexican at home!

The Gran Luchito range is perfect for making authentic Mexican dishes at home!

A dollop of our signature smoky Gran Luchito Chipotle Paste adds loads of authentic Mexican flavour to your dishes.

Gran Luchito Refried Beans and Cantina Beans are made in Mexico from authentic recipes and are handy pantry staples that make delicious sides or flavourful layers in recipes.

Slow Cooker Lamb
Chilli breakfast ingredients for Mexican Breakfast recipes, Traditional Mexican Traditional Mexican recipe ingredients - Mexican Snacks Refried Bean Burrito -Easy Mexican Recipe - Traditional Mexican

Gran Luchito's

Traditional Mexican
Starters

In Mexico, starters are called antojitos and they are often the highlight of the meal because they bring everyone together at the table to catch up, connect and tuck in! These appetisers are an excellent way to sample the rich and varied flavours Mexican cuisine has to offer. Traditional Mexican starters, such as guacamole and tamales, serve as an excellent introduction to the vast variety of dishes that comprise this vibrant cuisine. Not only are these starters delicious, but they also exhibit the use of locally sourced, fresh ingredients and the distinctive cultural heritage of Mexico.

shrimp tostada

Shrimp Tostada

Shrimp tostadas are a mouth-watering Mexican dish that is sure to transport your taste buds to the sunny beaches of Mexico. These crispy tortillas are piled high with plump and juicy shrimp, fresh veggies, and zesty salsa, creating a delicious flavor explosion in every bite. ... See full recipe

Mexican Starters - Air Fryer Empanadas finished dish

Air Fryer Empanada

Air fryer empanadas are ideal if you're looking for a quick and easy way to satisfy a craving, providing a healthier, tastier, and more convenient way to enjoy your favourite food.... See full recipe

Tetelas

Tetelas

Potatoes filled with onion and flavoured with Gran Luchito Chipotle Paste fill our Tetelas! Serve these tasty Mexican snacks with creme fraiche and our Gran Luchito Tomatillo Salsa.... See full recipe

Tlacoyos

Tlacoyos

We think you'd like to try these tlacoyos at home as the perfect appetizer alongside some refried beans and tomatillo salsa for the perfect Mexican snack! ... See full recipe

Black Bean Soup

Black Bean Soup

An easy homemade black bean soup recipe that uses Gran Luchito Cantina Beans and Gran Luchito Chipotle Paste. A creamy and slightly spicy soup, this one is delicious! ... See full recipe

Mexican food - Tacos Al Carbon Finished dish - Mexican Starters

Tacos Al Carbon

Tacos al Carbon are a popular Mexican dish consisting of grilled and thinly sliced marinated meat, typically served with warm tortillas and a variety of flavourful toppings. The smoky and charred flavours from the grill give these tacos a distinct and delicious taste that keeps people coming back for more.... See full recipe

Mexican Meals on a Budget - fideo soup finished dish - Mexican Sides

Fideo Soup

Fideo soup is a traditional Mexican dish known for its comforting and flavourful qualities. It typically consists of toasted noodles (called fideo) cooked in a tomato-based broth along with various vegetables and seasonings. ... See full recipe

Vegan Pozole finished dish

Vegan Pozole

Vegan pozole is a traditional Mexican soup crafted without animal products, replacing pork with ingredients like hominy, vegetables, and flavourful spices. It offers a rich, hearty taste, complemented by the essence of herbs and chilli peppers.... See full recipe

Stuffed Poblano Peppers

Stuffed Poblano Peppers

“Chiles rellenos” are stuffed poblano peppers, covered in a light batter made of egg whites whisked until stiff, then shallow fried and served with a homemade tomato sauce.... See full recipe

Albondigas Soup finished dish

Albondigas Soup

Albondigas Soup is a traditional Mexican dish that features savoury meatballs (albondigas) made from a mixture of ground meat, rice, herbs, and spices. These flavourful meatballs are simmered in a broth alongside vegetables such as carrots, potatoes, and zucchini.... See full recipe

Chicharron en Salsa Verde finished dish

Chicharron en Salsa Verde

Chicharrón en verde is a popular Mexican dish known for its rich and flavourful preparation. This dish consists of tender pork cracklings (chicharrón) simmered in a vibrant green sauce made from tomatillos, green chili peppers, and aromatic herbs and spices. ... See full recipe

Sopes

Sopes

Sopes are thick masa shaped discs, pinched on the edges to form a vessel. They’re lightly fried and typically topped with refried beans, fresh cheese and salsa.... See full recipe

authentic mexican food

Tuna Tostadas

A crispy corn tostada is topped with smoky Chipotle Mayo, then a delicious fresh tuna ceviche marinated in lime and soy and topped with crispy leeks - an epic starter!... See full recipe

Camarones a la Diabla

Camarones a la Diabla

Camarones a la diabla is a popular Mexican dish that translates to "deviled shrimp" in English. It is a spicy and flavorful preparation of shrimp that is often enjoyed as a main course or served as a filling for tacos, burritos, or tostadas.... See full recipe

Gorditas

Gorditas

Gorditas are one of those perfect quick Mexican recipes that you can have on the go and eat with your hands. Made of masa, ours are loaded with traditional beef picadillo.... See full recipe

Guide to Pacific Coast Mexico - Cheese Empanada finished dish

Cheese Empanadas

These Cheese Empanadas with sweet potato and brie are easy to make using pre-made shortcrust pastry sheets, full of flavour and spice and a total crowd pleaser.... See full recipe

Tortilla Soup

Tortilla Soup

One of the loveliest soups in Mexico is tortilla soup. We prepare it with our Lightly Salted Tortilla Chips, fresh avocado, fresh coriander and our Crunchy Salsa Macha.... See full recipe

Michelada

Michelada

Part beer, part cocktail, this "beertail" is full of flavour and fun. Like a Bloody Mary, Micheladas are perfect for hangovers, and very refreshing on a hot summer's day.... See full recipe

Chipotle Margarita

Chipotle Margarita

The margarita is a guaranteed party starter. With a touch of smoky Chipotle Paste, tequila, and balanced with zesty lime and orange liqueur, it's got a zing to get you going.... See full recipe

Caldo Tlalpeno

Caldo Tlalpeño

Caldo Tlalpeño is a hearty Mexican soup made with a chicken and tomato based broth, shredded chicken, vegetables and rice. It's seriously nourishing and satisfying, perfect for the cold!... See full recipe

Gran Luchito's

Traditional Mexican
Main Dishes

Mexican cuisine is renowned for its variety of ingredients. From fiery chilies to fragrant herbs and tender meats, traditional Mexican main dishes offer a unique culinary experience that has captivated foodies worldwide. Tacos, enchiladas, mole, and pozole are some of the most iconic Mexican dishes, all of which are profoundly rooted in the country’s rich cultural history and culinary traditions. Whether the showstopper recipe for a special occasion or a midweek meal hero, here are some of the traditional Mexican main dishes you will find cooking in the home kitchens of Mexico. Whether you are a seasoned fan of Mexican cuisine or a novice seeking to broaden your culinary horizons, the world of traditional Mexican main dishes is certain to delight and inspire you.

Carnitas prep step - authentic mexican food - Traditional Mexican

Carnitas

Authentic, caramelised pork cooked low and slow and then crisped up - yum! The carnitas are then served over warm tortillas with finely chopped raw onion, coriander and salsa.... See full recipe

Chilaquiles Verdes finished dish

Chilaquiles Verdes

Chilaquiles Verdes are often served as a breakfast or brunch dish, but they can also be enjoyed as a hearty and satisfying meal at any time of the day. ... See full recipe

Chile Colorado finished dish

Chile Colorado

Chile colorado is a popular recipe in the north of Mexico, where dried chillies are toasted, soaked, crushed into a red brick coloured smooth sauce, along with our Chipotle Paste!... See full recipe

Guide to Pacific Coast Mexico with Aguachile

Aguachile

Here's our beautiful Aguachile recipe - raw fresh prawns cooked in lime juice and covered in a spicy marinade using our special blend Habanero & Lime Fajita & Taco Mix.... See full recipe

Tamales, Mexican street food

Tamales

Here is our special hot tamales recipe where we use our Chipotle Paste to cook the beef and make it into delicious and succulent meat, ready to go into the traditional tamales.... See full recipe

Arroz Con Pollo finished dish

Arroz Con Pollo

Fluffy Mexican style rice with lightly fried veg and delicious crispy chicken pieces cooked on top. This is the perfect one-pot meal that you can prepare for your family!... See full recipe

authentic mexican food

Pozole Soup

This authentic Pozole Soup recipe is cooked slow 'n low with Chipotle Paste for a rich, spicy brothy soup with lots of veggies - perfect for a cold night.... See full recipe

Ropa Vieja - finished dish

Ropa Vieja

Hearty shredded beef and vegetables resembling a heap of colourful rags that can be served alongside rice and warm beans. It can also be used in burritos, quesadillas or tacos.... See full recipe

Bacalao finished dish

Bacalao

Bacalao is one of those special dishes that's preserved by grandmas in Mexican families and passed on from generation to generation. A delicious fish stew using salted cod!... See full recipe

Whole Fish Mexican Style

Whole Fish Mexican Style

Inspired by one of our favourite Mexican Chef’s, Gabriela Camara, and her famous dish “Pescado a la Talla”, which is served at her restaurant Contramar in Mexico City. ... See full recipe

Pollo Asado finished dish - Traditional Mexican

Pollo Asado

This Pollo Asado recipe for Mexican Grilled Chicken has an irresistible, flavourful, citrusy, Ancho BBQ flavour marinade. Talk about finger licking good -you have to try!... See full recipe

Mexican BBQ - Mexican Steak, Recipes with Chipotle Paste

Mexican Steak

Make your Mexican Steak taste even better by marinating it with a dollop of our Chipotle Paste for a smoky depth of flavour that is truly irresistible.... See full recipe

Pulled Pork Chimichanga

This pulled pork chimichanga recipe is basically a crispy deep-fried burrito with pulled pork and it tastes as good as it sounds! Serve with homemade guacamole.... See full recipe

Pork Pibil Tacos

Pork Pibil Tacos

Fresh oregano and zesty orange fill this dish with some seriously beautiful flavour... The spices used also give a vibrant burnt orange colour to this dish.... See full recipe

Tacos Al Pastor, Taco Recipe

Tacos Al Pastor

Seriously flavourful pork shoulder with pineapple, jalapeños, coriander & fresh lime! The pork is grilled and served in Soft Taco Wraps, topped with Jalapeño & Pineapple.... See full recipe

Beef Picadillo

Beef Picadillo

One of the easiest meals to prepare, beef mince is fried with onions and garlic, then cooked with diced vegetables, served with refried beans and Mexican rice on the side. ... See full recipe

Carne en su Jugo

Carne En Su Jugo

This quick beef stew is served with fried crispy bacon on top, finely diced onion, finely chopped coriander, with tortillas on the side. Pure Mexican comfort food in a bowl!... See full recipe

Mexican Meatballs finished dish

Mexican Meatballs

Mexican Meatballs or “Albondigas” in Spanish, are known for being a very homely dish in Mexico, meant to bring comfort and a lovely everyday meal for your family.... See full recipe

Torta finished dish

Torta

A torta is not just any Mexican sandwich! Layers of flavours are put together to create the ultimate sandwich. Our tasty chorizo sandwich will be your new lunchtime favourite!... See full recipe

Chicken Taquitos

Chicken Taquitos

A sure fire way to get the party started is to whip up a batch of our easy chipotle Chicken Taquitos! These can be made as a starter, party snack or tasty dinner!... See full recipe

Slow Cooker Barbacoa Beef

Slow Cooker Barbacoa Beef

Our Slow Cooker Barbacoa Beef recipe is yet another reason to love the slow cooker! It cooks beef to perfection, full of flavour and so tender it falls apart.... See full recipe

Chicken Chile Verde

Chicken Chile Verde

This Chicken Chile Verde is shredded poached chicken cooked in our Tomatillo Enchilada Sauce which cuts out half the work, as it's ready to be poured straight onto your chicken.... See full recipe

Cuban Pork

Cuban Pork

Cuban Pork is a fabulous way to prepare pork and we hope you enjoy our humble rendition of the classic Cuban dish. We’ve used our Chipotle Paste to give a smoky and spicy twist.... See full recipe

Chicken Mole finished full recipe dish

Chicken Mole

Mole is one of the most important dishes in Mexican gastronomy. Here is our traditional mole recipe, prepared in a simple way so that everyone can prepare it at home.... See full recipe

Gran Luchito's

Traditional Mexican
Side Dishes

Traditional Mexican side dishes range from fresh salsas and tangy ceviche to substantial rice and bean dishes. They are an integral part of the country’s rich culinary heritage. Reflecting the close relationship between Mexican cuisine and the country’s diverse landscapes and cultures, these side dishes are frequently prepared with locally derived, seasonal ingredients. A side of classic Mexican red rice, a bowl of refried beans, crispy pork Chicharron, Mexican side dishes are perfect for turning a Mexican meal into a delicious feast!

Guacamole

Homemade Guacamole

A super fresh and easy to make at home guacamole recipe made with mild tomatillos, jalapeños and creamy avocados that tastes delicious - you should try it!... See full recipe

Frijoles

Frijoles Recipe

Our recipe for authentic refried black beans with chipotle, perfect as a Mexican side, a delicious layer in a burrito, wrapped up in warm tortillas or as a dip.... See full recipe

Pico de Gallo - what to serve with burritos

Pico de Gallo

A super flavourful and fresh homemade tomato salsa with chillies, coriander, lime and chipotle that is is easy to make and can be added to just about anything... See full recipe

Black Beans and Rice

Black Beans and Rice

Black beans and rice is a combination very popular in Latin American. It has to be one of the best side dishes that you can serve, as it goes with a big variety of main meals.... See full recipe

Grilled Onions finished dish

Grilled Onions

The tasty side dish of Mexican grilled spring onions is an unsung hero of carne asada, but the truth is that this simple side dish is a must in every BBQ in Mexico!... See full recipe

Easy nachos finished dish - Family Favourites- Mexican Snacks, Nacho recipes

Easy Nachos

Easy nachos are a quick and delicious snack or appetiser that can be made with minimal effort. They typically consist of tortilla chips topped with a variety of ingredients such as cheese, beans, jalapeños, and sometimes ground beef or chicken. ... See full recipe

Calabacitas finished dish - Family Favourites

Calabacitas

Calabacitas is a mouthwatering Mexican dish that celebrates the vibrant flavours of Mexico. This savoury side dish features tender sweet corn, and often other vegetables like peppers and tomatoes, sautéed with fragrant garlic and onions. ... See full recipe

Queso Fundido

Queso Fundido

This irresistible, bubbling warm cheese dip with crispy chorizo is perfect for dipping with tortilla chips or tortilla wraps, a delicious snack or starter for you and the family to enjoy!... See full recipe

Chicharron finished dish

Chicharrón

A popular Mexican snack mainly consisting of pork rinds that have been deep fried. Chicharrón are crispy, salty, and have a delicious meaty flavour that makes them irresistible!... See full recipe

Mexican Chipotle Rice dished up

Mexican Rice With Chipotle

Authentic, restaurant style Mexican rice is easier than you think to make at home and goes with just about any Mexican meal, ours has a delicious dollop of Chipotle... See full recipe

Cowboy Beans Finished dish - Tacos recipes

Cowboy Beans

Mexican Cowboy Beans, or "Frijoles Charros", are an epic Mexican side dish with black beans, smoky chipotle, bacon, chorizo and onion - delicious!... See full recipe

Mexican Corn finished dish -BBQ Sides

Mexican Corn

This tasty Mexican corn salad recipe is plucked straight from the streets of Mexico City. We love the sauce made with parmesan, lime juice, our homemade chipotle mayo and coriander.... See full recipe

what are Refried Beans dish

Refried Beans

Our favourite way to enjoy Refried Beans is served warm in a bowl, garnished with crumbled fresh cheese, a drizzle of sour cream, and our Lightly Salted Tortilla Chips.... See full recipe

Arroz Primavera

Arroz Primavera

Arroz Primavera is a perfect easy side dish for midweek meals. The classic recipe has fluffy white rice and spring vegetables, but we added our Guajillo Fajita and Taco Mix!... See full recipe

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GRAN LUCHITO

Mexican Classics
FAQs

Do you have some questions regarding traditional Mexican dishes? We’ve put together some FAQ answers below. If you want to learn even more be sure to check out the Gran Luchito Youtube Channel.

What are traditional Mexican dishes?

Mexican cuisine varies greatly by region but we think some of the greats include mole, elotes (Mexican corn on the cob), enchiladas, tacos (our favourites are Al Pastor and Baja), breakfast dishes such as chilaquiles and huevos rancheros, and no list would be complete without guacamole!

What is Mexico's national dish?

Mole (pronounced mōh-lāy) is officially the national dish of Mexico. Like most Mexican cuisine, mole varies quite a bit by region but the common elements include a fruit, chillies, nuts and spices.

Are enchiladas considered authentic Mexican food?

Yes, enchiladas originate from Mexico where the practice of rolling tortillas around various fillings dates back to the Mayan times. In their original form as street food you would find them as corn tortillas dipped in a red chilli sauce. In Spanish, the word Enchilar, a derivative of enchilada, means to season with chilli peppers. Now there are many different variations of enchiladas which reflect the influence different cultures have had on Mexican cuisine.

Is traditional Mexican food healthy?

Many of the traditional Mexican dishes which use lard, fattier cuts of meat, and cheese are not considered healthy, but Mexican food is diversifying and innovating. You will find many dishes that are more healthy - corn and wheat tortillas are naturally lower in fat so tacos can be a great option as are grilled meats. Mexican dishes also often have lots of interesting veggies and flavourings.

What do Mexicans eat on special occasions?

Food lies at the heart of Mexican culture so it's no surprise there are lots of dishes eaten on the various holidays and festivals in Mexico. These include Tamales, Chile en Nogada, Mole, Pozole and Buñuelos.